Gran Sasso was founded in 1952 in Sant’Egidio alla Vibrata, a small village situated on the border between the Marche and Abruzzo regions, by four brothers: Nello, Eraldo, Alceo and Francesco Di Stefano. Their ambition was simple: to create the finest knitwear possible by drawing on traditional techniques and local expertise. The brand’s name comes from the Gran Sasso d’Italia, the highest peak in the Apennine mountain range, situated near the village where the company was founded.

Gran Sasso at Clusier

We love Gran Sasso for its deep regional roots: Abruzzo is considered the true heart of the Italian knitwear tradition, and the brand has established a genuine expertise there, which it continues to pass on today to the third generation of the Di Stefano family. The company primarily uses Mongolian cashmere, extra-fine Australian and New Zealand merino, and Sea Island cotton, always as part of a fully integrated production process. From yarn to dyeing, everything is done in-house.

One technical detail is worth highlighting: Gran Sasso has helped to revive the “rimaglio,” an artisanal technique that involves joining knitted pieces stitch by stitch to create a seamless construction. This skill was on the verge of disappearing in the region; the brand has set up its own training academy to ensure its survival.

For the man seeking a truly well-made jumper or cardigan, Gran Sasso offers exceptional quality and proven durability. Come and discover our extensive collection at Clusier; the fine knit and the softness of the fabrics will quickly win over even the most sceptical.

The company also continues to prioritize natural dyes for a large part of its production—a choice that requires more time and expertise than synthetic dyes, but which gives the colours a depth and longevity that are difficult to replicate otherwise. It is this constant attention to technical detail, inherited directly from the four founding brothers, that keeps Gran Sasso amongst the undisputed leaders in Italian knitwear.