The outfit was already good. Then you put the gloves on.
The Contessa long gloves run from hand to elbow in handmade crushed velour, printed edge-to-edge with Dyles Mavis's original Contessa design. They're ambidextrous and unisex — no left/right sorting, no gendered sizing, just pull them on and go.
Most printed gloves are satin with a heat-transfer decal that cracks after two wears. These are cut from crushed velour and printed directly into the fabric, so the texture and the color move together. The pile catches light differently at every angle — the design reads differently standing still than it does mid-gesture.
About the design
Contessa started as a study in controlled excess — Dyles Mavis wanted something that felt aristocratic without being stiff. The result is a pattern that borrows from baroque portraiture and drops it into a maximalist color field. It's formal and unruly at the same time, which is exactly the point.
Key Features
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Over-the-elbow length — hand to elbow coverage, opera-glove silhouette
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Handmade crushed velour — soft pile fabric with directional sheen
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Full-coverage sublimation print — design runs the entire length, no blank panels
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Ambidextrous construction — one glove fits either hand; no pairing required
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Unisex sizing — S, M, L based on hand circumference and length
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Made to order via Contrado — handmade in the UK [VERIFY origin]
Materials & Specs
- Fabric: Crushed velour [VERIFY exact fiber content — likely polyester blend]
- Print method: Dye sublimation (all-over)
- Construction: Handmade, ambidextrous
- Length: Over-the-elbow (hand to elbow) [VERIFY exact cm measurement]
- Care: Machine wash 86°F / 30°C, low tumble dry, hang to dry, do not wring, low heat iron
- Fulfillment: Print-on-demand via Contrado
Size Guide
Measure around your knuckles (widest part of your hand, excluding thumb) and from the tip of your middle finger to the base of your palm.
| Measurement |
Small |
Medium |
Large |
| Around knuckles |
6–7" / 16–17.8 cm |
7.1–8" / 17.9–20.3 cm |
8.1–8.5" / 20.4–21.6 cm |
| Middle finger tip to base of hand |
6–6.7" / 16–17 cm |
6.8–7" / 17.1–18 cm |
7.1–7.5" / 18.1–19 cm |
Who it's for
The editorial dresser building a look around one piece. You're not accessorizing an outfit — you're building the outfit around the gloves. These are the piece.
The event-goer who's done with safe choices. Gallery opening, themed party, fashion week, Halloween, a wedding where you're not the one getting married — these gloves make the decision for you.
The gift-giver who needs something genuinely original. Under $80, ships worldwide, wearable art from an independent artist. It's the gift that doesn't look like you panicked.
FAQ
Are these gloves left- and right-specific?
No — the ambidextrous construction means each glove fits either hand. You get two identical gloves that work on both sides.
What fabric are these made from?
Crushed velour — a soft, pile fabric with a directional sheen that catches light differently depending on angle. [VERIFY exact fiber content with Contrado spec sheet.]
Will the print crack or peel?
The design is sublimation-printed into the fabric, not applied on top, so there's no surface layer to crack or peel. Follow the care instructions to keep the colors sharp.
How do I find my size?
Measure around your knuckles (widest part, thumb excluded) and from your middle fingertip to the base of your palm. Use the size chart above — when in doubt, size up for a looser fit over the elbow.
How long does production take?
These are made to order by Contrado. Production typically takes [VERIFY — check Contrado lead times] before shipping. Delivery times vary by destination.
Can I wear these as a costume or for cosplay?
Yes — the over-elbow length and bold print make them a strong choice for cosplay, theatrical looks, and costume builds. The ambidextrous design also makes them easy to style in pairs or solo.
