Frequently Asked Questions

Deerskin and peccary are the most durable leathers. Peccary is the most refined and exclusive, a rare leather. Higher-quality leathers are both more durable and more refined. Peccary in particular is one of the most prized materials in the range: available primarily in tobacco and brown tones, it is a rare leather that Restelli has been working with for decades.

Coloured deerskin, available in variants such as denim, green, or cream, is a fine full-grain leather, left in its natural state, chosen by those who want a glove with character: its velvety texture offers softness to the touch and good durability over time. Peccary is an exotic leather, naturally water-repellent and highly durable, worked in tobacco and brown. Nappa is a leather with a soft, finer and lighter hand, often used alone or in combination with suede, as in the art. 15 from the women’s collection, where the two leathers alternate for a result that is both sporty and elegant.

Peccary is an exotic leather which we make water-repellent and particularly robust, recognisable by its characteristic three-pore grain. Restelli has been working with it for decades, both in ski gloves and in city models, where its distinctive appearance adds a touch of character. In the ski range it is the material of choice for the most refined models, such as the art. 269/P and the art. 269/PO: the latter pairs peccary with an opossum fur lining, combining the leather’s natural resilience with exceptional tactile warmth — ideal for those who want elegance as well as performance on the slopes.

It means that the leather selection, cutting, stitching, and finishing all take place entirely in Italy, at the historic premises on Corso Sempione in Milan, where the Restelli family has been crafting gloves since 1920. It is not merely a geographical indication, but the continuation of an artisanal knowledge passed down through three generations in the same place.

Both have their place. Hand stitching is more refined and durable, typically reserved for higher-end models, a prime example of the highest craftsmanship — for example in the art. 42, where the double hem is entirely hand-sewn. Machine stitching gives a sportier, more contemporary result, well suited to everyday and less formal use.

It is a traditional machine-stitching technique from leatherwork, used by Restelli in some of its most refined models (for example in the peccary ski mitten art. 269/P and in the art. 269/PO).
Restelli presents it as a testament to ancient artisanal knowledge applied to a contemporary product: it is the stitch most similar to hand stitching, visible and external to the product.

It is a distinct technique from hand saddle stitching: a visible, sturdy, and decorative stitch executed by machine, which gives the glove a bold, sporty character. Despite the similar name, it is a different construction, designed for models with a more assertive aesthetic. This is the stitch most similar to hand stitching, visible and external to the product. It is a two-thread stitch that makes the glove more tapered: better suited to nappa and suede.

It is a leather that combines natural wool, used as the internal lining, with a suede-finish exterior. It is the same skin with two distinct sides: one curly and soft in contact with the hand, the other in suede on the outside. It offers exceptional warmth and is particularly well suited to models with a more casual spirit.

They are construction details that require exceptional manual skill: small leather inserts stitched between the fingers. Restelli explicitly lists them among the details that distinguish a handcrafted glove.

It is a natural characteristic of high-quality leathers, comparable to the vintages of a champagne: each hide is slightly different from the next. The ability to maintain a consistent standard over time depends on experience and craftsmanship, not on the artificial uniformity of the material.

These are hallmarks of Restelli’s sartorial construction. The lateral strip gives a better fit; the hand-hammered leather eyelets protect the lining and the eyelet itself, while also being a detail of the highest craftsmanship.

It is the technical designation for the yarn count (Nm 2/28000), used for pure cashmere gloves and linings. Restelli specifies it explicitly because it guarantees greater durability and warmth compared to more common cashmere. See also: art. 9, art. 305.

Yes. Some leathers used by Restelli, particularly for ski gloves, are treated to be waterproof. Restelli has been making leather ski gloves for decades: this is an established technical feature, the result of experience accumulated season after season in real snow and cold conditions — not a recent addition or a surface treatment. When the gloves get wet, they should be left to dry naturally, away from heat sources such as radiators: artificial drying risks altering the leather, making it dry and more prone to cracking, whereas natural drying preserves its softness, elasticity and longevity. Suede requires extra care, as it is more delicate in contact with rain. Recently we have introduced the art. 330, our first waterproof suede glove.

It depends on your use and preference. With a mitten, the fingers move more freely inside and warmth is greater because they heat each other: keeping them together retains body heat far more effectively than individual fingers separated, because blood circulation is aided by movement. A five-finger glove offers more sensitivity and precision of movement, ideal for those who alternate fast runs with more relaxed moments and want to maintain control of poles and equipment. It takes a little getting used to a mitten if you have never worn one, but once you do, it is hard to go back.

The main ones are peccary, a soft and highly durable leather that improves with use, deerskin, elastic and pleasant to the touch, and nappa, refined and smooth, chosen when a more elegant line is desired. Some models, such as the art. 269/N, are crafted from ultra-resistant nappa.

Restelli offers linings with different warmth levels, to be chosen also according to the time of season. Fleece, while still warm, is the least warm in the range and therefore a good choice for milder days — for example at the end of winter or during spring skiing. Next comes down, then lambskin, and finally opossum fur, which is the warmest of all and the choice for the most demanding conditions. Each lining also has its own aesthetic qualities.

Opossum is more elegant, more refined and warmer: its dense structure and silky consistency make it a highly effective natural insulator. Lambskin is also very warm: it regulates temperature well thanks to the natural breathability of wool, keeping hands warm without causing them to sweat.

It is a technical membrane that provides additional warmth, waterproofing, and is also a good windproof insulator. It is used in some Restelli ski models, such as the mittens in the art. 270 family, in combination with an opossum fur lining.

No. Opossum fur is used in both men’s and women’s models — for example in the unisex peccary mitten art. 269/PO. It is the best choice for mittens, where the warmth and softness of opossum fur are expressed at their fullest.

The zip, often branded, is an iconic detail on several Restelli ski models, such as the art. 269/N: it makes the glove easier to put on and helps keep the wrist more protected from the cold, regardless of the lining chosen.

They work for the whole day, not just the descent. They are designed to perform beyond the piste: for a stroll through the village in the late afternoon or evening, for après-ski, for any cold context during a day in the mountains. They are an accessory that accompanies the entire experience, not just skiing itself. They are perfect for walks on snow or near frozen lakes.

Yes. In the pursuit of additional performance — such as greater protection from the elements — Restelli also uses materials such as eco-fur, alongside well-established technologies such as Hipora®.

They have a precise technical function: the reduced thickness of fine leathers allows for a better grip on the steering wheel and gear lever, and therefore greater control of the vehicle, as well as freedom of movement and comfort on longer journeys. They are not relics of another era: they are current, high-performing, and elegant — and they also make a memorable gift. The art. Mille Miglia is perfect for glamorous motoring events. When the hands sweat, the glove keeps grip on the steering wheel and isolates perspiration, the main cause of reduced grip.

The perforations, together with the punched details, ensure better ventilation of the hand during driving. Some models, such as the art. 173, feature them on the knuckles and fingers for exactly this reason, as well as for their distinctive aesthetic.

It depends on preference and use. The short-finger model is sportier and higher-performing; the full-finger model is more elegant: both are available in the Restelli collection, for example the  art. 29 Vintage with full fingers and the art. 29C Vintage with short fingers. For those buying as a gift, the fingerless model makes it easier to guess the size. They are sometimes also worn while walking to complete the look.

Crochet is a hand-worked knitting technique, often in cotton, applied to the back of the glove. It is one of the most recognisable and prized details in the tradition of driving gloves and characterises several Restelli models, such as the art. 29 Vintage with full fingers and the art. 29C Vintage with short fingers. It ensures lightness and ventilation, while the palm remains in leather (perforated nappa) to guarantee grip and sensitivity on the wheel.

No. The strap with automatic closure, found on several Restelli driving models, makes the fit enveloping and comfortable, while the wrist elastic keeps the fit consistent. It is a functional detail, not merely decorative.

Yes. Personalisation is one of the most appreciated features: it is possible to choose colour and details, or add initials or monograms embroidered on the glove. Models such as the art. Mille Miglia Tailor are designed precisely to be customisable in every detail. A personalised glove becomes a personal accessory and a memorable gift.

It is a refined stitching technique, used in some driving models, that creates a fine and almost invisible stitch for maximum elegance and clean lines. In particular, one layer of leather goes underneath and the other on top.

Classic colours — black and brown — are essential: they are the foundation of any men’s wardrobe and go with everything. Deep black and blue remain synonymous with understated, timeless elegance, perfect for those seeking versatility to suit every occasion. Bolder colours are instead a matter of character: wearing a coloured glove — such as denim blue, bottle green or cream — is a touch of audacious elegance, suited to those who want to stand out without excess.

A dress glove is an essential element of men’s winter elegance: it signals attention to detail and works as a true accessory, not merely protection from the cold. The art. 42, for example, is crafted from peccary with a pure cashmere lining and three raised cord details hand-sewn on the back, available in several colours including tan, blue, and brown.

A few practical principles help: look for colours that complement each other, stay within the same tonal family with different shades, or try a pairing of complementary colours from opposite ends of the colour wheel. The occasion remains the guiding criterion: a black or blue glove works with any classic winter coat, while a bolder shade — such as denim blue or bottle green — suits a more informal outfit or a piece meant to stand out. Ultimately, colour pairing is also a personal matter: it is worth experimenting to find your own style. Materials also speak to each other: the Restelli collection is designed to complement both formal garments and more casual accessories — such as coloured trainers or a cashmere jacket — so that the entire outfit remains coherent from first detail to last.

Full-grain deerskin offers a combination of softness and durability that is hard to find in other leathers. Its natural grain, deliberately left visible, gives each glove an authentic character that gains appeal with time rather than losing it. Models such as the art. 953 pair full-grain deerskin with a pure cashmere lining, with all external seams entirely hand-sewn.

The art. 9 is crafted from a cashmere yarn of count 2/28000. It is a soft and enveloping cashmere, capable of transmitting warmth without feeling heavy or bulky: the quality of the yarn determines the quality of the glove.

Long gloves are comfortable to wear and particularly well suited when the sleeve of the garment is short or absent: they pair well with three-quarter coats, sleeveless puffer jackets, sleeveless fur coats, and capes. Restelli offers several lengths, from minimal models such as the art. 5 Pollici,
in nappa lined with cashmere with a clean, unadorned design, to more dramatic pieces such as the art. 815, in nappa with an elegant gather that creates a soft drape along the forearm, lined in silk and designed for special occasions.

It depends on the use. Leather — nappa, deerskin, or suede — gives structure, elegance and durability to the glove and is the most versatile choice for the city. Pure cashmere, beyond its use as an inner lining in most models, can also be the main material: the art. 305 is a
glove made entirely from a double layer of cashmere, a construction that doubles the insulating effect, with a single nappa leather hem to finish the wrist. Cashmere is more enveloping and comfortable, but considerably more delicate than leather.

Beyond cashmere, Restelli offers several linings designed for intense cold. Orilag is an exceptionally warm and incredibly soft fur, suited to the most demanding temperatures — for city walks as much as mountain outings. Faux fur, used for example in the 980 Lady and the art. Ecofur, is soft to the touch and provides high thermal comfort without the weight of natural fur. Some more exclusive models, such as the art. 85, also offer a rex rabbit fur lining.

The art. Heritage is a made-to-order glove with a delivery time of approximately one week, and it is unlined — meaning no inner lining, for a sensitivity that Restelli describes as a “second skin”, with the hand in direct contact with the suede side of the fine deerskin. The construction features saddle stitching and entirely hand-sewn details. It can also be personalised with the addition of your own initials.

Yes. The “Scooter” capsule includes models such as the art. Assia and the art. Carlotta, driving gloves in water-repellent nappa, unlined for lightness and sensitivity, with saddle stitching and a clip fastening: designed to accompany everyday city journeys — from scooter to car — offering rain protection as well as elegance. There is also the art. 173d, a driving glove in deerskin with entirely hand-sewn seams, designed to complement the feminine hand.

For a wedding, gloves are now rarely worn: it is a context of limited use. Après-ski is instead a far more natural setting, where the glove is appreciated both for its function and for its aesthetic. For elegant evening occasions, some models in the collection are designed precisely for that use: the art. 815, with its drape and silk lining, is explicitly recommended by Restelli for special occasions,
whilst the art. 100, crafted in nappa with a chain weave, is perfectly suited to an elegant evening.

The construction details make the difference: entirely hand-sewn seams, fourchettes between the fingers for freedom of movement, and precision work such as in the art. 51f, with the traditional quarter-cut technique and a wrist slit fastened with a mother-of-pearl button, or in art. 930,
where the placement of the cuts on the back varies by size to ensure a close but comfortable fit. These are constructions that require considerable artisanal skill and can be felt as much as seen. The art. 500 is one of the latest additions, already appreciated by our retailers: a deerskin glove with a laser-cut and padded clasp, with a chain detail. An example of the highest craftsmanship and research.

All you need is a ruler and a minute. Place the ruler from your wrist to the tip of your middle finger, with your hand open and flat and fingers together. Read the measurement in centimetres: that number is your size. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one: high-quality leather adapts progressively to the shape of the hand with wear. For the full women’s and men’s size chart, see the glove size guide.

Yes. The art. 83 Kids is a girl’s mitten in sheepskin, made entirely in Italy, available in two indicative sizes by age group (5-7 and 8-10 years).

Yes. Some models in the collection are designed as permanently customisable products, available online: the art. Mille Miglia Tailor (men’s driving glove, in deerskin) and the art. Heritage (women’s, in deerskin, unlined). For these models it is possible to choose the colour of the main leather, the colour of the stitching, and add your own initials or monogram.

For models designed for permanent personalisation, such as the art. Mille Miglia Tailor and the art. Heritage, the artisanal production requires approximately ten working days, depending on the model.

It depends on the model, but in general personalisation covers the colour of the main leather, the colour of the stitching, the choice of inner lining, and the addition of embroidered initials or monograms. See also: art. Mille Miglia Tailor, art. Heritage.

Yes, periodically. Restelli has organised live personalisation experiences on several occasions — for example during in-store events in Milan during the Christmas period, where it is possible to choose colour, lining, hemming, and embroidered initials directly with the Restelli team, on models such as the art. 9 and the art. 57.

Yes, it is one of the most appreciated features in this category. The art. Mille Miglia Tailor in particular is designed precisely to be customisable in every detail. For full details, see the driving gloves section.

Yes — they are among the most appreciated gifts. They work for Christmas, birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day: a gift between friends, between husband and wife, for him and for her. In recent years, more and more young people have been choosing them as a symbolic gift to last over time; they are the ideal gift for an 18th birthday.

It depends on the recipient and the occasion. For those who do not know the recipient’s size, a gift card is the ideal solution: the recipient can choose the model and size they prefer.

Yes, in two different ways. The first is the paired model approach, with a men’s version and a women’s version sharing the same material and construction: the art. 51 and the art. 51f, both in velour suede with the traditional quarter-cut technique and a mother-of-pearl button, or the art. 953 and the art. 953d, both in full-grain deerskin with a pure cashmere lining. The second involves the ski range: entire families of unisex models, such as the art. 269PO, the art. 996/O, the art. 269/NO, the art. 269/NP, and the art. 996/A, which can be chosen in the exact same model and colour for both.

Yes. Unlined gloves, such as the art. Heritage, offer a sensitivity that Restelli describes as a “second skin”: the hand is in direct contact with the suede side of the leather. It is a gift that communicates care and material quality in the most direct way, and is also particularly well suited as a gift for milder seasons, when a heavy lining is not needed.

For a wedding, gloves are rarely worn today: it is an occasion of limited use. A far more natural context for this kind of gift is après-ski, where the glove is appreciated both for its function and for its elegance. For elegant evening occasions, there are models designed precisely for that use: the art. 815, with its drape and silk lining, or the art. 64, in suede with embroidery and a cashmere lining.

Yes. Restelli sells online across Europe and in the United States, so it is possible to purchase on the website and have the gloves delivered directly to your home or the recipient’s, via express courier, with secure payment handling.

Some leathers used by Restelli, particularly for ski gloves, are treated to be waterproof and will not be damaged by water if handled correctly. Suede is the leather that requires the most care in the rain, as it is more delicate in contact with water than other materials. An exception is the art. 330, the first Restelli glove in waterproof suede.

Some ski models feature specific reinforcements in the most stressed areas. The art. 350, for example, has a reinforced palm designed to increase resistance and longevity in daily use on snow, crafted from water-repellent nappa that stands up to cold and wet snow alike.

On the contrary — they are designed to last for decades. This is not just a principle: one customer came in person to show a pair of Restelli ski gloves, used for skiing and motorcycle rides, still beautiful and perfectly functional after 15 years. Another customer sent a photograph of their peccary gloves after 30 years of use. It is not unusual for customers to bring us gloves that are 40 years old for repair: they are family heirlooms passed from one generation to the next.

Yes. Some models combine durability and style for versatile, not purely technical use: the art. Otto, for example, is crafted from soft suede lambskin, robust and suited to outdoor activities such as sport or walking, as well as more elegant everyday wear.

They should never be dried with artificial heat sources such as radiators or heaters. Drying naturally keeps the gloves more resilient, intact and supple over time.

They should be dried away from artificial heat sources and conditioned regularly. Suede requires a little extra attention compared to other leathers, as it is more delicate in contact with water. The care routine is simple, but requires consistency over time.

A good solution is a moisturising face cream, applied first to a hidden area of the glove to assess the result before applying it to the entire surface.

When you notice it is needed: when the leather has lost its natural softness — for example after drying out following rain exposure. Simply leave them to dry naturally and then apply a hand cream. The leather must not dry out, as it becomes fragile and wears more easily.

Not at home. If cleaning is necessary, entrust them to a specialist leather dry-cleaner.

In Restelli dustbags, after cleaning and conditioning them. The important thing is not to leave them exposed to light and air without protection.

The price reflects what the glove offers and how long it lasts. Mass-market gloves may cost less, but they do not compare in terms of material quality, durability, or craftsmanship. A Restelli glove ages with its owner: it improves with use rather than deteriorating.

The main difference is time. The selection of materials, the hand construction at the workbench, the stitching. Each individual hide is stretched and laid alongside the others before being cut and assembled. Every step requires care and precision, with no shortcuts. We are still the only ones not to finish the leathers: each hide is worked preserving its natural surface, without artificial corrections. A single glove may require the cutting and assembly of over twenty individual pieces — work that only skilled hands can execute. It is precisely this slowness, characteristic of the slow fashion philosophy, that makes a handcrafted product unique and rich in detail.

Yes. Restelli appeals to those who appreciate quality, durability, and timeless elegance. Older generations often have a strong emotional bond with the brand, while younger ones recognise its value and choose it to express a personal vision of authentic elegance, incorporating it naturally into their contemporary way of life.

It is a symbol of quality understood as experience, fit, and value. It is crafted from selected leathers, hand-worked in Italy for over a hundred years, today by the third generation of the family leading the company. It is a product suited to many different contexts and people: soft to the touch, warm, capable of working in an elegant setting as much as in a more informal one.

It is a family choice passed down through three generations, from the grandparents to the father Piero and through to Raffaella Restelli, who leads the company today. In a world moving towards industrial production, Restelli has chosen the luxury of slowness: the time needed for care, concentration, and true craftsmanship. For the Restelli family, making a glove has never been just a job — it is a form of art. A key distinguishing feature is the purchase of leathers in crust.

It begins with the selection of raw materials: personally chosen leathers, soft yet resistant. The craftsmen and craftswomen cut the leather by hand with millimetric precision, one step at a time towards perfection. The final details — a refined seam, a covered button, a branded zip — complete the work.

Nappa is a leather with a smooth, compact surface, with a subtle sheen that reacts to light differently from a cashmere or deerskin glove. Unlike a knit or suede, it does not soften in texture over time: it stays defined, with a colour that reads full and almost saturated.

It is leather in which the natural grain is deliberately left intact, without being corrected or sanded: a choice that gives each hide a unique and authentic character — a distinguishing mark that gains appeal over time, unlike leather that has been artificially smoothed.

It is the inner side of the hide, which in an unlined glove comes into direct contact with the hand, offering a different surface from the smooth outer side used in classic gloves. It has a softer feel to the touch than the grain side.

Nappa has a smooth, compact surface that does not soften in texture over time: it stays defined and maintains its sheen. Suede, being worked from the inner side, has instead a softer, more velvety consistency — closer in feel to a knit.

It is an exotic leather, naturally water-repellent and particularly robust, recognisable by its characteristic three-pore grain. It is one of the most prized leathers used in glove-making, typically available in tobacco and brown tones.

It is a leather selected for its natural elasticity and soft yet resilient grain. It adapts progressively to the hand, improves with use, and ensures comfort even at low temperatures without stiffening: over time, it comes to fit like a second skin.

Cashmere is a noble fibre, known for its exceptional warmth and incredible softness: it provides effective thermal insulation without adding bulk, keeping the glove light and elegant even when very warm. Silk is also used as a lining in some elegant models: very fine, it gives a feeling of refined lightness.

It is the process by which raw hide, once it has passed quality control, is transformed into a noble material ready to last over time. It is a key moment in the production process: the most careful tanning methods take weeks, but they yield leathers that are full, supple, and alive.

It is a natural characteristic of quality leather: it adapts progressively to the hand of whoever wears it, improving with use rather than deteriorating. It is why a good leather glove, over time, fits better and better.

Seams are one of the elements that most determine a glove’s overall durability and fit: their selection and execution — whether by hand or by machine — requires specific care precisely because they are the most stressed part during everyday use.

No leather is waterproof by nature: some, particularly those used for ski gloves, are specifically treated to become waterproof. For more detail, see the Waterproofing and resistance section.

A fine quality leather glove, with the right care, can last many years — even decades: quality leather tends to improve with use rather than deteriorate. For first-hand accounts, see the Waterproofing and resistance section.

Restelli was founded in 1920 in Milan, when the grandparents of Raffaella Restelli — who leads the company today — opened a shop near the Duomo, where they produced bespoke gloves for an elegant and discerning clientele. In those years, the glove was a symbol of elegance and sophistication, an accessory worn on every occasion.

In Milan, at Corso Sempione 84 — the company’s historic premises.

A turning point came in the 1950s, when Piero Restelli and his wife introduced the Sport collection. The waterproof peccary glove lined with opossum fur quickly became a symbol of the Jet Set, and the brand began to gain recognition internationally. That spirit of innovation lives on today in the ski glove collections, which combine noble materials such as deerskin and peccary with modern technologies, including breathable membranes and opossum fur or technical fleece interiors.

Raffaella Restelli, the third generation of the family, leads the company today, continuing the work begun by her grandparents in 1920 and carried forward by her father Piero.

Yes. The British monthly Monocle — an authoritative international reference on design, culture, and lifestyle — interviewed Piero Restelli at the company’s premises and reviewed the art. 81 in its “Things we’d buy” column. In December 2025, Restelli was also selected by Class Editori for the project “I Figli che onorano i Padri e le Madri”, with an article published in the magazine Capital.

Yes. Ski and driving gloves are sought after from Japan to Switzerland. In Japan, for example, Restelli is distributed by the retailer District United Arrows, which has shared photographs of several models on its channels, including art. 75, the art. 42, and the art. 77.