I had heard of a well known leather glove factory in Afragola, and I needed to check it out! So, I took a tour of Sim Italian Gloves, aka “the glove factory of Naples.”
A Brief History of the Glove Factory
Luigi Simeone founded the factory in 1927 and is still led today by his family. This glove factory distributes its gloves all over the world, including to stores such as Armani, Nordstrom, and Talbots.
Anna, our tour guide, married into the Simeone family and works there when non-Italian speakers want to visit. The factory’s handmade production is amazing from start to finish. First, it purchases raw hides to tan and dye. Every single leather glove is then meticulously handcrafted. We were able to see how the lambskin leather is dyed, dried, pressed, buffed, measured, cut, and sewn, with a different family member performing each step of the process.
It was really quite amazing to see the dedication and handiwork that goes into every single glove.
Can’t Get Enough!
Typically, these gloves sell everywhere else for at least $75-100 a pair, but we were able to buy them straight from the factory for $20-50. We scoured through the many gloves, and each pair was more beautiful then the next! And just when you think they don’t have your size or there couldn’t be any more gloves, Anna would pull more out of the drawers.
They also make a limited pair of leather coats. Once those are sold they don’t make any more until the next season.
You can return to the factory and buy gloves without a tour, as long as you make an appointment. I went back this week with my friend Sera, who was visiting us, and Maria, my friend here in Naples. Between the three of us, we bought nine pairs of gloves and one leather coat. I’d say it was a pretty productive day!
Jon did not go with me the two times I went to the factory, but was very happy when I brought him home a nice pair of brown leather gloves.
I Highly Recommend…
What a treat it is to have the glove factory of Naples right where we live! You can check out their website and look at their beautiful work. I’m certain you’ll find something you’ll love!
