Italy has a very important tradition in the textile sector: the mastery of Italian artisans and the most modern industrial processes make the Belpaese a reference point for style and elegance in the world.
The clothing sector plays a fundamental role not only for the Italian economy, but also for the social well-being of Italian people.
Italy is one of the largest producers in Europe: its companies are capable of developing products that meet new needs and can adapt to the structure of the market.
It must be remembered that fabrics concern not only the clothing sector, but also the furniture one.
Italian fabrics are available in a wide range of prices, and they all ensure very high quality standards.
Italy is at the forefront in both sectors thanks to a very competitive technology. Over 10% of Italian exports concern clothing, accessories and textile products.
In the textile sector, over 6% world exports are Italian. Italy exports mainly to China, the United States, Germany and France.
The Italian textile districts
The textile sector in Italy is mainly made up of small and medium-sized enterprises, which are part of very important textile districts.
In Piedmont there is the Biella district, which is specialized in the production of cashmere and wool yarns and fabrics.
The district of Prato, in Tuscany, is one of the most important in the world for the production of woolen fabrics that are used for the production of clothes or for furnishing. Fancy yarns deriving from carded wool fabrics are produced in Prato, which is well-known for the high quality designs of his products.
Finally, the industrial district of Fermo, in the Marche region, is very important in the footwear sector. Here there are numerous small artisan businesses that export high quality shoes to foreign countries.
During the last few years italian textiles have changed, thanks to the technological innovations that have led to an evolution in production costs.
New competitors have appeared on the international stage. However, this has highlighted even more the quality of Italian craftsmanship, which is capable of satisfying all the demands of consumers with creativity and attention.
Italian textile companies are able to overcome the competition thanks to their industrial organization and their roots in the territory.
The ethical factor
The ethical aspect is very important for Italian textile production, which adapts not only to legislative standards but also to fundamental values such as environmental sustainability.
If the production chain is designed in such a way as to reduce the environmental impact, virtuous behaviors that are generated are destined to be appreciated by consumers.
Today people who buy Italian fabrics are aware of the concept of social responsibility, and choose Italian production precisely for the quality that it can guarantee.
Over time some traditional practices have been modified with the aim of protecting the environment and, at the same time, safeguarding the welfare of animals as regards animal derived materials.
The secret of the Italian textile industry
In Italy, networks of small and medium-sized enterprises cooperate with large companies for all the stages of production, from the purchase of materials to the sale of goods.
The territories of the province have accumulated skills and competences which still prove to be very valuable today, above all because they are enhanced by modern technological resources.
The secret of the Italian textile industry is its ability to preserve identity using new technologies. This made it possible to choose new raw materials and to exploit new potential uses for fabrics.
Production has been modernized, but the value of products has also grown thanks to a more effective communication.