What's the deal with Armani suits?

I know that people here might have wildly varying opinions on Armani Collezioni. What is the fit like? Should I take the plunge on a new one for $600? Is it worth $600? I know it certainly isn't worth the $1800 price tag of retail. Thanks.

I think $600 for Black Label is a good deal.

I just havent found one that fit me the way I like. Seems the lapel notch is always lower than i prefer.

Originally Posted by patrickBOOTH

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I think $600 for Black Label is a good deal.

Is black label the same as Collezioni?

Giorgio Armani Black Label (GA BL) is the best Armani has to offer. I personally do not like fit or styling of the typical GA BL suit, but they are well made with nice fabrics and usually (but not always) have a full canvassed construction. I also notice they are still constructed with many of the "hand-made" features one usually associates or takes for granted with the Napoli based tailors, or even Brioni or Kiton. GA BL are good suits for those that like their look or prefer ventless backs (many GA suits are ventless, although you can pick up single or double vents occasionally). Were I interested in the GA BL suit, I would consider anything under $1000 to be a pretty good deal. However, with my eyes on other suit manufacturers, I would not purchase a GA BL for even $200, I simply do not like them well enough to put them on my radar.

As for Armani Collezioni, half canvassed typical, better cut than GA BL in my book, but worse quality of course. I would not bother spending $600 on it, if you can get it for $400, power to you, go for it. For $600, you would much prefer other brands like Canali, Isaia, Ralph Lauren Black Label etc - it depends on how well you like the fit and cut of other suits.

Armani Collezioni is not Giorgio Armani Black Label - quite different in fact.

I'll add one other point: I love the fuller/straight cut of Armani Collezioni trousers, and have found over time that Armani experiments wildly with alternative and man made materials like polyester. In general, I'm just not interested unless it's 90%+ wool (preferring 98% or 100%). If I were you, I'd keep an eye on the materials of the suits so you're not surprised post purchase to find that you got a 50/25/25 polyester/viscose/rayon modern novelty.

No deal - they suck at any price!

Originally Posted by DC Attorney

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No deal - they suck at any price!

Guess you know something that the rest of us don't.

Originally Posted by razl

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I'll add one other point: I love the fuller/straight cut of Armani Collezioni trousers.

Me too! I largely avoid the fashion brands, but these trousers fit pretty dang well and the quality is quite passable. Good overall pants, I purchase several pairs at once if I pass an Armani outlet. I would not spend full retail on them though, but at $100 a pair on some sales, I like I like

I have an AC tuxedo and love it - their jackets are one of the few that fit me perfectly OTR so quality and SF approval take a back seat. The average person will think it is very nice too.

I saw a great AC linen SC recently at Nordstrom's and was glad they didn't have my size in stock... I would have considered full price.

Originally Posted by Klobber

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For $600, you would much prefer other brands like Canali, Isaia, Ralph Lauren Black Label etc - it depends on how well you like the fit and cut of other suits.

Could you tell us where one can find Isaia or RLBL for $600 new?

B&S, Ebay. Even bluefly or Yoox (sometimes).

Originally Posted by othertravel

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B&S, Ebay. Even bluefly or Yoox (sometimes).
^this

Originally Posted by Klobber

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Giorgio Armani Black Label (GA BL) is the best Armani has to offer. I personally do not like fit or styling of the typical GA BL suit, but they are well made with nice fabrics and usually (but not always) have a full canvassed construction. I also notice they are still constructed with many of the "hand-made" features one usually associates or takes for granted with the Napoli based tailors, or even Brioni or Kiton. GA BL are good suits for those that like their look or prefer ventless backs (many GA suits are ventless, although you can pick up single or double vents occasionally). Were I interested in the GA BL suit, I would consider anything under $1000 to be a pretty good deal. However, with my eyes on other suit manufacturers, I would not purchase a GA BL for even $200, I simply do not like them well enough to put them on my radar.

As for Armani Collezioni, half canvassed typical, better cut than GA BL in my book, but worse quality of course. I would not bother spending $600 on it, if you can get it for $400, power to you, go for it. For $600, you would much prefer other brands like Canali, Isaia, Ralph Lauren Black Label etc - it depends on how well you like the fit and cut of other suits.

Armani Collezioni is not Giorgio Armani Black Label - quite different in fact.

How much would you pay for a Paul Smith NWT?

Originally Posted by boltzmann

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How much would you pay for a Paul Smith NWT?

I have no idea - I know nothing about them.