retainer gear

[Niwashi]

It's because hovering over it (or selecting Item Comparison) will compare it to the gear you're wearing, not the gear your retainer is wearing. The comparison feature isn't smart enough to figure out the context of where you're at when you try to compare it.

Your retainer will get the stats on the items she wears (so in this case the defense of 10 and mdefence of 20 for those gloves). If you check her stats, then equip them, you'll see her stats change as they should.

[Alisi]

It's because hovering over it (or selecting Item Comparison) will compare it to the gear you're wearing, not the gear your retainer is wearing. The comparison feature isn't smart enough to figure out the context of where you're at when you try to compare it.

D'oh! Seems so obvious when you say it. I dunno why I didn't think of it. XD! Thanks!

Also, I'm unsure what you're trying to accomplish regarding retainer equipment exactly, but defensive stats are completely meaningless to a retainer.

Ah. Well, I didn't know that. I thought defensive stats mattered.