A Visit to the World’s Finest Fabric Shop

finest fabric shop

(Author's note 2021: late summer..this time of year always makes me think of Italy. The sun-baked fields, vineyards, and orchards and the clear blue skies of Tuscany. And, of course, of Florence –so I wanted to bring this article from a couple of years ago to the top of your reading list. Like so many others around the world, I haven't really been able to travel for almost a year and a half now. Hopefully, that will change in the near future, but that's far from certain at the moment. If you're lucky enough to travel this year, I've checked and Case dei Tessuti is still there, open, and welcoming customers. Please say hi to them for me..)


I know, I know..this is a big assertion, “the world's finest fabric shop..”  After all, the world's a big place and there are a lot of good fabric shops, but please read on and you'll understand.  As I've written about many times before, I've been sewing all my life.  I've also been fortunate enough to have lived in quite a few different countries and traveled a lot.  So as you can imagine, I've seen a lot of fabric shops in my day.  All that being said, nothing could have prepared me for what I discovered in Florence, Italy a few weeks ago when we were on holiday there.

finest fabric shop
Florence, Italy from Plaza Michelangelo

I was walking down one of the beautiful side streets just next to the famous Duomo and I saw this window display with some of the most lovely fabrics I'd ever seen.

I found myself in Casa dei Tessuti or simply “House of Fabrics” in English.  From the cover photo in the article, you'll see the Duomo in the background and get a sense of just how central this shop is.



Inside the shop were shelves and shelves of some of the most incredible fabrics I'd ever seen.  I've definitely been to bigger fabric shops, but certainly nothing like this in terms of quality, brands, and history.

finest fabric shop

Names like Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Versace, Valentino, Ungaro, Pucci, Cavalli, and Armani are known to many as fashion designers, but most don't know that these fashion houses not only design garments but they also design their own original custom fabrics that are used in their creations.  All made in Italy.

Most of these fabrics are produced by the storied Italian fabric mills based around what's poetically called the Stada della Lana or the “Wool Road” in Northwest Italy roughly between Milan and Turin.  These names are less well known but form the backbone of the global fine and luxury textile markets where quality and design are paramount.  Some of the better known are Lanificio Egidio Ferla or simply called Ferla as well as Vitale Barberis Canonico who have been producing fabrics since 1663!

I'm not sure anyone could consider the fabrics on offer at Casa dei Tessuti to be inexpensive.  They most definitely are not, but they are of a truly exceptional design and quality.  And the selection that the store carries is extraordinary.  It would be easy to spend a fortune in this place.

Stunned from being surrounded by so many wonderful fabrics, I was furiously snapping photos to share with you on the blog when I was approached by a portly man who seemed a little concerned with my now overheating iPhone.  (In hindsight, most of the fabric designs are originals and proprietary to the designers, so the apprehension is understandable.)

finest fabric shop

In the end, I had a long conversation and interviewed the manager, Mr. Andrea Spulcioni, who has worked at the shop for more than 40 years.  Casa dei Tessuti, dates from 1929 when it was founded by Egisto Romoli, a native of  Florence.  The store has been the inspiration and source of many designers from around the world.  Andrea said he has tended to the Queens of Denmark and Holland as well as international stars like Cher and various rock bands.  He has also tended to people who walked into the store seemingly in rags and walked away after spending thousands of Euros.

The conversation with Andrea was interesting.  Today, he laments that most people don't seem to dress with care like they used to.  Most of his customers today come because they are connoisseurs of textiles or those, like me, who are attracted to the quality from the window display.

finest fabric shop

finest fabric shop

On a curious note, Andrea said that only men work in the store.  In Italy, it's perceived that women would potentially be limited by jealousy while a man only cares to see a woman more beautiful and therefore is better at recommending colors to them.  Ahh, Italy..

My biggest regret is that I could not speak with Andrea more.  I can only imagine the stories he has to tell in more than 40 years working at Casa dei Tessuti.

There were a couple of my finds that hopefully, you'll see in upcoming posts, a Dior silk print with lace back and a Chanel pure wool double crepe in red.  Wow.  Magnificent.

finest fabric shop

While I didn't know it at the time, if you look on their website, you'll note that Casa dei Tessuti offers guided tours of the shop.  Any fabric shop where people line up for tours is probably a pretty good fabric shop.  In my book, it's the finest fabric shop in the world.  If you're ever in Florence, you really must check it out.  And please say hello to Andrea for us!


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J J
J J

In the Bay Area, I go to Britex Fabrics in SF. Floor after floor of fabulous fabrics, domestic and imported, and an entire floor of appliques, notions, buttons beautiful enough to be earrings/necklaces. It’s definitely inspirational.

Margaret C
Margaret C
Reply to  J J

Sandra Betzina does field trips to Britex as well as. Florence and Morocco.

Laurie Rasor
Laurie Rasor

Have A Good Day

Mary Fusco
Mary Fusco

I concur! I used to live in Florence, and the Casa dei Tessuti is like going into a museum where you can touch everything (or almost anything) – the most beautiful fabric I’ve ever seen in my life was in that store – an ombred cashmere knit – it literally made me dizzy, and not because of the price ($1000/m). However, for those going fabric shopping in Florence, your best best for buying farics that won’t cause you to take out a second mortgage on your home would be two places: Bacci Tessuti – they sell end cuts from the mills in surprising, gorgeous, and affordable fabrics (walk past about a couple of blocks down from the Central Market on the right) and the Tuesday flea market at the Cascine (the big park in the middle of Florence), where you will also find designer mill ends for a song. Wish I could go shopping there RIGHT NOW!

Annie
Annie

Hi Mayra, I’m glad you wrote this post, I really enjoyed it. I’m a beginner in sewing and I was planning to go in a store in Florence in a month to get about 2 meters of fabric as a souvenir that I could use to do a clothe or an accessory. I don’t have a fortune to spend, maybe a max of 100 euros.

Do you have any recommandation of stores according to my price range (I don’t need super fancy quality, but since it’s a souvenir and a ”treat”, we can have something in between)?

Also, If you have any suggestion of project that require not a lot of fabric and can last long I would be very happy to hear it. I’m currently sewing vintage dresses and summer dresses so I would like something different. I was thinking about a bag for my sewing machine our a bag just to transport my fabric to my sewing classes. I’m afraid that if I do a clothe that it won’t fit me in a year…Also, I have to take into account that I can’t take a very heavy fabric as I need to take the plane to come back home.

Thanks in advance for your advices!

Sherri
Sherri

I was just in Florence and Rome this summer with some of my daughters, I would have LOVED to know about these places. Now I’m really going back

Sophie
Sophie

Hi! I’m from Holland, close to Amsterdam. I can recommand the best shop for beautiful fabrics. Its a store called ‘Nanucci’ on the Albert Cuyp market. Beautiful fabrics, lots of designer fabrics, like bouclé and silk, lace etc Liberty fabrics etc.
there is a small online shop but a visit to the store is really worth while!

Judy Levin
Judy Levin

This is a fascinating post, and I love all the comments. I will be going to Amsterdam and Paris in April, and I would love any suggestion of where to shop for fabric.

Joen
Joen
Reply to  Judy Levin

‘Tissu de la Reine’ in the Monmarte region of Paris. Enjoy.

Barb
Barb

Great! There’s a great place in Seoul, Korea. It’s in the warehouse shopping district. They will even pleat your fabric for you. Price can be negotiated with use of a calculator. Most taxi drivers can get you there.

Linda, from Virginia
Linda, from Virginia

Thank you for sharing, I have been to Florence and wanted to find a fabric shop. I’m going again next spring I will definitely look this place up. Can’t wait. I love fabric!!

Jacqui Ashman
Jacqui Ashman

I was in Florence recently and bought fabrics in Bacchi which is a lovely shop next door to the famous mercado céntrale. Much less expensive than Tessutti . Very helpful owner and staff.

Gracious Store
Gracious Store

The pictures of the fabric on display in the mannequin are fabulous.

Penelope Wilkinson
Penelope Wilkinson

If you want a wonderful sewing experience you should tour Angels in London Angels Costumes
1 Garrick Road
London
NW9 6AA

They have been making costumes for the theater and films for about 175 years and it’s one of the most fascinating places I have even seen. They offer guided tours and although it’s a bit of a trek to get there you won’t regret it.

Marie Polito
Marie Polito

Wow!!! I feel like a dope for not incorporating my love of sewing when I’ve been to Europe. I think all of us stare at beautiful fabric when we walk by boutique shops, but I never went the extra mile to plot out the wonderful things that you have shared…Bernina factory, Casa dei Tussuti…I’ve been probably been within a block of both of these places. 🙁
No more museums!!!!

Thank you for your post,
Marie

Marti Morgan
Marti Morgan

I have only been to Italy once – but it won’t be my last, I think it has become my favorite – and how I missed that shop!!! I was right there!!! Thank you so much for sharing this – as you can bet I am bookmarking it!

Fred

That’s a beautiful fabric store indeed! May I add that in Paris (France) we have a full district, dedicated to fabric? Come to visit! (I’m not living in the city, nor having affiliated links with the district ;D )

Debbie
Debbie
Reply to  Fred

I absolutely love France, when I grow up I want to be French, May I ask where this district is located.? I have a trip planned in 2020. Merci

ParisGrrl
ParisGrrl
Reply to  Debbie

The Marché Saint-Pierre area near Metro Anvers and Sacré-Cœur is an excellent place to concentrate your fabric shopping in Paris.

Donna F
Donna F

yes WOW. What a find. I remains me of the wool I found in Ireland. At a store I was shown the work room and was able to purchase the wool from there. No one on the tour bus could understand my excitement of a 1 yd of wool. Happy Creating.

Lydia
Lydia

The next time you’re in Italy ring me up, I would be thrilled translate for you! I’m not far from Florence and, ANY excuse to get into another scrumptious fabric shop is a WIN in my book! ? You could also check out Provasoli in Torino – more stunning brand name fabrics, although I dont know much about the history it is an old textile family…

pam nelson
pam nelson
Reply to  Lydia

Hello, i am going to be with a group of Quiltlmakers on a cruise. I have been looking for fabric stores in the cities we will be stopping at and would love to know if you have any recommendations for Rome that you might have?
Thanks,
Pam

Barb
Barb
Reply to  pam nelson

I am also interested in hearing about fabric shops in Rome – or Venice – or in the Lake Como area!

Sherri
Sherri
Reply to  Lydia

Lydia, I know this is an old post but I’m coming to Italy September of 2021 and wonder if there are good shops for quilting cotton? I will be in Tuscany and florence. thanks so much!

Christina in SW FL
Christina in SW FL

Thank you so much for this mini tour of Casa dei Tessuti. Clearly, Mr. Andrea Spulcioni is a most gracious and knowledgeable specialist.

Jennie
Jennie

I was in Florence in May. Wish I would’ve had this article then, I most certainly would have made a very short walk there. Florence is one of my favorite cities. Beautiful!

Erin A Rademacher
Erin A Rademacher

Wow, what a lovely shop you found. I think you are right about it being: “The Best Fabric Shop In The World”

I only wish that I had know about it last year when I was visiting Italy, France, Switzerland and England. Although I think I would have overdrawn my bank account and overloaded the plane coming home.

Can’t wait to see what you make with those lovely fabrics you got. Thanks for sharing.

Cindy Anderson

All I can say is……fun…fun….fun..this would be for me. Love beautiful fine fabrics!
The next store would be to find a bead store and than an antique store. Did you see any nice stores there of this kind?
Thanks for sharing!

Dottie K
Dottie K

WOW!!!

Debra De Shazor
Debra De Shazor

Nice!! Wish I could buy fabric online.

Helen Holmes
Helen Holmes

My sister took me to a fabric shop in South Africa. It wasn’t particularly large and the fabric was fairly standard fair for the area, but this one was owned by an Indian family that also sold wonderful food!!! ‘Two metres of this and half a dozen samosas’ is not a phrase said in many places around the world. The husband ran the shop and the wife made the food. 🙂

Deni
Deni

Hi Myra, I have so enjoyed reading everyones comments. I am from Venice, I now reside in Australia. We travelled back there recently and I was just in awe of the city the beauty of it and all it stands for. Back in Australia there is a different kind of beauty, just as unique as what Europe has. I so enjoy how all cultures find some way to come together right across the world. Have a great day.
Deni.

Jo
Jo
Reply to  Deni

I have noted this for the next time I visit Florence. By the way there is a Tessuti in Melbourne Australia, possibly smaller but also in an historic building in Flinders Lane (historically the tailors or Rag district).

Linda C Martin
Linda C Martin

Thank you for telling us about this wonderful shop. I will definitely add it to my “go to” places next time I get to Florence. Another fun store that shouldn’t be missed is called Mustafa’s in Little India in Singapore. It is a huge store (8 floors and over 400,000 square feet) that sells everything imaginable but when I asked where the fabric was, nobody knew. They only knew what they sold since the store (really 2 stores) was eight levels and about a square block large. They even sold cars in their parking lot! On the way out, after looking for fabric on several floors and losing my husband more than once, he spotted it in the basement. We ran down the stairs and spent a couple hours looking at all the piles of bolts of fabric, and many batiks, and selecting some to take home. The prices were very reasonable and it was fun to search the mismash of bolts, piled higher than we were tall. We had a salesman help us pull the desired bolts so we could see them better and make our selections. So, if you get there, now you know where the fabric is located, down the stairs in the basement. Have fun!!

Catherine

Wish I would have heard about the store sooner. My daughter was in Florence last week and is on the plane flying home as I type this. Would have had her stop and shop for me.

Claudette
Claudette

Wow I wish I had know about this fabric store when we were in Florence last October 2015 ! How I would love to go back !

Marie Stanley
Marie Stanley

I totally understand. After living in Europe for 6 years I’ve seen some of the most beautiful Ladies ( they seem to be more careful about their looks then we are) . I’ve always thought the same about beauticians, the best cut, the best colors are gotten from men. They see us through a different eye

Beverly
Beverly

I will try to contact my girlfriend who just left for two weeks in Italy. She had one day set aside for fabric shopping but she would be traveling during that one day. She could just stay in Florence and shop. I like the leather school also.

betty cuykx
betty cuykx

I know the shop. I agree with you it is really the best shop I know!!

Ana Sullivan

I have been there!!! What a beautiful store. I always make it a habit to find fabric stores wherever I travel. I don’t always have something in mind to make. At this store, I did not have any idea of what to make so I left with just the experience of touching and seeing such incredible fabrics.

LV
LV

It sounds like a beautiful treasure trove. Definitely, on my places to see when in Florence.

Elisabeth
Elisabeth

Great post, so fascinating! I travel quite a bit too but I’m not sure I could afford Dior fabrics… Can you suggest other shops in the world for tighter budgets? I’m heading to either So. France or Italy in Dec and would love some suggestions. I might also spend a few days in Morocco looking for textiles there as well. Thank you for all your hard work!

Mary
Mary

This sounds wonderful and it will be on my list of places to visit X

Sherry Lance
Sherry Lance

Wow!! Just wow. I personally would love to see this shop. My family is from Europe (Spain, to be exact) and yes there was a little of that jealousy between the women. The other side of the family (Scots) used to measure each other’s waists to see who had the smallest measurement. I have to say I was a little jealous because of the way I am built I would never be able to have a waist size like them. Last I heard 17 inches was the smallest and there were no corsets involved.

Emmy Ziegler
Emmy Ziegler

Wonderful visit. People need to get over labeling things, such as “sexist”. I’m a woman, and I do believe that a lot of the times, women ARE jealous of each other’s looks, their weight, hair, whatever…

Pamela Watt

I guess it’s a different culture, but how sexist to say that women can’t recommend fabric because they’d be too jealous of the other woman looking good. Oh well.