You might find the streets of Milan somewhat gray and reserved, but step inside its residential buildings, and a hidden world of grace and refinement reveals itself. The elegance of the true Milanese is not merely displayed in their public attire but is deeply rooted in their domestic life—from the crispness of bed linens and the softness of pajamas to the drape of a tablecloth and the texture of a sofa throw. To satisfy these intimate demands, the Milanese turn to Telerie Spadari Milano.
Opened in 1946 and situated just steps from the Duomo on Via Spadari, Telerie Spadari Milano (TSM) is a landmark for bespoke shirt-making, fine linens, and household textiles. In Italy, the word “telerie” originally referred to high-quality household fabrics, but since the 19th century, it has come to denote prestigious linen shops representing traditional craftsmanship and taste. During Milan’s golden era of the mid-20th century—amidst a boom in consumption and domestic aesthetics—dozens of these “telerie” dotted the city center, particularly around Brera and the Duomo.
I first stumbled upon TSM by chance during Fashion Week, immediately drawn in by its three beautiful display windows. I still recall the striped cotton pajamas I purchased that day; even after countless spins in the washing machine, the fabric remains remarkably soft and substantial.
Stepping inside, one is immediately captivated by the thousands of patterns and textures lining the shelves. While primarily stocked for their bespoke shirt-making service, these fabrics also attract designers curating their own collections. Nearest to the window lies the iconic selection of Liberty London prints. Known for their Tana Lawn™ Egyptian cotton and vibrant motifs, these fabrics offer an ultra-fine density that is impossibly light and soft to the touch—the perfect choice for spring and summer sleepwear.
However, it is Carlo Riva—widely considered the finest shirting fabric in the world—that occupies the place of honor on TSM’s shelves. Produced in Como, Carlo Riva is the darling of “old money” connoisseurs. Woven exclusively on vintage wooden shuttle looms, the fabric is instantly recognizable by its width: a mere 90cm, compared to modern standards. The process involves low tension and slow, manual advancement. Once woven, the fabric must rest in a temperature-controlled room for over a year to allow the fibers to naturally “sublimate.” Typically made from top-tier Giza 45 cotton, the result is a fabric with a buttery hand-feel, substantial yet resilient, possessing a depth and luster that is simply unmatched.
The collection also features renowned British weaver Thomas Mason. Recently, TSM collaborated with Thomas Mason to launch a limited capsule collection of tailored nightwear, blending classic British stripes and high-thread-count cottons with Milanese sartorial tradition and Italian design sensibilities.
