Nestled in Higashikagawa City, at the eastern edge of Kagawa Prefecture, tet. stands at the heart of Japan’s glove-making tradition. This small coastal city - known as the “City of Gloves” - produces nearly 90% of all gloves made in Japan, a legacy rooted in more than a century of craftsmanship, resilience, and quiet innovation.

Before gloves became its lifeblood, Higashikagawa thrived on sugar and salt production. The region’s warm, dry climate made it ideal for both industries, but by the late 19th century, overseas imports caused local decline. Seeking new livelihoods, one enterprising local brought glove-making techniques from Osaka, sparking a transformation. Skilled hands across the community soon took up the craft, and small home-based workshops evolved into a network of specialists in cutting, sewing, and finishing. Over time, Higashikagawa became Japan’s glove capital - a place where precision and care are woven into every stitch.

Geography also played its part. Surrounded by the Seto Inland Sea and the Sanuki Mountains, and within easy reach of Osaka and Kobe, the city became a natural hub for trade and collaboration. Today, this blend of natural beauty and craftsmanship defines both the town and tet. itself.

The name tet. comes from the Japanese word for “hand” (手), symbolising the brand’s dedication to creating gloves that are both functional and elegant. Each pair reflects a balance of traditional skill and modern design - crafted for comfort, durability, and style. From supple leather and soft cashmere to eco-friendly fleece, tet. gloves are made for daily life.

A recent collaboration saw tet. design commuter gloves tailored for cyclists - made from windproof ECO fleece with touchscreen-compatible palms and an ergonomic fit. The partnership was celebrated with a pop-up at our flagship store in Japan, spotlighting tet.’s ability to merge heritage craftsmanship with urban sensibility.

Collaborations with brands such as BEAMS JAPAN and AKOMEYA TOKYO further showcase tet.’s contemporary vision. For those who value authenticity and design with depth, tet. gloves are more than accessories - they are a continuation of a story that began with the hands of a small coastal town and continues to evolve, one stitch at a time.

We are excited to announce a tet. pop up has now arrived in London! For the next month tet. will showcase their glove making skills and traditions with a display of their best selling designs at our Shoreditch store.