Which City Is Known as the Wool Capital of the World?

Feb 3, 2026, 12:12 IST

Which city is known as the Wool Capital of the World? Discover why Biella in Italy holds this title, along with its wool industry history, textile excellence, global influence, economic importance and interesting facts in this article.

Key Points

  • Biella, Italy, has been renowned for premium wool production for centuries.
  • The town's clean alpine water is crucial for wool processing.
  • Biella supplies wool to top fashion brands globally.

The global textile industry has several historic centres, but only one place is internationally recognised for producing the world’s finest wool fabrics. This town has shaped luxury fashion, high-quality tailoring, and premium wool production for centuries.

Wool Capital of the World

Biella a town in northern Italy, is known as the Wool Capital of the World. It is globally famous for producing some of the finest wool fabrics, particularly high-quality merino wool used by luxury fashion brands.

Why Is Biella Called the Wool Capital of the World?

Biella is called the Wool Capital of the World because of its centuries-old wool processing tradition, advanced textile technology, and unmatched fabric quality. The region specialises in transforming raw wool into premium fabrics that meet the highest international standards. Many world-renowned fashion houses source wool exclusively from Biella.

wool capital in the world

Location and Geographic Advantage of Biella

Biella is located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, near the Alps. The presence of clean alpine water has historically played a crucial role in wool washing, dyeing, and finishing processes. This natural advantage helped Biella become a major wool-processing hub.

History of Wool Industry in Biella

Biella’s wool industry dates back to the Middle Ages. Over time, small family-run workshops evolved into world-class textile mills. By the 19th and 20th centuries, Biella became the global benchmark for wool quality, craftsmanship, and innovation.

Types of Wool Produced in Biella

Biella is especially known for processing fine merino wool, including ultra-fine and super-fine grades. The wool is used for luxury suits, coats, knitwear, and high-end fashion garments. Biella wool is valued for its softness, durability, and refined finish.

Global Influence of Biella’s Wool Industry

Biella supplies wool fabrics to top fashion brands in Italy, France, the UK, Japan, and the USA. Many premium labels rely on Biella mills for tailoring fabrics, making the town central to the global luxury fashion supply chain.

Economic Importance of Wool in Biella

The wool and textile sector is the backbone of Biella’s local economy. It provides employment, supports exports, and sustains traditional craftsmanship while embracing modern sustainable production techniques.

wool capital

Interesting Facts About Biella 

World’s Finest Wool Fabrics

Biella produces some of the highest-quality wool fabrics in the world, used by luxury brands and bespoke tailors.

Merino Wool Excellence

The town is especially famous for processing ultra-fine merino wool sourced from countries like Australia and New Zealand.

Centuries-Old Craftsmanship

Wool production in Biella has been refined over hundreds of years, blending tradition with advanced technology.

Fashion Industry Backbone

Many famous Italian fashion houses depend on Biella for premium suit and coat fabrics.

Clean Alpine Water

Natural alpine water plays a key role in achieving Biella’s superior fabric softness and finish.

Textile Innovation Hub

Biella continuously invests in research to develop lighter, stronger and more sustainable wool fabrics.

Read more: Which Place Is Known as the Shrimp Capital of India?

Biella is known as the Wool Capital of the World because of its unmatched expertise in wool processing, centuries of craftsmanship, premium fabric quality and global influence in the luxury textile industry. Keep reading for more such article.

Jasreet Kaur
Jasreet Kaur

Sub Editor

Jasreet Kaur is a journalist with 3+ years of experience. Driven and committed, she writes on Trending News, covering both National and International topics. She has previously worked with Zee News as a content writer.  Fueled by a desire to see positive growth in organizations, society, and the world.

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