Springtime in Lugano is truly incredible, and getting a tour from Michele Genovesi, the new owner of Hocosa, made it extra special. Last spring, during our Warmth and Weather manufacturer tour, our final visit was to Hocosa, nestled in the charming city of Lugano, Switzerland. In this part of Switzerland, Italian is the language spoken, and there are no signs to guide you around the city! The first time I visited, I ended up asking a local to help us find our way—my maps were about as useful as a chocolate teapot since I didn’t even know where I was!
Michele Genovesi with Jared and I in Lugano on Lago di Lugano.
First thing in the morning, Michele picked us up and took us to Hocosa’s site in Bedano, just outside of Lugano. We started by meeting Michele to learn about the new products and had the chance to see and feel the entire line produced by Hocosa. We then toured their manufacturing facility, where we saw the warehouse and met many of the creators, each one with their special task—laying out fabric for cutting, sewing, adding cuffs, and finishing touches like snaps, labels, and steaming for packaging. The operation runs smoothly, and everyone seems to genuinely enjoy their work. Many staff members work flexible hours so they can be home to meet their children after school. It’s clear that Michele and his wife Alessandra love their work, and this passion radiates through the entire team. Many of the workers have been there for years—decades even.
Our Hocosa product line is a testament to the brand's dedication to quality and comfort. We offer a 100% merino line, known for being the warmest next-to-skin base layer, and a 70% merino/30% silk line, which offers exceptional softness due to the silk content. These collections cater to babies, children, women, and men, with some items designed to be unisex. We even have a custom-made line of children's leggings with knee patches, designed to strengthen and protect the knees for extra durability. Our leggings, a customer favorite, feature a cuff that keeps them snug at the ankle, perfect for tucking into socks. If you're looking for warmth, softness, or added durability for little ones, you’ll find something to love in our beautiful Hocosa collection.
Once the business of the day was complete, we began our tour of Lugano. We had lunch at a fine restaurant near the water—where the food was nothing short of remarkable and abundant! Afterward, we took a leisurely walk along the waterfront to a café on the dock, and, of course, we had to have gelato for dessert! We were treated to a warm and enthusiastic experience of the southern Italian region of Switzerland. Our hearts were warmed by everyone and everything we encountered.
Michele even gave us a few suggestions for things to do on our way back to Zurich, and this is where we went...Alpe Foppa where we rode the gondola up high into the mountains.
Thank you, Michele, for your warm welcome to Hocosa of Switzerland.
