The Top Mens Suits: Italian or British, Who's the Best? ~ Fashion Frenzy and Fuzzy
The Top Mens Suits: Italian or British, Who's the Best? | Fashion Frenzy and Fuzzy

2/22/2011

The Top Mens Suits: Italian or British, Who's the Best?

British Mens Suits Vs. Italian Mens Suits
In the world of great tailoring there are only two places that have consistently produced the best tailors to even be considered in the discussion - The British or the Italians. Both are class of the world when it comes to their tailoring prowess and have a legitimate claim to the title of the best mens suits. With techniques that have been passed on for generations, their traditions and pedigree have ignited a sartorial war with a large number of fanatic followers the world over.

THE Best Suit
While most Europeans have access to ready made British and Italian mens suits, in the US Italy reigns supreme. In fact ask just about any average American who makes the finest suits and the answer will almost always be Italy. It may seem as if Italy is winning by a land slide but this is simply not the case. Most Americans have never even seen an English made suit and while brands such Kiton, Brioni, Isaia, Armani, Zegna etc... are readily available, English suit houses are nowhere to be seen in the US retail land scape. This is a clear cut case of what is popular is not always the best.
The Differences
The difference between the British vs. Italian style of tailoring is rooted in culture and philosophy and because of this judging who makes the top mens suits can be highly subjective. In this argument however it comes down to tradition vs. flair.
The British are masters of tailoring tradition. From their fabrics to their cuts, they like to stay true to the hallmarks of what makes a great English suit. Their philosophy revolves around function and longevity. They select robust fabrics that not only wear well during gloomy London days but also hold up to decades of use.
Italians are innovators. From their cuts to their fabrics they continue to push the envelope and reinvent the wheel. A preference for ultra light weight and soft fiber fabrics is coupled by cuts that follow the lines of the wearers body. While this does not lend its self to longevity, the suit is always stunning.
Italy has enjoyed a land slide victory in high consumer places such as the USA and a younger demographic where fashion trends and changes have a bigger effect but by no means is it the better suit. It all depends on the wearer and which suit making philosophy best fits him.
Chris Vance is the senior trends and fashion spotter for Requisite clothing, a custom clothing design house specializing in custom suits, custom shirts, custom tuxedos and sports wear for both men and women.
http://www.requisiteclothing.com

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