Max Mara

Max Mara in short

Max Mara is an Italian luxury fashion house founded in 1951 by Achille Maramotti in Reggio Emilia. Renowned for its women's coats, including the iconic 101801, the Manuela, and the Teddy Bear Coat, the brand remains privately owned by the Maramotti family.

Camel-coloured belted wool coat, cream knit sweater, and dark brown leather gloves arranged on a wooden table in soft daylight.

Facts and background

TopicDetails
Founded1951, by Achille Maramotti
OriginReggio Emilia, Italy
Owner/parent companyMax Mara Fashion Group, owned by the Maramotti family
Known forCamel coats, the 101801, the Manuela, and the Teddy Bear Coat
Price rangeLuxury; iconic coats typically sit in the multi-thousand-euro bracket

Achille Maramotti founded Max Mara in Reggio Emilia in 1951. He merged traditional Italian tailoring with ready-to-wear production: precision-cut garments in standardised sizes crafted from premium fabrics. Tailored coats and suits took centre stage. Introduced in 1981, the 101801 became the house's defining silhouette, followed in 2013 by the cocooning, voluminous Teddy Bear Coat. Max Mara remains a family-owned business and forms the cornerstone of the Max Mara Fashion Group.

Which Max Mara style suits you?

  • You are looking for a classic coat for work and daily wear — Consider the 101801 if you appreciate a double-breasted closure and an oversized silhouette. Try it on with the blazer or knitwear you usually wear underneath.
  • You want to define your waist — The Manuela features a matching belt that allows you to cinch the wrap coat as you prefer. It is crafted from pure camel hair; note that with other designs, camel may merely refer to the colour.
  • You want a statement winter coat — The Teddy Bear Coat is celebrated for its tactile volume and texture. Pay close attention to how the shoulders, sleeve length, and overall proportions balance with your frame.
  • You want a cohesive, understated wardrobe — Look beyond outerwear to tailored trousers, blazers, and knitwear. Compare shades and fabric textures in natural daylight if you plan to wear separate pieces together.
  • You are deciding between Max Mara and Weekend Max Mara — Max Mara is the flagship line, renowned for its luxury coats; Weekend Max Mara is an independent label within the same group, offering a more relaxed, casual aesthetic. Evaluate the specific cut and fabric, rather than just the label name.

Sizing, materials, and care

Fit varies significantly between models. An oversized coat is designed to drape differently from a tailored blazer, so avoid instinctively sizing down simply to reduce volume. Check the size guide and whether the retailer lists Italian sizing or converted sizes. Try a coat on both buttoned and open, move your arms, and ensure there is enough room for your usual winter layers.

Camel refers to a colour, whereas camel hair is a natural fibre. Always check the composition label: the 101801 is crafted from a wool-and-cashmere blend, the Manuela from pure camel hair, and other designs may feature different fabrics. Follow the care instructions, air your coat after wear, and store it dry on a broad, structured hanger. When necessary, have a valuable coat cleaned by a specialist experienced with noble fibres.

Buying in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, Max Mara is available through its own boutiques, the official online store, and selected department stores and fashion stockists. Always verify which label and design you are browsing, as Max Mara and Weekend Max Mara are distinct collections. The pre-owned market can be a worthwhile option for vintage coats; if buying second-hand, request clear photographs of the composition tag, lining, fastenings, and any signs of wear. A label or style code alone does not guarantee authenticity: evaluate provenance, seller credibility, and return policies. Brands.nl is an independent brand directory and does not sell products directly.

Explore more on Brands.nl

  • Loro Piana — Comparable for its emphasis on ultra-fine fibres, muted palettes, and understated luxury.
  • Burberry — A classic alternative for luxury outerwear, anchored by the iconic trench coat.
  • Filippa K — Aligns with clean tailoring and a cohesive capsule wardrobe, executed through a Scandinavian lens.
  • Reiss — An appealing choice for tailored coats and polished suiting at a more accessible price point.
  • Massimo Dutti — Offers a classic, mid-market take on neutral tones, smart coats, and elevated everyday dressing.

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Frequently asked questions about Max Mara

What kind of brand is Max Mara?
Max Mara is an Italian luxury fashion house specialising in womenswear, founded in 1951 in Reggio Emilia. It is best known for its outerwear, sharp tailoring, and high-quality materials including virgin wool, cashmere, and camel hair.
Why are Max Mara coats so expensive?
The price reflects premium material selection, intricate pattern cutting, refined craftsmanship, and the brand's positioning as an established luxury fashion house. Composition varies across styles, so compare fabrics and finishing details for each individual piece.
What is the difference between Max Mara and Weekend Max Mara?
Max Mara is the main line, celebrated for its iconic luxury coats and formal tailoring. Weekend Max Mara is an independent diffusion label within the same group, offering a more casual, everyday aesthetic.
How do Max Mara coats fit?
Fit depends on the silhouette: an oversized style like the 101801 or the Teddy Bear Coat fits very differently from a belted or tailored coat. Refer to the size guide for each specific cut and try the coat over a knit or blazer before deciding whether to size down.
Is a Max Mara camel coat made from camel hair?
Not necessarily: camel often denotes the colour rather than the fibre. The Manuela is crafted from pure camel hair, whereas the 101801 is made from a wool and cashmere blend. Always inspect the garment's composition label.
How can you authenticate a genuine Max Mara coat?
Examine the garment's provenance, brand tags, composition labels, stitching, and finishing details. When buying pre-owned, request high-resolution photographs of all labels and hardware. No single detail proves authenticity on its own, so choose reputable sellers with transparent return policies.

Geschreven door

Brands.nl editorial team

Brand editors — interior, fashion & lifestyle

Brands.nl is an independent Dutch brand guide that sells nothing itself. Our editors follow brands, materials and collections and describe them independently, so you know what you are buying and can find similar brands.

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Laatst inhoudelijk gecontroleerd: 28 oktober 2026

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