Name: Ermenegildo Zegna Group
Founded: 1910 by Ermenegildo Zegna in Trivero, Piedmont, Italy
Headquarters: Trivero, Biella region, Piedmont, Italy
Quick Facts
Specialty |
Luxury menswear house and textile mill; produces superfine wool, cashmere, silk, and performance fabrics for luxury brands |
Range / Collections |
Ermenegildo Zegna Cloth, Traveller, Electa, Trofeo, 14 MilMil 14, High Performance, and Techmerino™ – spanning suiting to activewear fabrics |
Product Types |
Fine worsted suiting cloths, outerwear fabrics, knits, and technical textiles; integrates fabric production with ready-to-wear tailoring |
Scale / Capacity |
Among the world's largest vertically integrated luxury textile producers; owns multiple Italian mills and Australian wool operations |
Reputation |
Global symbol of Italian excellence – fusing textile innovation, sustainability, and menswear artistry under one roof |
Mill History
The story of Ermenegildo Zegna begins in 1910, when a 20-year-old entrepreneur in Trivero, Piedmont, set out to make "the most beautiful fabrics in the world." He purchased two looms, sourced fine merino wool, and began weaving in the foothills of the Alps. Zegna's early focus on quality, innovation, and vertical control became the foundation of one of Italy's greatest luxury dynasties.
By the 1930s, the company employed hundreds of local workers and was exporting cloth worldwide – an exceptional feat for its time. Ermenegildo's commitment extended beyond production: he built schools, housing, and infrastructure for his employees, later developing the Oasi Zegna, a 100 km² nature preserve symbolizing his belief in harmony between industry and environment.
After World War II, Zegna expanded into tailored clothing, and by the 1960s the brand became a global reference for elegant Italian menswear. The firm's fabrics remain staples for tailors, fashion houses, and luxury brands worldwide.
Today, under CEO Gildo Zegna and the third generation of leadership, the company is an international powerhouse with operations spanning fabric mills, menswear lines, and retail stores in over 80 countries. The modern group continues to emphasize traceable wool, circular production, and textile innovation – from the Australian sheep stations it owns to its hi-tech Biellese looms.
Ermenegildo Zegna stands as the archetype of "Made in Italy" – a vertically integrated house where nature, craftsmanship, and innovation are woven together to produce fabrics and garments recognized as the pinnacle of modern menswear.
Why We Love Zegna
Zegna's finishes on their cloths are some of the best Italian fabrics in the world – the finishes are immaculate. They're very easy to care for and they age incredibly. When the make of a jacket is of Shepherd's quality, the cloth is brought into its element, its purest form. They rarely wrinkle, making it an excellent choice for a man who travels. They feel like they cost – you'll find Zegna is at the higher end of our fabric selection price point.