OUR ITALIAN FIBERS:
WASHABLE MERINO WOOL

INTRODUCING THE WASHABLE MERINO WOOL COLLECTION OF TIMELESS KNITWEAR ESSENTIALS CRAFTED FOR MODERN LIFE.

Spun in the foothills of the Italian Alps, the collection begins with our longstanding mill partner, Botto Giuseppe, whose name is synonymous with excellence. Founded in 1876, the mill remains family-owned and fully Italian in its production—an enduring standard in fine wool yarns. Here, the finest natural fibers meet generations of expertise, resulting in Merino yarns defined by exceptional softness and refinement—and specially finished to be machine washable. From natural fiber to finished yarn, every detail reflects an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, innovation and enduring quality shared by Lafayette 148.

SHOP THE COLLECTION

Detail shot of them working with the wool

Detail shot of the wool, tied up in blocks at the factory

Detail shot of the spools of yarn at the factory

The journey begins with superfine Merino from New South Wales, chosen for its exceptional quality. Every bale is traceable back to the farm, and longstanding relationships with growers allow the mill to prioritize responsible practices and fiber integrity.

In Romagnano, Italy, raw fleece is scoured to remove impurities, then meticulously combed to eliminate shorter fibers. Only the longest, finest fibers remain. They’re straightened to create a smooth, uniform base that spins more cleanly, resists pilling and yields a softer, more durable yarn.

Photo of outside the factory where the Merino Wool Washable yarn is made

Photo of a stained glass window from the town where the Merino Wool Washable yarn is made

Photo of how they store the yarn in the factory

Detail shot of the wool fibers in someone's hand

Photo of a wall of old bottles in the factory

From Romagnano, the prepared fiber travels to Biella, home to Botto Giuseppe’s headquarters. The mill is set along the banks of the Strona River, where mineral-rich water is essential to the softness and consistency in the finished yarn.

Here, the fiber is spun, twisted, dyed and finished with extraordinary attention to detail. Developing a yarn of this caliber is a labor of love, unfolding over several months. This patience allows the yarn to develop depth, stability and a refined softness that only time and experience can deliver.