Supplier Portrait Oliveira

In the heart of Covilhã, Portugal’s historic textile centre in the Serra da Estrela region, lies Paulo de Oliveira — one of Europe’s largest and most respected producers of wool fabrics. Since its founding in 1936, the company has grown into one of the world’s leading fabric producers, built on technical innovation, traditional textile craftsmanship, and a strong commitment to sustainability.

Paulo de Oliveira is a vertically integrated company, meaning that the entire production chain, from wool fibre to finished fabric, takes place under one roof. At its modern facility in Covilhã, the raw material is processed through every stage: spinning, weaving, dyeing, finishing and quality control. The result is more than 7,500,000 square metres of fabric produced each year, primarily for suits, outerwear and uniforms.

The wool used in production mainly comes from some of the finest merino sheep in Australia, ensuring a soft, durable and high-quality fibre. The selection of raw materials is subject to strict requirements, both in terms of fibre length and purity, to ensure that every stage of production meets the highest possible standard.

The manufacturing process is defined by a close relationship between tradition and technology. With advanced machinery, modern laboratories for colour and finish development, and an experienced technical team, the company’s 550 employees create fabrics that combine comfort and aesthetics. Paulo de Oliveira is also a world leader in the production of wool fabrics with elastane, known for their excellent stretch properties.

Sustainability is a central part of Paulo de Oliveira’s operations. During the 21st century, the company has made significant investments in more environmentally conscious technology. Among other initiatives, it has installed more than 21,000 solar panels across its factories and uses its own water treatment facility to reuse process water, reducing its environmental impact considerably. The company also works actively with research partners, including the University of Beira Interior, to increase the proportion of recycled water and further improve resource management.

Several of Paulo de Oliveira’s fabrics meet the criteria for international sustainability certifications such as the Responsible Wool Standard, Organic Content Standard and Global Recycled Standard. Through its combination of technical expertise, environmental awareness and respect for textile craftsmanship, Paulo de Oliveira has established itself as a leading European textile producer

“We are the European market leader in wool stretch fabrics and have been producing wool with elastane for more than 50 years. We were also among the first weavers in Europe to use elastic yarns. It is an honour for us to contribute this expertise to Oscar Jacobson’s unique assortment.”

Miguel Oliveira, Director, Paulo Oliveira Group

“Paulo de Oliveira brings a unique combination of versatility and quality, making their fabrics an important part of both our spring and autumn collections.”

Carl-Johan Frisk, Collection Manager, Oscar Jacobson