History of an iconic fabric, wool.
The earliest uses of wool date back about 10,000 years, when people in Asia Minor began domesticating sheep for their fleece, as well as for milk and meat. Mesopotamian and Anatolian shepherds discovered that wool, once sheared and processed, provided excellent protection against the cold and damp. Thus, wool soon became an essential material for survival in hostile environments.
Wool processing improved over time, especially when ancient civilizations began to perfect spinning and weaving techniques. The Egyptians, for example, were great connoisseurs of natural fibers, and although they favored flax for the warm climate, wool found a place elsewhere in the Mediterranean thanks to the Greeks and Romans, who appreciated its warmth and versatility.
Wool processing improved over time, especially when ancient civilizations began to perfect spinning and weaving techniques. The Egyptians, for example, were great connoisseurs of natural fibers, and although they favored flax for the warm climate, wool found a place elsewhere in the Mediterranean thanks to the Greeks and Romans, who appreciated its warmth and versatility.
For the Romans, wool was not only a practical resource but also a symbol of prestige. Noble families competed to own fine woollen fabrics, often imported from Spain, renowned even then for the quality of its wool. The Romans created iconic garments such as togas and tunics, which were made for both the people and the elite in different qualities of wool.
Roman manufactories created the first large-scale patterns of textile production, and wool became an important item of trade in the Empire's trade routes. Processing techniques quickly spread throughout the Roman Empire, laying the foundation for a wool tradition that would last for centuries.
With the collapse of the Roman Empire, the wool industry moved to European regions such as Flanders and Tuscany, where techniques were preserved and perfected. In the Middle Ages, wool became one of the most valuable commodities and an economic mainstay for several European cities. Woollen guilds were very influential, and in Italy, cities such as Florence and Venice became true centers of wool production and trade.
During the Renaissance, wool reached new heights of sophistication. Italian artisans made increasingly fine woollen fabrics, which were used for luxurious clothing decorated with fine details and intense hues. Italian wool became synonymous with quality and luxury, sought after by nobles and monarchs throughout Europe.
Roman manufactories created the first large-scale patterns of textile production, and wool became an important item of trade in the Empire's trade routes. Processing techniques quickly spread throughout the Roman Empire, laying the foundation for a wool tradition that would last for centuries.
With the collapse of the Roman Empire, the wool industry moved to European regions such as Flanders and Tuscany, where techniques were preserved and perfected. In the Middle Ages, wool became one of the most valuable commodities and an economic mainstay for several European cities. Woollen guilds were very influential, and in Italy, cities such as Florence and Venice became true centers of wool production and trade.
During the Renaissance, wool reached new heights of sophistication. Italian artisans made increasingly fine woollen fabrics, which were used for luxurious clothing decorated with fine details and intense hues. Italian wool became synonymous with quality and luxury, sought after by nobles and monarchs throughout Europe.
With the advent of industry in the 18th century, wool production underwent a profound transformation. In England, the wool industry developed massively, thanks to spinning and weaving machines capable of producing large quantities of fabric in a short time. In Italy, too, the Industrial Revolution brought innovations, and people began to produce increasingly thinner woolen fabrics suitable for various uses.
Industrialized wool became accessible to all social classes and no longer just the elite. During this period, fabrics such as tweed, cashmere, and merino wool gained notoriety for their specific characteristics, which made them perfect for various garments, from coats to men's suits.
In the 20th century, wool entered the fashion universe. While in the past it was considered primarily a practical fiber, now designers and fashion houses began to explore its aesthetic potential. From soft merino wool to more structured wools for jackets and coats, wool became the preferred choice for many iconic garments. Wool sweaters, coats, and formal jackets were essentials in any wardrobe, and wool also became a symbol of elegance and sophistication.
Today, wool continues to be one of the most popular fibers, especially for its natural thermoregulating ability, making it comfortable in both cold and temperate climates. With a renewed focus on sustainability, wool is back in the limelight as an environmentally friendly and renewable fiber, perfect for the world of slow, high-quality fashion.
Industrialized wool became accessible to all social classes and no longer just the elite. During this period, fabrics such as tweed, cashmere, and merino wool gained notoriety for their specific characteristics, which made them perfect for various garments, from coats to men's suits.
In the 20th century, wool entered the fashion universe. While in the past it was considered primarily a practical fiber, now designers and fashion houses began to explore its aesthetic potential. From soft merino wool to more structured wools for jackets and coats, wool became the preferred choice for many iconic garments. Wool sweaters, coats, and formal jackets were essentials in any wardrobe, and wool also became a symbol of elegance and sophistication.
Today, wool continues to be one of the most popular fibers, especially for its natural thermoregulating ability, making it comfortable in both cold and temperate climates. With a renewed focus on sustainability, wool is back in the limelight as an environmentally friendly and renewable fiber, perfect for the world of slow, high-quality fashion.
In this context of the rediscovery of wool, some Italian companies, have played a key role in keeping the tradition of high-quality wool alive.
We, too, at Petri, in our own small way, have been making iconic garments in all seasons for several years now, using various types of the wool fabric, such as fresco lana, which indicates a worsted wool fabric of light weight.
Wool, then, is not simply an ancient fabric: it is a living fiber that continues to tell stories of tradition, innovation and style.
We, too, at Petri, in our own small way, have been making iconic garments in all seasons for several years now, using various types of the wool fabric, such as fresco lana, which indicates a worsted wool fabric of light weight.
Wool, then, is not simply an ancient fabric: it is a living fiber that continues to tell stories of tradition, innovation and style.