‘Made in Italy.’ Few phrases in menswear carry such weight. It’s shorthand for craftsmanship, quality, and a kind of innate elegance that the rest of the world can only aspire to. It conjures images of sharply dressed men sipping espresso in sun-drenched piazzas, their blazers fitting as though cut by divine hands. But this reputation wasn’t built overnight. It’s the product of centuries of skill – honed by tailors, shoemakers, and textile artisans whose commitment to the excellenceof made in Italy menswear is unwavering.

Of course, this doesn’t come cheap. Italian menswear isn’t for the bargain hunter, but its appeal lies in the details: luxurious fabrics, precision construction, and garments that feel like they were made to outlive trends. In an age of fast fashion, Italian-made clothing offers something rare – pieces that feel considered, enduring, and worth every penny. The question isn’t whether it’s good. It’s whether you’re ready to invest in it.

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Made in Italy: Is it worth it?

The price tag on made in Italy menswear is hard to ignore, but it’s not arbitrary. Labour costs in Italy are high, and rightly so – craftspeople are paid fairly, and working conditions are above board. Add to that the materials, often sourced from the finest producers globally, and the result is clothing that’s built to last. But what really sets Italian-made apart is the attention to detail.

A cashmere jumper from Loro Piana or a pair of handmade shoes from Velasca doesn’t just look better; it wears better. The seams are stronger, the fabrics age beautifully, and there’s a tangible sense of something special when you put it on. It’s not about flashy branding or over-the-top logos. It’s about quiet confidence – a feeling that’s hard to put a price on but worth paying for if you can.

The best made in Italy menswear brands

Velasca

There’s something reassuring about a pair of shoes that feel like they were made by people who actually care. Velasca works with skilled shoemakers in Montegranaro – Italy’s shoemaking heartland – to produce footwear that balances tradition with wearability. These aren’t fussy, sit-on-a-shelf shoes. They’re made to be worn, but they’ll still turn heads in the office or at a wedding. By selling directly to customers, Velasca keeps prices fair without skimping on quality.

Luca Faloni

Those lucky enough to live in Italy have some of the finest menswear makers right on their doorstep. The fabrics are some of the worlds finest, the level of craftsmanship is unparalleled and the prices, while not cheap, represent actual value for money. Unfortunately, if you live elsewhere, getting your hands on this stuff means paying a significant markup. 

This is where Luca Faloni comes in, the Italian brand connects menswear enthusiasts all over the world with Italian craftsmanship and quality by working directly with the best local makers. Prices are high, but fair, and significantly lower than you might pay for a comparable garment from, without naming names, some of the exorbitantly expensive big-name Italian ‘quiet-luxury’ labels.

Artknit Studios

Cashmere jumpers that don’t cost the earth – literally and figuratively. Artknit Studios is all about transparency. You know where the wool comes from, who made it, and why it costs what it does. Everything is produced on demand in small Italian mills, so there’s no overproduction or waste. It’s a refreshingly modern take on Italian knitwear, but the quality and craftsmanship are anything but new.

Canali

If you’ve ever tried on a Canali suit, you’ll know there’s something different about it. The fit, the fabric, the subtle details – it all adds up to an experience that feels effortlessly elevated. A family-run business since the 1930s, Canali specialises in understated tailoring that doesn’t shout but speaks volumes. Whether off the rack or customised to your liking, it’s Italian sophistication done right.

Zegna

Zegna’s story begins in 1910, in a small town in the Italian Alps, with a mill that produced some of the finest fabrics in the world. Over a century later, Zegna still controls every part of its production process, from sourcing raw materials to crafting finished garments. It’s luxury, but with substance. Think impossibly soft wool coats, sharp blazers, and even casualwear that feels smarter than most people’s formal attire.

Brunello Cucinelli

Luxury, but make it feel human. That’s the ethos of Brunello Cucinelli. Based in a medieval village in Umbria, the brand blends cashmere knits, soft tailoring, and an unmistakable sense of refinement. It’s expensive – there’s no getting around that – but every piece feels personal, like it was made for someone who understands the difference between looking rich and looking good.

Loro Piana

There’s cashmere, and then there’s Loro Piana. The brand’s obsession with quality borders on fanaticism, but that’s what makes it great. It sources the finest fibres on the planet and turns them into pieces that are simple, timeless, and impossibly luxurious. A Loro Piana coat or jumper isn’t just clothing – it’s a benchmark for how good things can be.

Barena

Barena’s take on Italian menswear is less about polished tailoring and more about laid-back sophistication. Its unstructured jackets, slouchy trousers, and relaxed knitwear take their cues from Venetian workwear, but the execution is unmistakably modern. If you’re looking for clothes that feel as comfortable as they look stylish, this is where to start.

Kiton

Kiton doesn’t cut corners. Every suit is made by hand in Naples, using techniques passed down through generations. It’s not about being flashy; it’s about doing things properly. A Kiton suit isn’t cheap, but it’s also not the kind of thing you’ll ever regret buying. When quality matters, Kiton delivers.

Brioni

Brioni is what you imagine when you think of old-school Italian glamour. Founded in Rome in 1945, it’s been a go-to for Hollywood stars and aristocrats alike. But don’t let the history fool you – Brioni is as relevant as ever, producing modern menswear that still feels classic. Think luxurious tuxedos, perfectly cut suits, and eveningwear that makes everything else in your wardrobe feel a little underwhelming.

Next up: Get to know Luca Faloni.