When it comes to premium knitwear, extra-fine Merino wool is one of the most appreciated fibres in the world. Soft, breathable, naturally elastic and incredibly versatile, it is used to create garments ranging from premium everyday knitwear to luxury fashion collections.
However, there is one essential distinction that is often overlooked: not all Merino yarns are the same.
One of the most important differences lies in the spinning process, which produces either woolen spun yarns or worsted spun yarns.
Understanding this difference helps designers, buyers and fashion brands choose the most suitable yarn for their collections, influencing the appearance, comfort, performance and commercial positioning of the final garment.
What is Extra-Fine Merino?
Extra-fine Merino wool comes from carefully selected Merino sheep known for producing exceptionally fine fibres.
The finest qualities measure below 19 microns, making them extremely soft against the skin and comfortable even for people who usually find wool itchy.
Thanks to its natural properties, extra-fine Merino offers:
excellent thermal insulation;
outstanding breathability;
natural moisture management;
excellent elasticity;
exceptional comfort throughout the year.
But fibre quality is only the starting point.
The way these fibres are processed into yarn dramatically changes the characteristics of the finished garment.
What is Woolen Spun Merino?
Woolen spinning is the traditional method of producing soft, lofty yarns.
During this process, the fibres are opened, cleaned and blended, but they remain arranged in a relatively random orientation.
Shorter fibres are intentionally retained within the yarn, creating a structure that traps more air.
The result is a yarn with distinctive characteristics:
softer hand feel;
greater loft;
fuller appearance;
slightly fuzzy surface;
superior warmth.
Because woolen spun yarn contains more air between the fibres, it provides excellent thermal insulation while remaining surprisingly lightweight.
This is why woolen spun Merino is particularly appreciated for Autumn/Winter collections.
The Visual Characteristics of Woolen Spun Knitwear
Garments knitted with woolen spun yarn typically feature:
a softer appearance;
a naturally fuzzy surface;
a warm, comfortable look;
rich texture and depth.
These qualities are especially appreciated in collections designed to communicate comfort, authenticity and timeless elegance.
What is Worsted Spun Merino?
After the initial preparation, fibres intended for worsted spinning undergo an additional combing process.
This removes most of the shorter fibres while aligning the longer fibres in the same direction.
The result is an extremely regular fibre ribbon from which a smoother and more compact yarn is produced.
Compared with woolen spun yarn, worsted spun yarn offers:
greater compactness;
smoother surface;
exceptional uniformity;
sharper stitch definition;
increased durability.
Visually, it creates a cleaner and more refined fabric.
The Appearance of Worsted Knitwear
Knitwear produced from worsted spun yarn generally features:
clearly defined stitches;
smooth surface;
minimal fuzziness;
elegant appearance;
excellent drape.
These characteristics make worsted Merino particularly popular in modern, minimalist collections.
Woolen or Worsted: Which One Should You Choose?
There is no universally better choice.
The right yarn depends entirely on the desired result.
Woolen spun Merino is ideal when looking for:
maximum softness;
superior warmth;
a fuller hand;
a classic, natural appearance.
Worsted spun Merino is preferable when seeking:
a cleaner look;
lighter garments;
refined elegance;
perfectly defined knit structures.
Both yarn types can be produced from premium-quality extra-fine Merino.
The difference lies not in the quality of the wool itself, but in the way the fibres are processed and in the performance and aesthetics of the finished garment.
Knitting Gauge Makes a Difference
The knitting machine gauge also plays an important role in determining the final result.
At Due Toscani we manufacture garments using both woolen and worsted extra-fine Merino.
Woolen Spun Extra-Fine Merino
Typically knitted on:
Gauge 5
Gauge 7
Gauge 12
These gauges create softer, warmer and fuller garments that are ideal for sweaters, cardigans, turtlenecks and premium casual knitwear.
Worsted Spun Extra-Fine Merino
Typically knitted on:
Gauge 18
Gauge 18 produces lightweight, elegant garments with exceptional stitch definition.
It is particularly suitable for:
lightweight crew neck sweaters;
knitted polo shirts;
mock necks and turtlenecks;
fine cardigans;
year-round knitwear collections.
Choosing the Right Yarn for Your Market
The target market should always influence the yarn selection.
Luxury boutiques often appreciate the warm, authentic character of woolen spun Merino.
Contemporary fashion brands, on the other hand, frequently prefer worsted yarns because of their cleaner appearance and modern elegance.
Before developing a new knitwear collection, it is therefore important to consider:
your target customer;
desired retail price;
garment weight;
seasonality;
brand positioning.
Choosing the right yarn at the beginning of the project often makes the difference between a good garment and an exceptional one.
The Due Toscani Approach
At Due Toscani, we work closely with every customer to identify the most suitable yarn for each project.
We manufacture premium Made in Italy knitwear using both woolen spun and worsted spun extra-fine Merino, selecting the best solution according to the desired style, fit, gauge and market positioning.
Whether you choose one of our Due Toscani collections or develop your own private label project, our goal remains the same: transforming your ideas into high-quality knitwear made with the finest Italian manufacturing expertise.
Why International Brands Choose Italian Cashmere Production
When fashion brands, boutiques, and concept stores search for a cashmere manufacturer in Italy, they are looking for much more than a supplier. They are looking for expertise, reliability, craftsmanship, flexibility, and the prestige that only authentic Made in Italy manufacturing can provide.
Italy has been recognized worldwide for excellence in textile production for generations, and within Italy, the textile district of Prato represents one of the most important centers for premium knitwear manufacturing.
At Due Toscani, we proudly continue this tradition by designing and producing high-quality cashmere knitwear entirely in Italy for international retailers and private label brands.
Why Choose an Italian Cashmere Manufacturer?
Choosing an Italian manufacturer means investing in quality, consistency, and long-term value.
Unlike mass production, Italian knitwear manufacturing focuses on:
Premium raw materials
Skilled craftsmanship
Advanced knitting technology
Attention to every production detail
Strict quality control
Sustainable manufacturing practices
The result is a product designed to last, both in quality and style.
Authentic Made in Italy Production
Today, the expression Made in Italy is often overused.
For us, it represents a complete production philosophy.
Every Due Toscani garment is developed and manufactured in the Prato textile district, where every production stage is carefully supervised:
Product development
Yarn sourcing
Knitting programming
Production
Linking and assembly
Washing and finishing
Quality inspection
Final packaging
This direct control ensures consistent quality and reliable production standards.
Specialists in Cashmere Knitwear
Unlike manufacturers producing multiple apparel categories, Due Toscani specializes exclusively in knitwear.
Our collections include:
Crew neck sweaters
V-neck sweaters
Turtlenecks
Cardigans
Polo sweaters
Hoodies
Ponchos
Scarves
Beanies
Gloves
Shawls
Coordinated accessories
Our expertise allows us to recommend the most suitable yarns, knitting gauges, constructions, and finishing techniques for every project.
Virgin Cashmere and Recycled Cashmere
One of our strengths is offering both luxury and sustainable solutions.
We manufacture collections using:
Virgin Cashmere
Premium-quality yarns for luxury collections with exceptional softness, warmth, and durability.
Recycled Cashmere
Sustainably produced Italian recycled cashmere that combines environmental responsibility with premium quality.
This allows brands to offer products for different market segments while working with a single trusted manufacturer.
Private Label Cashmere Manufacturing
Many of our customers want to create their own brand rather than sell existing labels.
Due Toscani offers complete Private Label manufacturing, including:
Custom designs
Exclusive colors
Personalized labels
Hang tags
Packaging
Size specifications
Brand identity customization
We transform your ideas into finished products while maintaining the highest manufacturing standards.
Advanced Italian Knitting Technology
Traditional craftsmanship alone is no longer enough.
Modern luxury knitwear combines artisanal expertise with cutting-edge technology.
Our production utilizes advanced Shima Seiki knitting technology to ensure:
Superior consistency
Precision knitting
Excellent fit
Efficient production
High-quality finishing
Technology supports craftsmanship—it never replaces it.
Flexible Manufacturing for Fashion Brands
Every customer has different needs.
Some require seasonal collections.
Others need ongoing production or regular replenishment.
We support:
Seasonal collections
Capsule collections
Wholesale production
Scheduled manufacturing
Repeat orders
Private Label programs
Our production model adapts to your business rather than forcing you into rigid manufacturing processes.
Working Directly with the Manufacturer
One of the biggest advantages of choosing Due Toscani is direct communication.
There are no unnecessary intermediaries between your brand and the production team.
This means:
Faster communication
Better technical support
Greater transparency
Shorter decision-making times
More efficient product development
Our customers work directly with the people responsible for manufacturing their collections.
More Than a Supplier
We don't simply manufacture garments.
We help brands develop successful collections.
Our team provides support in:
Yarn selection
Knit structures
Color development
Technical solutions
Production planning
Manufacturing optimization
We believe long-term partnerships create the best results for everyone.
Why International Brands Choose Due Toscani
Our customers choose us because they value:
Authentic Made in Italy production
Italian textile expertise
Cashmere specialization
Virgin and recycled cashmere collections
Private Label manufacturing
Flexible production
Direct communication
Reliable lead times
Premium quality standards
Long-term partnerships
The Value of Manufacturing in Prato
Prato is one of Europe's most important textile districts.
For decades it has been synonymous with:
Luxury fibers
Premium knitwear
Textile innovation
Sustainable manufacturing
Skilled craftsmanship
Manufacturing in Prato means becoming part of one of the world's most respected textile traditions.
Finding the right cashmere manufacturer in Italy means choosing more than production capacity.
It means selecting a partner capable of combining craftsmanship, technology, flexibility, and reliability.
At Due Toscani, we proudly manufacture premium Italian cashmere knitwear for boutiques, retailers, and fashion brands worldwide.
Whether you are launching your own label or expanding an established collection, we are ready to help transform your ideas into authentic Made in Italy products.
More Than a Cashmere Manufacturer: Your Italian Partner for Premium Knitwear
In today's premium knitwear market, choosing a manufacturer is about much more than buying garments. It means finding a partner capable of transforming your ideas into successful collections while ensuring quality, reliability, flexibility, and transparency.
That is exactly why more and more boutiques, concept stores, retailers, and international fashion brands choose Due Toscani.
An Italian Company Based in the Heart of the Prato Textile District
Due Toscani develops and manufactures its collections entirely in the textile district of Prato, one of the world's most renowned centers for luxury fibers and premium knitwear production.
Every stage of production is carefully managed:
Design and product development
Yarn selection
Shima Seiki knitting programming
Knitting production
Linking and garment assembly
Washing and finishing
Quality control
Final packaging
Producing locally allows us to oversee every detail without relying on outsourced manufacturing or intermediaries.
We Manufacture What We Sell
Many companies simply trade products made by others.
We don't.
Every Due Toscani garment is developed directly with our technicians and long-standing manufacturing partners.
This allows us to:
Maintain consistently high quality standards
Respond quickly during production
Offer extensive customization
Guarantee realistic lead times
Build a direct relationship with every client
When you speak with Due Toscani, you are speaking directly with the people who manufacture your products.
Specialists in Cashmere Knitwear
We don't produce every type of clothing.
Our expertise is premium knitwear.
Our collections include:
Men's sweaters
Women's knitwear
Cardigans
Turtlenecks
Polo sweaters
Scarves
Beanies
Gloves
Ponchos
Coordinated accessories
We primarily work with:
Virgin cashmere
Recycled cashmere
Extrafine merino wool
Merino silk
Cashmere silk blends
This specialization allows us to master every aspect of luxury knitwear production.
Virgin Cashmere and Recycled Cashmere
Few manufacturers can genuinely offer expertise in both.
Due Toscani develops premium collections made from virgin cashmere as well as sustainable collections crafted from recycled cashmere, entirely Made in Italy.
This gives our customers the opportunity to address different market segments while working with a single trusted supplier.
Private Label Manufacturing
Many of our clients are not looking to sell someone else's brand.
They want to build their own.
For this reason, we specialize in Private Label production, offering complete customization of:
Woven labels
Composition labels
Hang tags
Packaging
Exclusive colors
Sizes
Designs
Your brand remains the focus—we take care of the manufacturing.
Flexible Production
Every customer has different requirements.
That is why we offer several production solutions.
We work with:
Seasonal collections
Scheduled production
Reorders
Capsule collections
Continuous production programs
Flexibility is one of our greatest strengths.
More Than 15 Years of Knitwear Manufacturing Experience
Over the years we have collaborated with:
Independent boutiques
Concept stores
Specialty retailers
Distributors
Emerging fashion brands
International labels
This experience enables us to understand our customers' commercial needs and provide practical manufacturing solutions.
No Middlemen
One of the greatest advantages of working with Due Toscani is direct communication.
Our customers speak directly with the people managing their projects.
This means:
Faster responses
Greater transparency
Fewer mistakes
Faster decision-making
Continuous support throughout production
Authentic Made in Italy Production
Today, the expression "Made in Italy" is often used too loosely.
For us, it has a precise meaning.
Design, knitting, garment assembly, quality control, finishing, and packaging are all carried out within the Prato textile district.
Made in Italy is not simply a label.
It is our way of working.
More Than a Supplier—A Long-Term Partner
Our goal is not simply to fulfill an order.
We aim to build lasting partnerships.
We help our customers select the most suitable:
Materials
Yarn counts
Knitting gauges
Colors
Manufacturing solutions
We share the knowledge gained through years of hands-on manufacturing experience because when our customers grow, Due Toscani grows with them.
Why Choose Due Toscani?
Because choosing Due Toscani means choosing:
Authentic Made in Italy manufacturing
Specialized expertise in cashmere knitwear
Direct manufacturing experience
Virgin and recycled cashmere collections
Private Label production
Fully controlled production processes
Consistent premium quality
Direct communication with the manufacturer
Flexible production capacity
Technical and commercial support
In a market where many companies sell products they do not manufacture, Due Toscani offers a different approach: complete knowledge of every stage of production, direct control over manufacturing, and long-term relationships built on trust.
If you are looking for an Italian cashmere knitwear manufacturer for your boutique, concept store, or fashion brand, Due Toscani is ready to become your trusted partner in developing authentic Made in Italy collections with the quality, expertise, and flexibility demanded by today's international market.
When a customer asks us to create a new knitwear style, the request often sounds very simple:
"Can you make a sample?"
The answer is almost always yes.
However, behind that single garment lies a development process that requires highly specialized expertise, time, advanced technology, and a significant production investment.
For this reason, at Due Toscani we consider every sample to be the first step of a production project, not simply a demonstration piece.
A Sample Begins Long Before the Machine Starts Knitting
Creating an electronic knitwear garment means transforming an idea into a program capable of communicating with a Shima Seiki knitting machine.
Before the machine is even switched on, several technical steps are required:
Analyzing the design
Defining the knit structure
Selecting the yarn and gauge
Engineering every construction detail
Developing the knitting program
This work can only be carried out by highly skilled Shima Seiki programmers—professionals who have acquired their expertise through years of training and practical experience.
Every new style represents a completely new engineering project.
The First Sample Is Rarely the Final One
Many people believe that once the program has been created, the machine simply knits the finished garment.
In reality, the first prototype is produced to evaluate how the garment behaves.
During this phase we carefully assess:
Fit
Measurements
Stitch structure
Yarn tension
Finishing details
Yarn consumption
Performance after washing
It is perfectly normal to modify the knitting program and produce additional prototypes before achieving the desired result.
Sample development is therefore an engineering process, not simply manufacturing.
The Knitting Machine Is Dedicated to Sample Development
While a prototype is being developed, the knitting machine is dedicated exclusively to that project.
This means it cannot be used to manufacture garments for existing customer orders.
Sample development therefore occupies valuable production capacity that could otherwise be used for regular manufacturing.
This is another important cost that often remains invisible to those outside the industry.
The Value of Specialized Expertise
Programming Shima Seiki knitting machines is one of the most specialized skills in the knitwear industry.
Every program requires technical knowledge, creativity and many hours of work.
Depending on the complexity of the style, developing the knitting program alone represents a significant investment. In addition, there are the costs of:
Programmer's time
Knitting technician
Machine setup and operation
Yarn consumption
Quality control
Linking and finishing
Washing and final inspection
The real value of developing a knitwear sample is therefore much higher than the cost of producing a single garment.
Why We Charge for Sample Development
At Due Toscani, we charge a €200 contribution for developing a new sample.
This amount is largely symbolic and covers only a portion of the actual costs involved.
Our objective is not to sell samples, but to dedicate our time, expertise and production capacity to projects with a genuine intention of moving into production.
This approach allows us to provide every client with the highest level of attention while maintaining the quality standards that define our work.
Building Long-Term Partnerships
When we develop a sample, our goal is not simply to deliver a prototype.
Our goal is to lay the foundation for a successful production project.
We believe that the relationship between manufacturer and customer should be based on mutual trust, transparency and a shared vision.
For this reason, we are always pleased to invest our expertise in projects that have a real opportunity to become long-term collaborations.
Due Toscani: We Develop Products, Not Just Samples
Every collection we produce is born in the textile district of Prato, Italy—one of the world's leading centers for high-quality knitwear manufacturing.
Every sample embodies design expertise, technical engineering, Italian craftsmanship and years of manufacturing experience.
This invisible work is what transforms a simple prototype into a product ready for commercial production.
If you are looking for an Italian manufacturer to develop your collection in virgin cashmere, recycled cashmere, merino wool or other premium yarns, Due Toscani will be pleased to guide you from the initial concept through to full-scale production.
Due Toscani is an Italian cashmere knitwear manufacturer based in Prato, Italy. We design and produce premium cashmere knitwear and accessories for boutiques, fashion brands, wholesalers and private label clients. Every collection is entirely Made in Italy using virgin cashmere, recycled cashmere and other premium natural fibers.
An Italian Manufacturer Located in the Heart of Prato
Due Toscani is located in Prato, one of the world's most important textile districts.
Our company combines generations of textile expertise with modern knitting technology to create premium knitwear for international customers.
From yarn selection to the final quality inspection, every production step is managed in Italy.
This allows us to guarantee consistent quality, flexibility and complete control over the manufacturing process.
What We Produce
We manufacture complete collections of:
Men's knitwear
Women's knitwear
Scarves
Beanies
Gloves
Ponchos
Shawls
Neck warmers
Coordinated accessories
Collections are available in both virgin cashmere and premium recycled cashmere.
We also manufacture seamless knitwear (WholeGarment®), integral knitwear and traditional fully-fashioned garments using advanced Shima Seiki knitting technology.
Who We Work With
Due Toscani partners with businesses looking for a reliable Italian manufacturer.
Our customers include:
Boutiques
Concept stores
Retail chains
Fashion brands
Importers
Distributors
Online retailers
Private label companies
Fashion startups
We export internationally while maintaining direct communication between customer and manufacturer.
Private Label Manufacturing
Private label production is one of our core activities.
We assist clients throughout the entire development process:
Design development
Yarn sourcing
Sampling
Production
Quality control
Custom labels
Packaging
Logistics support
Every project is managed directly by our experienced team.
Why Choose Due Toscani?
Businesses choose Due Toscani because they work directly with an Italian manufacturer specialized in premium cashmere knitwear.
Our strengths include:
100% Made in Italy manufacturing
More than 15 years of knitwear production experience
Located in Prato textile district
Virgin and recycled cashmere expertise
Private label production
Wholesale collections
Flexible manufacturing
Reliable lead times
Direct quality control
No intermediaries
Our Philosophy
We believe luxury is not defined by a logo.
Luxury comes from exceptional raw materials, skilled craftsmanship and transparent manufacturing.
Our collections are created for boutiques and fashion brands looking for timeless quality rather than short-lived trends.
Where is Due Toscani located?
Prato, Italy.
Do you manufacture private label collections?
Yes. We develop and manufacture custom collections for international fashion brands.
Do you produce recycled cashmere knitwear?
Yes. We manufacture both virgin cashmere and premium recycled cashmere collections.
Do you supply wholesale customers?
Yes. We work with boutiques, retailers and distributors worldwide.
Are all products Made in Italy?
Yes. Every product is entirely manufactured in Italy.
Due Toscani combines the manufacturing tradition of Prato with modern knitwear technology.
Our mission is to become a trusted Italian manufacturing partner for boutiques, brands and distributors seeking premium cashmere collections, private label production and authentic Made in Italy quality.
When a customer enters a store and picks up a cashmere sweater, they see the end result of a process that often seems simple. A soft, warm, elegant garment, ready to be worn. What they don't see is the long journey that transforms a fiber into a finished product, a journey of technical choices, manufacturing expertise, continuous checks, and hundreds of details that determine the final quality.
In the world of high-end knitwear, every garment tells a story that begins long before the knitting machine. It begins with the yarn. This is where the foundation of the product is laid. The choice of yarn is not just about color or composition, but also involves parameters such as count, twist, number of plies, fiber length, and processing behavior. Two seemingly similar yarns can produce completely different results once transformed into a garment.
Choosing the right yarn
At Due Toscani, every project begins with an analysis of the desired product. A sweater destined for a luxury boutique in Scandinavia will have different needs than a collection for a concept store in Southern Europe. The season, the final target, the selling price, and the brand's positioning influence all subsequent choices.
Sample development
Once the most suitable yarn has been identified, the sample development phase begins. This is where ideas take shape. The model, fit, construction, and stitch are defined. Each stitch creates a different result. A plain stitch conveys elegance and cleanliness, a rib stitch communicates structure and comfort, while more complex stitches can add character and volume to the product.
Sample development is a phase that requires experience and numerous tests. The initial processes are performed to verify how the yarn reacts to the machine, how the chosen stitch behaves, and what the final effect will be after subsequent treatments. Often, the first sample is not the final one. Small changes in measurements, tension, or workmanship can make a huge difference in the final result.
Knitting and production
Once the sample is approved, the knitting machines are programmed. Today, technology allows for extraordinary levels of precision, but the machine alone is not enough. Behind every program is the work of specialized technicians who understand the behavior of the yarn and know how to achieve the best possible result.
The actual production process is a fascinating phase. Thousands of meters of yarn flow through needles and electronic systems that transform a simple thread into panels, sleeves, collars, and details. Each machine operates according to extremely precise parameters. An incorrect tension or even the slightest variation can affect the entire garment.
Finishing
Once the process is complete, the product enters the manufacturing phase. In traditional garments, the different parts are joined by specialized personnel who assemble the sweater with millimeter precision. In more advanced systems, certain processes allow for almost completely seamless garments, improving comfort and fit.
At this point, the garment is not yet ready. In fact, it is likely at the most delicate stage of its transformation. This is where the finishing comes into play, a series of processes that determine much of the quality perceived by the end customer.
Washing, fulling, drying, and stabilization profoundly alter the product. It is during these stages that cashmere develops much of its softness, volume, and characteristic feel. A properly executed treatment enhances the yarn. An incorrect treatment can jeopardize weeks of work.
Quality control
After finishing, quality control begins. Each garment is inspected for measurements, stitch regularity, any defects, and compliance with the approved sample. This is often an invisible step, but it is essential to ensure continuity and reliability over time.
Only after passing all these checks is the garment ironed, labeled, packaged, and prepared for shipping. What arrives in the store is the result of a process involving diverse skills, advanced technologies, and a deep knowledge of the raw material.
For a buyer, understanding how a knitwear garment is created means understanding the true value of the product. Behind a cashmere sweater is more than just a yarn transformed into a garment, but a sequence of technical and production decisions that influence quality, comfort, durability, and the perceived value.
At Due Toscani, we believe that quality doesn't come from a single element, but from the balance between raw materials, experience, technology, and attention to detail. It's this balance that transforms a simple yarn into a garment designed to last and represent the best of Tuscan manufacturing tradition.
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