No matter what you think about the Italians, you can't deny that most of them are well-dressed. Despite your preconceived notions and personal prejudices, their style and swag are undeniable. It does help that Italy has produced a ton of leading brands that have taken the fashion industry by storm. They're labels that the world knows and admires, symbols of luxury that show status and wealth as well as inspiring confidence. And that goes double for menswear! When it comes to dressing the men up, the Italians arguably have everyone else beat! Especially these notable designer brands.
Armani
Ever since its heyday in the 1980s, Giorgio Armani has ruled Italian menswear. His signature strong shapes, sharp suits, and luxurious appeal resonated with men all over the world, even those who weren't interested in fashion to begin with. More than just looking good, his clothes became somewhat of a status symbol; definitive proof that the man has reached the upper echelons of society. Today, through his many sub-lines, Armani's strict menswear look has since relaxed. But the luxury, the quality, and the craftsmanship are still all there. Even in this generation. Armani remains a status symbol through and through.
Source: Giorgio Armani Instagram Page/ Photographed by Gioconda & August
Brioni
If you were to ask any Italian what the
best brands for suits are, Brioni will probably come up most of the time. Ever since Nazareno Fonticoli and Gaetano Savini founded the brand in 1945, Brioni has been the go-to suits store for most elite Italian men. Quality and comfort reign supreme here, putting forth suits that not only look good but also feel good. And while the brand isn't as well-known as the likes of Armani and Prada, it has nevertheless remained a major mainstay for menswear in Italy. They offer timeless sophistication that's all about pristine perfection.
Source: Brioni Instagram Page
Brunello Cucinelli
Brunello Cucinelli isn't called the 'King of Cashmere' for nothing! Since he established his own eponymous brand in 1978, when he was just 25 years old, Brunello Cucinelli has offered luxury menswear centered on ease. From polo shirts to blazers, despite how elegant his pieces looked, men often retained their own agency while wearing them. They inspired a nonchalant appeal, allowing for the wearer to exude supreme confidence even with simple styles. Yet no matter how many trends have come and gone, Cucinelli's signature minimalism continues to sell well, now with women too!
Source: Brunello Cucinelli Instagram Page
Dolce & Gabbana
What do most outside of Italy think of Italian men? That they're passionate lovers? Sure! That They exude confidence that borders on arrogance a'la 'The Godfather'? Possibly! Or that they're well-built like works of Michelangelo? Not a bad guess! For years, Italian men had been known to exude beauty and sex appeal unlike any other, and it's thanks in large part to
Italian brands like Dolce & Gabbana. With their traditionally masculine and culturally Italian approach, the design duo aims to put Italian men—or the Italian way of dressing—up on a pedestal for all the world to see. That's why their clothes help pack on the sex appeal in more ways than one!
Source: Dolce & Gabbana Man Instagram Page> Photographed by Juergen Teller
Gucci
Who says that men only have to wear conservative suits and look manly all the time? It's the 21st-century, for heaven's sake! Masculinity is no longer as one-dimensional as it was. At least, not according to Alessandro Michele of Gucci! Ever since he took on the role as the label's creative director, Gucci's menswear sales have skyrocketed through the roof. His quirky take on traditional menswear took the fashion world by storm. From normcore twists, disco styles, and fusing codes of femininity into menswear staples, Gucci eventually became the go-to brand for men who want to jazz up their wardrobes and evoke a little fun into how they dress.
Source: Gucci Instagram Page
Loro Piana
There are really only two words to remember when talking about Loro Piana: clean and classic. What began as a textiles company in 1924 eventually became one of the biggest Italian menswear brands in the 21st century. Their aesthetic is clear and concise: elegant minimalism with a timeless appeal. Think well-tailored separates that can complete a classic look no matter how you style them. Or comfy cashmere knits that go well with everything. Not to mention a little dash of elegant sportswear on the side. Although many might feel that the brand's simplicity borders on boring, as the saying goes, 'God is in the details.'
Source: Loro Piana Instagram Page
Prada
If you want a more fashion-forward vibe, look no further than Prada menswear! For years, Miuicciua Prada has been infusing her menswear with as much intellectualism, avant-garde design, and craftsmanship as her womenswear. As a result, the brand's men's collections often went up to par, or sometimes even exceeded, that of the women's ready-to-wear. It's not that Prada menswear followed trends, they set them. The designer often went against the grain with what she offered, and now that Raf Simons, another fashion heavyweight in men's fashion, joined the brand, it'll only get better from here!
Source: Prada Instagram Page/ Photogtaphed by Martine Syms
Stefano Ricci
Stefano Ricci has only one goal: to make the men and boys look rich! Whether's for work or play, in the office or hiking up the mountains on a sunny weekend, the designer aims to offer an entire wardrobe that promotes timeless elegance backed by quality craftsmanship and luxe materials. Though the brand isn't exactly as fashion-forward as a few others on this list, you can rest assured that the quality of their pieces exceeds expectations. And yes, that includes its junior collection for the little men who want to grow up and dress up like their dapper dads.
Source: Stefano Ricci Instagram Page
If Italy has expertise on something, it's luxury menswear. The many designers and brands that this country has offered throughout the years have become major mainstays in the industry, trusted by some of the most elite men in the world!
Want to ensure that your Italian menswear remains high-quality? Make sure you go for a
luxury home with a closet big enough to store them properly.
