What should you buy in Portugal during your visit? Portuguese wool clothes.
Lisbon may not have freezing winters, but it can feel pretty cold. The humidity from the Atlantic moves right through your bones, and that is when a good wool coat or sweater is essential.
Fortunately, Portugal produces excellent wool. The country has a long tradition of wool weaving, especially in the Serra da Estrela region, where sheep have been raised for centuries.
If you enjoy natural fabrics, traditional craftsmanship, and clothes that actually keep you warm, Lisbon has several places where you can find beautiful wool pieced made in Portugal.
Before we go shopping, it helps to understand Portuguese wool.
Portuguese wool, like many European wools, tends to be a bit more rustic than some luxury wools. It is not always extremely soft, but it is warm, durable, and made to last.
That means you should always touch the fabric before buying. Feel the sweaters, coats, and scarves. Some will feel firmer, others softer.
Personally, I enjoy doing that. I admit it, I am a serial fabric petter.
Portugal’s wool industry is small and unique, with many family-run factories. We value them and want their legacy to continue.
Support Portuguese wool and
keep this rich tradition alive!
One of Portugal’s most traditional wools, treated and compressed until it becomes dense and resistant. The process creates a fabric that is warm, durable, and water-resistant.
It was originally used by shepherds in the mountains of Serra da Estrela and the Alentejo. Today, designers use Burel to create coats, bags, furniture pieces, and home decor.
If you spend time in Portugal during the winter, you will probably end up owning at least one Burel piece.
I certainly did.
One of the most interesting Portuguese wool producers is Ecolã, located in the Serra da Estrela region. They are the oldest family-owned-and-run wool factory in Portugal.
Ecolã is one of the few companies that maintains the full traditional wool cycle. They work with local shepherds, spin the wool, and produce blankets, coats, scarves, and home goods using traditional techniques.
Their products are simple, elegant, practical, and made to last. Many of their designs reflect the rural life of the mountain region where the wool comes from.
What I liked about Ecolã is that their pieces feel authentic, while some have very traditional designs, others are true to the original Portuguese Burel coats. They are preserving the Portuguese textile tradition.
If you ever visit Serra da Estrela, you can even visit their factory and see how the wool is processed and the products are made.
For anyone interested in Portuguese craftsmanship, it is a fascinating stop.
I love Retrosoaria Pomar and always find it hard to leave with only what I need.
The staff is knowledgeable and helpful. They’ll explain the different types of Portuguese yarn, help you choose the right knitting and crochet needles, and can ship your purchases.
So you don’t worry about overpacking while traveling.
Check out their famous, iconic soft-sheep-sweater, designed by store owner Rosa Pomar. It is made of Portuguese Merino and is very warm.
I have one and have been using it quite a bit this winter. They look cute with jeans or a more formal skirt, and they look great on men and women alike.
Retrosaria supports endangered Portuguese sheep, sustainability, and the
preservation of wool and its culture.
Rosa Pomar has traveled throughout Portugal, meeting shepherds, spinners, and artisans to create the best Portuguese yarn.
Pomar researches textiles and traditional wool products, and she is currently studying Madeira’s wool artifacts.
Madeira knitters make beautiful sweaters that may remind you of Nordic winter sweaters, but they have a charming Portuguese
twist.
Do you want to learn more about Portuguese knitting? Check out Rosa Pomar’s book: Portuguese Knitting.
This is the store for you, knitters and hobbyists!
Restrosaria offers many workshops that will make your trip to Lisbon extra
special!
Do you want to know more about Portuguese wool? Here is Rosa Pomar’s interview.
Another interesting place for wool clothing is Naz located near Praça das Flores.
Marguerite Beaty, Blogger, Photographer & Artist
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