Italian suit manufacturers

[othertravel]

It’s always so interesting how opinions vary on such matters. Brioni is expensive and I’ll reserve judgement on the overpriced/overrated label, but they are well made.

I’ve always found Isaia to be the least bang for the buck.

Really? I think of Isaia as best bang for the buck in terms of the handmade brands. It’s not at Brioni levels of handwork, but more than Zegna mainline, and about $2k cheaper.

 

[PantheonLimited]

There are loads and loads of small manufacturers in Italy that mostly make private label for Italian stores or they are subproducers for larger factories such as Belvest, Canali, Corneliani, Caruso, Lardini, and Zegna. Often when people say that for instance a Ralph Lauren suit was made by Corneliani, it was most likely made by the subcontractor instead. The quality is likely the same as if Corneliani made it, if not better, but never really moved through their industrial system.

I worked with several when I used to be in the industry.They're mostly smaller operations with 5-25 people employed.You can get really good semi-handmade fully canvassed CMT suit for just north of €300. The best one we worked with made lots of Tom Ford's italian made stuff which everyone says is Zegna Couture.

If that's of interest, drop me a PM and I'll give you a couple of names.

Please PM me. I am of interest!

 

[comrade]

Are the clothes from these small houses available directly outside of Italy?
Or must one visit them in person. In other words can one buy from them from
the US, via websites, for example.?