The story of the company started in 1857, in Alessandria, when Giuseppe Borsalino (1834-1900), a true pioneer and captain of industry, after visiting Italy and France to learn the secrets of the trade, set up the first artisan workshop for the production of felt hats. In 1970, the company inspired the film Borsalino, which was moderately well received. In 1986, the Borsalino factory moved to its current location in the suburbs of Alessandria. The University of Alessandria (as well as a museum dedicated to the history of the hat) occupy the former offices of the Borsalino company.

Nowadays the company produces a wide variety of products using only the finest of materials, including Belgian rabbit fur, Sisal Panama straw, and cashmere. Borsalino hats try to keep all the charm and class from last century's fashion, while still blending in with today's styles and fashions. Their safari hats and fedora hats  range in style from their traditional casual safari to their more contemporary porkpies.