5 Best Marching Band Gloves for Brass Players
This guide will help you when determining which marching band gloves to purchase for handling brass instruments. We will walk through useful features, helpful options, and common considerations when selecting the best pair to meet your brass players’ specific needs. At the end you will find our picks for the best marching band gloves.
Common Considerations
George Glove has sold gloves to marching band directors for over 20 years, with some of our most well-known customers including Texas A&M and University of Michigan. After hundreds of conversations with our long-standing customers, we’ve identified the following top considerations when selecting a proper glove for brass instruments:
Breathable / Sweat-resistant
Given all the action that takes place during ceremonies, it’s common for brass players’ hands to develop uncomfortable moisture that could interfere with their ability to perform and grip their instruments. A proper glove should be made of a breathable material that maximizes comfort.
Good Grip
On that note, a glove with a good grip will make it easier for players to hold and play their instruments. For that reason, some gloves come with rubber dots to keep instruments in place and protect against slipping.
Durable
To hold up over an entire season of performances, marching band gloves should be durable and unlikely to rip after a few uses. Selecting a proper material is important, and some corps prefer darker colors to minimize visible usage.
Doesn’t Damage the Instrument
Horns and brass instruments have a delicate lacquer coating that could be rubbed off by the wrong glove. While Mechanix gloves are attractive to many brass players for their promise of durability, these gloves do occasionally wear off the silver plating on some horns.
Top Glove Picks for Brass Players
The following is a list of our top picks for marching band gloves, based on the criteria we walked through above.
White Cotton Wrist Length “Sure-Grip” Gloves
These cotton gloves are breathable, thin, and come down to a good length for comfort. The “sure-grip” rubber dots secure instruments to stay in place but are gentle enough to prevent lacquer-wear.
White Cotton “Sure-Grip” Snap Wrist Gloves
Similar to the pick above, these cotton gloves are also comfortable and safe for instruments. For those concerned with sliding, these gloves come with a snap wrist to keep them in place. They also feature fashion stripes if you’re looking for a nice flair.
White Cotton “Sure-Grip” Velcro Strap Gloves
These cotton gloves also come in a velcro version if such straps are more comfortable for your players.
Mens’ Stretch Nylon Gloves with Snap Wrist
Another glove material option is nylon, which some marching bands prefer for their strength, high breathability, and soft comfort. These gloves will stretch to fit any size player and also feature a snap wrist.
Black Cotton “Sure-Grip” Velcro Strap Gloves
If color and appearance is a concern, another option is to select a darker glove that won’t get dirty over time. These gloves also feature “sure-grip” dots and a velcro strap to stay in place.
Conclusion
Your ideal marching band glove will depend on your specific needs, however it’s best to look for a glove that’s breathable, durable, grips well, and won’t get dirty or ruin the instruments.
To see all of the best marching band gloves on the market, head over to our Marching Band Gloves page.
Need advice from a glove expert? Give us a call at 1 (800) 631-4292.