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.
Illustration by Marguerite. The famous Retrosaria iconic sheep sweater
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. It looks cute with jeans or a more formal skirt, and they look great on men and women.
Portuguese sheep and the Retrosaria
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!
Where to buy Burel coats and 100% Portuguese wool sweaters made by the oldest Portuguese factory?
Ecolã in Principe Real, inside the beautiful Embaixada building!
Ecolã is the oldest Burel family-owned factory. They started out in 1925 and have perfected their yarns and fabrics. They believe in preserving the Portuguese wool industry and work hard to protect the culture and designs of everything wool in Portugal.
I visited their shop in Lisbon and was delighted with their Burel coats and sweaters. I spent a lot of time petting their fabrics and found all sorts of soft, softish, and rustic fabrics. Their color palette is beautiful!
The Ecolã factory is in the village of Manteigas, in Serra da Estrela. Make sure to book a visit when you go to Serra da Estrela.
Burel fabric coats at the Burel Factory store in Lisbon
Where to find Burel fabric items for your home and beautifully designed contemporary Burel coats:
Burel Factory in Chiado has two stores: one for clothing and one for home goods, including pet cushions.
Founded in 1947, the Burel Factory in Serra da Estrela was sold in 2011.
The current owners focus on sustainability and preserving the Portuguese wool industry.
They have revived Burel fabric with contemporary coats, clothing, and stunning bags.
The home goods store sells fantastic wall art made with Portuguese yarn and Burel fabric.
For those of you traveling, you can buy pillow cases, small rugs, throw blankets, and more that will fit in your case.
I love their stools and their puffs! They liven up any room.
If you are visiting Serra da Estrela, you can book a visit to their factory.
Illustration by Marguerite. The beautiful Dom Pastor coat.
Which Lisbon market sells unique Burel coats and Portuguese wool sweaters?
Campo do Ourique market! Visit my favourite store at the market: Dom Pastor.
They sell unique coats, hand-made wool articles, blended wool sweaters, and traditional 100% wool sweaters.
They also have amazing slippers and home goods.
Don’t forget to check out their typical Portuguese sweats made in Serra da Estrela.
Where can I buy recycled wool sweaters, colorful tops, Burel coats, trousers, and more?
Naz! It’s located near the gorgeous Praça das Flores.
Naz coats are undyed and biodegradable, with colors made by combining white and black yarn.
Their recycled wool sweaters blend Alpaca and wool, or cashmere and wool, for extra softness and warmth.
Naz works with small producers who source their materials and products from Portugal and Italy.
Portuguese wool
Did you know that Portugal produces fantastic wool, fabrics, coats, and sweaters?
The typical Portuguese wool (and many European wools) is a bit more rustic than other wools.
That means they are not always super soft; they are softish. But they are not scratchy.
So you will need to feel the fabrics, sweaters, and coats before buying, which is fun for those of us who like to pet fabrics and study them. I’m a serial fabric petter!
You will find different degrees of softness.
What is Burel?
Burel is a typical Portuguese fabric made of 100% sheep wool that has been treated to create a tighter weave and become water-resistant. It’s fabulous! I have a Burel winter coat and am so happy with it.
Why is Burel important in Portugal?
It’s the fabric used for the famous capes worn by the people who work in the fields, in agriculture. The Burel capes are water-resistant, warm, and allow for physical movement, making them crucial for the field worker.
Some capes have fox-fur collars, while others are made of sheepskin or Burel.
When you visit the Alentejo or the north of Portugal during the cold months, you will see many people (women, kids, and men) wearing these gorgeous capes.
Burel is a fantastic fabric for fall and winter coats.
Nowadays, Burel coats are light, making them good travel coats.
Marguerite Beaty, Blogger, Photographer & Artist
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