A Wool New World: Our New Machine-Washable Fabric Comes from the Italian Alps

March 16, 2018 | Filed in: Your Closet

Our customers aren’t shy about expressing their preference for machine-washable fabrics. As one so eloquently put it, “Once things go into my dry-cleaning pile, they may as well not exist.” We get it, which is why we’re excited to introduce our new, machine-washable wool from Tollegno, Italy.

Our design team has always loved wool for its warmth, comfort, and durability. “Wool is special because it’s a natural fiber that has thermal control properties, meaning you can feel comfortable in varying temperatures,” explains Audrey, MM’s Director of Fabric Research and Development. The downside? Many wool varieties are dry-clean only. “Wool fiber has scales, and when you wash it, the scales lock and the garment shrinks—this is called ‘felting.’ For our washable wool, the fibers have been stripped of the scales so that when it’s washed, it doesn’t felt,” says Audrey. “It’s the same wool you know and love from MM, but in a version that can be tossed in your washing machine.”

Inside the Tollegno factory.

Our washable wool is sourced from Tollegno, a legendary textile mill in northern Italy. The factory is nestled in the foothills of the Alps, in a region known as “the city of wool.” The high mountain pastures and abundant water supply make the area ideal for raising sheep, and Tollegno is one of very few mills that oversees the entire production process, from breeding sheep to dyeing, weaving, and finishing the fabric.

While we love that our new wool pieces come from happy, Alps-roaming sheep, we also love the wool for its quality. It’s machine-washable, but it’s also lightweight, breathable, and has just the right amount of stretch. Check out a few of our favorite wool pieces below. We’re confident you’ll love them as much as we do.

The Toi dress is an easy A-line you’ll reach for multiple days of the week.

The twirl-worthy Carlisle skirt transitions seamlessly from 5pm meetings to happy hour, thanks to a breezy A-line shape.

The streamlined Mejia pant features deep pockets, a straight fit through the thigh, and a slight taper at the calf.

Thanks to angled darts and a subtle yoke in the back, the Cobble Hill skirt sits smoothly on the hips—no tugging or straightening required.

A wrap closure and cinched waist lend the Catherine dress its cool factor.

The fitted, petite-friendly Crosby skirt features vertical front seams that make for a smooth silhouette.

Want to shop other wardrobe staples? Peruse the Power Play collection.