Colmar
Manifattura Mario Colombo & C. S.p.A. · Italy
Colmar is an Italian sportswear and skiwear brand founded in 1923 in Monza by Mario Colombo. It is made by Manifattura Mario Colombo & C. S.p.A., which also supplied the Italian ski team, and today sells ski, down jacket and Originals collections for men, women and children.
| Founded | 1923 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Mario Colombo |
| Place of founding | Monza, Italy |
| Operating company | Manifattura Mario Colombo & C. S.p.A. |
| Segment | Premium and contemporary |
| Website | colmar.com |
What is Colmar?
Colmar is an Italian brand of skiwear, down jackets and sportswear. The name combines the first three letters of the surname and the first name of its founder, Mario Colombo, chosen by a vote among friends at a pastry shop in Monza. The legal entity named on the official website is Manifattura Mario Colombo & C. S.p.A.
History
According to Italian Wikipedia, the company began with felt hats and gaiters, then made workwear. After the Second World War it specialised in sportswear, especially skiwear. In 1952 it outfitted the Italian ski team at the Olympics and, with the skier Zeno Colo, developed an aerodynamic windbreaker. In the 1970s it made race suits for Italian skiers at the Sapporo and Innsbruck Olympics and the St Moritz World Championships.
Mario Colombo's sons Giancarlo and Angelo led the growth into sportswear. Both died in 2010. In 2009 the company expanded into fashion and launched the youth-focused Colmar Originals line, and from 2011 it was official supplier to the Italian water-ski and wakeboard federation for three years.
Products and positioning
The official website offers Originals and Ski collections, with down jackets, clothing, shoes and accessories for men, women and children. The brand sits at the premium end of sportswear, linking technical skiwear heritage with fashion.
Business model and distribution
Colmar sells through its own online shop and a flagship store, and the sources reviewed do not detail its wholesale network. Current ownership beyond the company name is not stated in the sources, so it is not described here.
Why it matters
Colmar is a long-established Italian name that moved from technical team outfitting into mainstream premium outerwear, and it competes with other Italian down and outdoor labels.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Colmar from?
Colmar is an Italian brand founded in 1923 in Monza by Mario Colombo. The name combines the first letters of his surname and first name.
What is Colmar known for?
Colmar is known for skiwear and down jackets. It outfitted the Italian ski team at the 1952 Olympics and expanded into fashion in 2009.