Vitale Barberis

[bcjohn]

Does anyone have an opinion regarding Vitale Barberis fabric. I am thinking of having a MTM suit made in a heavy 120's fabric. Thanks.

 

[EL72]

Originally Posted by bcjohn

Does anyone have an opinion regarding Vitale Barberis fabric. I am thinking of having a MTM suit made in a heavy 120's fabric. Thanks.

They make all kinds of different grades of fabric, some good, some better, some excellent... Overall, considered to be among the better Italian mills I believe, though below Carlo Barbera and E. Zegna. I have a blazer in V. Barberis that has 1% elastane and I like it.

 

[thinman]

How can I distinguish the higher quality grades? I have an appointment with WW Chan on Friday and I recall that they are fond of VBC fabric.

 

[retronotmetro]

Originally Posted by thinman

How can I distinguish the higher quality grades? I have an appointment with WW Chan on Friday and I recall that they are fond of VBC fabric.

Go by the fabric weight--IME the heavier ones are better regardless of the Super number. In other words, a heavier fabric from the Revenge 130s book will drape better, and likely be more durable, than something from the 110s book that is lighter.

Chan used to offer the VBC as a special quite often, but I'm not sure they are any more fond of it than other fabric. Patrick always seems to want to get me into Zegna . . .

 

[whoopee]

Good budget cloth, the suitings at least equal IMO to comparable LP and Zegna cloths and considerably less expensive. I have a suit from the 120s, around 9-10 oz, and though I dislike it, it's absolutely no fault of the cloth's. The 130s I find less impressive.

 

[thinman]

Thanks retro, whoopee. I guess the VBC books are simply the ones I remember seeing from previous visits.

 

[itsstillmatt]

There is one VBC cloth that has been recommended very highly by my tailor. In fact, it is the only Italian cloth that he finds worthwhile. I have no idea which one it is.

 

[Film Noir Buff]

My tailor likes it too. I find the finish very very nice. I have never tried the fabric myself but a lot of my tailor's customers have. Most of it is a 2x1 weave which theoretically means it wont stand up to wear as well. Again, most of his clients ditch their suits long before they become respectable so they dont care but you might.

 

[Holdfast]

Ede's basic house cloths are Vitale Barberis, I think 110s. They seem fairly solid and durable though I've never had a suit made from them.