Sourced with care

At the heart of Valdagno, Italy, lies the Marzotto mill, one of Europe’s most respected textile producers, where over 180 years of craftsmanship and innovation continue to define the art of fine fabric making. At Tiger of Sweden, we are proud to partner with Marzotto, a mill whose heritage and values mirror our own: precision, quality craftsmanship, and a deep respect for tradition.

In this editorial, Sourced with Care, we invite you behind the scenes of this iconic mill, exploring its enduring relationship with Tiger of Sweden. Through conversations with the artisans and innovators who carry Marzotto’s legacy forward, we uncover the shared principles that guide our work, from quality-driven design to a commitment to responsible production.

This is more than a story about fabric. It’s a story about people, craftsmanship, and the purpose woven into every meter that becomes part of a Tiger of Sweden garment.

Story of Rich Textile History

Paolo Vazzoler, Marzotto’s Commercial Director, takes us on a journey through the company’s 180-year heritage of textile innovation, where Italian craftsmanship meets modern technology.

Can you tell us more about Marzotto’s heritage and how it has influenced modern textile manufacturing?

Marzotto’s heritage is deeply rooted in a rich history of textile innovation spanning over 180 years. Originating in the historic textile region of northern Italy, Marzotto benefited from early innovations like water-powered machinery developed by Venetian inventors before electricity was common. The company has evolved from producing rough fabrics to refined textiles, combining tradition with technological advancement. Marzotto also operated ready-made garment lines mid-20th century, giving it a unique understanding of both fabric production and customer needs. This heritage shapes its modern manufacturing approach, blending craftsmanship with innovation to create fabrics that honour tradition while meeting contemporary standards.

What are the core values or innovations that set Marzotto apart from other fabric mills in Europe?

Marzotto stands out for its longstanding commitment to quality, innovation, and employee welfare. The company innovates by making wool fabrics washable in machines and is the first in Italy to be certified by GOTS, ensuring environmental and social standards from field to fabric. Marzotto also emphasises sustainability, achieving zero chemical discharge during fabric preparation. Our close collaborations with universities and continual research foster ongoing innovations, keeping us at the forefront of textile technology in Europe.

How does Marzotto ensure sustainability and traceability in its wool and fabric production?

Marzotto ensures sustainability and traceability by controlling every step of the supply chain, from sourcing raw wool at farms, through yarn production, to the final fabric finishing. The company’s zero discharge certification guarantees no chemical waste is released in production. It also follows GOTS certification, which oversees the entire process to meet strict ecological and social criteria. Our approach includes innovations such as biodegradable polyester blends and machine-washable wool, ensuring fabrics are both environmentally friendly and functional. Transparency and responsible sourcing remain core priorities.

What role does Italian craftsmanship play in the identity of Marzotto fabrics today?

Italian craftsmanship is central to Marzotto’s identity. The company employs highly skilled Italian artisans and consultants who are recognised worldwide for their expertise. This tradition of meticulous handwork and attention to detail contributes to the luxurious quality and refined finishes of Marzotto fabrics. Italian craftsmanship, combined with cutting-edge technology, ensures that each fabric reflects a heritage of excellence, authenticity, and sophisticated design, qualities that define Marzotto’s place in the premium textile market.

Can you walk us through the journey of raw wool to finished fabric at Marzotto Mill?

The journey from raw wool to finished fabric is a complex process taking nearly two years. It starts with careful sourcing of wool from farms, often involving specific breeds like Merino sheep, prized for quality. The wool is washed, prepared, and combed to remove impurities and align fibres. Marzotto controls all stages, from partnership with mills and yarn producers to fabric finishing. Industrial processes now combine tradition and technology for efficiency, while maintaining fabric integrity. The fabric then undergoes dyeing, weaving, and finishing, resulting in high-quality textiles ready for the market, each step carefully monitored for quality and sustainability.

A Partnership Rooted in Quality Craftmanship

Fabio Bertolotti, Sales Manager at Marzotto, reflects on over 26 years of collaboration with Tiger of Sweden, where Italian textile expertise meets Scandinavian design.

How long have you been working with Tiger of Sweden?

Our collaboration goes back a long time, over 26 years of working together.

What qualities in Marzotto fabrics made them the right fit for Tiger of Sweden’s aesthetic and values?

Marzotto fabrics perfectly complement Tiger of Sweden’s vision by offering a versatile range suited for trousers, jackets, and suits. We can provide diverse fabrics that span heritage, and modernity, aligning well with Tiger of Sweden’s identity as a contemporary, yet classic brand. Signature fabrics like twill and herringbone serve as milestone pieces within the Tiger of Sweden collections. Additionally, Marzotto emphasises innovation through modern finishing techniques and design details, which supports the brand’s balance of timelessness and forward-thinking style.

Were any exclusive or custom fabrics developed specifically for Tiger of Sweden through this collaboration?

Yes, Marzotto has developed exclusive qualities and customised fabrics specifically for Tiger of Sweden. This includes creating unique designs and colours that reflect current trends. We have also produced fabric options with additional colour variations tailored to meet Tiger of Sweden’s specific requests, highlighting a close, responsive collaboration on fabric innovation.

How do both brands work together to balance heritage with modern design in the final garments?

Both Marzotto and Tiger of Sweden collaborate by combining heritage-inspired fabrics like twill and herringbone with modern finishes and design innovations. This synergy ensures the collection maintains an aesthetic that honours tradition while embracing contemporary style. The partnership focuses on blending timeless fabric qualities with fresh colours, finishes, and tailoring techniques to create garments that respect legacy but feel relevant and modern.

How do the designers at Tiger of Sweden collaborate with Marzotto's textile specialists during the development process?

The collaboration begins about six months before each collection presentation. Tiger of Sweden’s designers provide initial inputs on fabric preferences and design direction. The teams then actively engage with customers through visits to gather feedback, which informs adjustments in fabric choices and finishes. This iterative process ensures that both design vision and customer expectations are met, fostering close cooperation between Tiger of Sweden’s creative team and Marzotto’s textile specialists.

Are there any specific collections or pieces where the Marzotto-Tiger of Sweden partnership particularly shines?

More broadly, the partnership excels in core categories like classic suits and tuxedos, where Marzotto’s high-quality fabrics, especially in classic colours like blue and black enhance Tiger of Sweden’s strength in delivering reliable, sellable styles with a focus on comfort and structured tailoring.

What challenges do you face when integrating high-quality Italian fabrics into contemporary, often minimalist Scandinavian designs?

A key challenge is balancing affordability with quality. While Italian fabrics like those from Marzotto offer exceptional quality, it is crucial to align with the pricing expectations of the Scandinavian market. Marzotto strives to provide the best value for price to meet Tiger of Sweden’s customer targets without compromising fabric excellence. Additionally, integrating richly textured, traditional Italian materials into the sleek, minimalist aesthetics of Scandinavian design requires thoughtful selection and adaptation to maintain simplicity and modern appeal.

A Further Step Towards Sustainability

Roberto Lovo, Production Director and R&D Project Coordinator, explores how the company is shaping the future of textiles through sustainable practices.

What sustainability standards or certifications do Marzotto fabrics used by Tiger of Sweden meet?

Marzotto demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability, supported by several industry-recognized certifications. The factory holds ISO 14001, which sets out environmental management standards, and SA8000, which ensures social accountability in the workplace. In addition, Marzotto’s products carry certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and RWS (Responsible Wool Standard), which verify the use of environmentally safe chemicals and sustainable sourcing practices throughout the production process.

Do you see the partnership evolving to include new sustainable materials or circular fashion initiatives?

Given Marzotto’s proactive sustainability efforts, such as using certified chemicals, safer dyes, and low-impact machinery, the foundation is strong for evolving the partnership with Tiger of Sweden. The factory has already implemented systems for energy and water conservation, including photovoltaic panels and a water recovery system that recycles 70% of the water used. With planned additions like a biomass facility and a combined heat and power generator, the infrastructure is aligning with circular economy principles. These investments suggest a readiness to incorporate new sustainable materials and circular fashion initiatives in future collaborations.

What does the future hold for collaborations between fabric mills like Marzotto and premium fashion brands?

The future looks increasingly collaborative, and sustainability driven. Marzotto’s clear roadmap, spanning carbon footprint reduction, certification adherence, and technology upgrades positions it as a valuable partner for premium fashion brands prioritising responsible production. As sustainability becomes a core consumer expectation, we can expect deeper alliances focused on eco-innovation, traceable sourcing, and closed-loop systems. Brands like Tiger of Sweden, working with mills like Marzotto, will likely play a leading role in setting new industry standards for transparency and environmental performance.