Why does the Lone Ranger wear gloves?

[deleted]

Many western characters wear gloves i.e. Nick Barkley, Lucas McCain. Most likely just for plain hand protection due to things they used such as ropes, barbed wire, tools etc. and also protection from the hot sun and dry climate. Lucas used them because in early episodes before the ring on his Winchester was redesigned he sometimes pinched his hand when rapid firing.

Lone Ranger: We're in trouble Tonto! We're almost out of ammunition, our waters gone, our horses have run off and we're surrounded by Indians!

Tonto: What you mean "WE"?!

Strictly for esthetics - part of the character's trademark look. The costumer must have made or acquired gloves made of form-fitted cloth or ultra-thin leather for them to be functional on the actor. As a practical matter, 1880's-era leather gloves had to have been thick, hot and cumbersome, unlike the very tightly-fitted gloves that today's police officers wear (but only when they have to).

Better to handle the reins with.

Have you ridden horseback before? Handling those reins all day will badly chafe your skin and give you blisters. That's why gloves are commonly worn.

Probably so he can hide his hand prints from forensics and since he was previously a Texas Ranger, his hand prints are probably on file and he needs to hide his identity

I think one of the guys in Of Mice And Men had an extra special glove for an extra special purpose.

Because it looks cool.