Samuelsohn vs Brioni

On paper this is not even close to a fair fight and I know a few Brioni lovers will blow a gasket. Should be fun.

As background, I'm 5'11' 165. and a pretty easy fitting 42R. I wear suits pretty much every day for work and I have a couple of Canalis that I like, and Zegnas (one of which I like, the other I just like the 15MilMil15 fabric ) in addition to a Borelli and a Brioni (thanks B&S!), both of which, although different, rock.

I went to a local retailer looking for the Type A Oxxford, thinking to do a MTM (they had none left), and the SA gently suggested I look at the Samuelsohns. He had a Samuelsohn (a Gable, I believe) and a Brioni in the identical fabric. Samuelsohn $1300, the Brioni $6200. He laid them side by side for a closeup examination, and it was a very eye opening experience.

Yes, the Brioni was entirely handcut where the Samuelsohn had parts that were not (pocket flaps for instance. But in all the noticeable ways, the Samuelsohn was very similar - even upon close examination, it would be hard to tell them apart. Both are full canvas and felt similar. The lapels and stitching were both by hand. Similar lapel roll. The Brioni did have a stronger and more padded shoulder. Now I'll be the first to admit that I am no expert and I'm sure more learned folks could more easily discern the differences.

I was even more impressed when I put the jacket on. The shoulders fit perfectly, and aside from taking in the waist a bit, I was good to go. I was planning on MTM, but I'm not sure that will be necessary if I can get the right fabric (I probably will to have the armhole adjusted slightly). Granted, the fact that it happened to fit me so well was a major factor, but not having looked at the brand before today, I am very, very impressed at the quality. Unless you spend several thousand more, I don't think you can do much better.

I'm pretty sure my next suit will be a Samuelsohn. If you are looking for a suit in the $1000-1500 range, you really should look at these.

Samuelsohn Gable and Isaia Base G are now my jackets/suits of choice.



cbbuff said:

Yes, the Brioni was entirely handcut where the Samuelsohn had parts that were not.

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You mean the Brioni is cut out by hand whereas the Samuelsohn is cut by machine? Tbh this sounds to me like one of those times where the 'hand made' method is more effort for no real benefit. Machine cutting is going to be much more accurate. I suppose Brioni have to do something to justify their prices though.

Sanguis Mortuum said:

You mean the Brioni is cut out by hand whereas the Samuelsohn is cut by machine? Tbh this sounds to me like one of those times where the 'hand made' method is more effort for no real benefit. Machine cutting is going to be much more accurate. I suppose Brioni have to do something to justify their prices though.

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I am not arguing for Brioni, but I am crazy for the slightly unsteady lines of a purely handmade jacket just as the edge of a hand roll pocket square and ties.

I was excited to see that Nordstrom's is carrying Samuelsohn ties and intend to carry a couple suit pieces. Keeping my fingers crossed that they carry the whole line.

Go with the Sammy. Fit is the most important element. If you can barely tell a difference, then save yourself the $5k.

And as an fyi, you can get an mtm Sammy for 1095 (if you're planning on taking a trip to Canada!).



taxgenius said:

Go with the Sammy. Fit is the most important element. If you can barely tell a difference, then save yourself the $5k.

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This is a strong indication of the terrible things this forum does to you. If you ever find yourself legitimately needing advice on whether to pay 3 times the price for an almost identical item (especially ones you can barely tell apart) then you are looking at things from a bad perspective. We all want the best, but pat paying for luxury and spending like a Saudi Prince are two different things.

I recently bought a Samuelsohn on consignment, and was very impressed by the details/quality.



Blackhood said:

This is a strong indication of the terrible things this forum does to you. If you ever find yourself legitimately needing advice on whether to pay 3 times the price for an almost identical item (especially ones you can barely tell apart) then you are looking at things from a bad perspective. We all want the best, but pat paying for luxury and spending like a Saudi Prince are two different things.

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Amen.



othertravel said:

And as an fyi, you can get an mtm Sammy for 1095 (if you're planning on taking a trip to Canada!).

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$1095 Canadian? Is this a special deal of the Canadian pricing?

I would probably go with my local guy so he can get to know me and make it easier to get adjustments. The SA actually suggested I come back in March when I would get the $250 off trunk show promotion.



taxgenius said:

Go with the Sammy. Fit is the most important element. If you can barely tell a difference, then save yourself the $5k.

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Agreed. The fit was amazing. I'm glad it was not the other way around. It usually is.

Samuelsohn rocks. Pricing is better in Canada because it is a made in Canada product. Samuelsohn was bought last year I beleive by Grano Retail Investment Group and they have stepped up the fabric of the garments considerably and generally devoted a significant amount of time and money to bring the brand current in terms of cut.

I love their Arno sport coat cut, trim waist, natural lightly padded shoulder, my only quibble is the buttoning point is a little bit high.

Interestingly, the esteemed JeffreyD did a Brioni v. Samuelsohn comparison the result of which is that Samuelsohn will give you a great no bells and whistles full canvass piece, for a significantly lower price. Here's the link:

http://tuttofattoamano.blogspot.com/search/label/Samuelsohn

^^ Nice find

After spending almost 2 years on SF, I have learned that Samuelsohn is probably the best value for money. I got a Navy suit (Arno) a few months ago and probably going to take advantage of their MTM promotion this month.

I wonder if anyone have done a comparison between Samuelsohn and Hickey Freeman.