Pontoglio 1883: Crafting Elegance

A Heritage of Italian Textile Craft

Founded in 1883 on the banks of the River Oglio in the heart of Lombardy, Pontoglio 1883 began as a visionary manufactory for fine velvet that could rival the most prestigious European imports of the time. Over more than 130 years, the mill has hugely evolved while remaining rooted in its birthplace, guided by a commitment to quality, creativity and technical excellence that has distinguished it in the world of premium textiles. 

From its early days under founder Giulio Sacconaghi to its growth through the 20th century and ongoing innovations in fabric design and production, Pontoglio has grown into one of Italy’s foremost producers of smooth velvets, corduroys and specialty cloths - respected internationally for their richness and testament to true craftsmanship. 

Process & Production

At Pontoglio, fabric production is guided by a balance of heritage craftsmanship and technical innovation. At the heart of the company are the experts in the Style Office, the creative engines that drive the creation of fabrics for two annual collections - Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer. These collections draw inspiration from ongoing research, new design trends, and the consultation of the company’s rich archives to create exclusive yarns and dyes. 

The weaving department, housed in a modern facility completed in 2006, is home to Italy’s largest weaving operation dedicated entirely to velvet. From cotton yarn to finished fabric, Pontoglio maintains complete control over the production chain, to guarantee the utmost quality. The dyeing department employs advanced techniques applicable to velvet, cotton, and noble and synthetic fibers, supported by a state-of-the-art laboratory. This allows for the rapid creation of bespoke colors while ensuring consistent reproduction across every fabric.

Velvet’s intricate textile structure demands highly skilled staff, working within strict quality and eco-sustainability standards. The finishing department is unique worldwide, with custom-designed machines adapted to meet the exacting requirements of both the company and its clients. Special processes enhance softness and tactile pleasure, resulting in luxurious fabrics that are as exquisite to the touch as they are visually striking. 

Our Velvets

Pontoglio is responsible for much of the sumptuous velvet used in our signature smoking jackets, pieces that epitomise true elegance and are guaranteed to make a statement at any occasion. From deep burgundy to indigo and teal, each shade is expertly crafted to deliver depth of colour, softness, and luxurious hand-feel.

Our most sought-after styles, the Carlyle and Caversham, showcase Pontoglio’s finest velvet offered in a range of colours - from classic navy to dark green. Explore our full collection of velvet smoking jackets here.