While Gucci and Versace are household names, Italy’s sartorial contributions extend far further than mainstream designer brands. When it comes to tailoring, Italy reigns supreme with sartorially-minded individuals around the world debating the various merits of Florentine, Neapolitan, and Milanese styles.
However, Italian menswear doesn’t stop at tailoring, with the best Italian menswear brands working to combine heritage techniques with both timeless and contemporary styles, catering to not only fans of classic tailoring, but also those who gravitate towards streetwear. Appealing in their nonchalance, the best Italian menswear brands prioritise exemplary craftsmanship and high-quality materials, with centuries-old brands and emerging designers alike making their mark on the contemporary menswear scene. In addition to the sartorial side, Italian brands are also revered for their footwear and leather goods, exemplified by the likes of Tod’s, Velasca, and Fracap.
The best Italian menswear brands in 2025
Embodying the concept of sprezzatura—read: studied carelessness, seemingly effortless elegance—central to the allure of the southern European nation, these are the Italian menswear brands you need to know about.
1. Brioni
Founded in Rome in 1945, Brioni is one of the most prestigious menswear brands in the world. Brioni was instrumental in modernising the tailoring process during the mid to late 20th century, hosting the first-ever men’s fashion show in 1952 and subsequently introducing improved production facilities that increased output without compromising on quality. Today, Brioni is known for its sharp, slim-cut suiting and slick tailoring and remains synonymous with status and elegance. That said, the brand also has a worthy selection of elevated leisurewear, with its tailored aesthetic translating into decidedly elevated cotton polo shirts and t-shirts with ribbed details and relaxed outerwear crafted from lush silk and cashmere that’s equally well-suited protecting your suit from the elements while commuting as it is to off-duty wear. Favoured by the stealth wealth crowd, the Roman luxury fashion house maintains a commitment to luxurious fabrics and striking silhouettes.
Established in: 1945
Founders: Nazareno Fonticoli and Gaetano Savini
Headquarters: Rome, Italy
Best for: sharp suiting and tailored separates
Materials: almost exclusively natural fibres (lots of cashmere, silk, and wool), some nylon used in technical outerwear
2. Loro Piana
If it’s cashmere you want, it’s Loro Piana you should seek. Founded in 1924, the Milanese fashion house famed for its beautifully soft cashmere and is widely regarded as one of the purveyors of fine textiles in the world. Much like Brioni and Brunello Cucinelli, Loro Piana is known for its classic, flattering cuts crafted from fine materials. Its offering spans menswear and womenswear, with the former encompassing ready-to-wear and footwear. Highlights from the brand include technical outerwear, cashmere blazer separates, and a vast array of unbelievably soft knitwear.
Established in: 1924
Founder: Pietro Loro Piana
Headquarters: Milan, Italy
Best for: ridiculously soft cashmere knitwear, timeless outerwear
Materials: luxurious natural fibres (cashmere, vicuña, and merino wool)
3. Brunello Cucinelli
Alongside Loro Piana and Brioni, Brunello Cucinelli rounds out the holy trinity of understated luxury Italian menswear brands. Founded in 1978 by Brunello Cucinelli, the eponymous label is known for what Cucinelli describes as ‘sportivo chic’, a look that encompasses draped cardigans or crew necks (cashmere, of course) and a linen shirt worn over softly tailored trousers. Like Loro Piana, Brunello Cucinelli is also known for its cashmere, with its founder becoming known as the ‘king of cashmere’. Pieces are designed to get better with age; a Brunello Cucinelli suit is one that will last a lifetime.
Established in: 1978
Founder: Brunello Cucinelli
Headquarters: Solomeo, Italy
Best for: laidback suiting, tailored separates, knitwear, Sprezzatura style (effortless elegance)
Materials: lots of luxurious natural fibres (we’d expect no less from the king of cashmere!)
4. Tod’s
Never underestimate the power of good leather loafers. Every man needs at least one set of loafers in his wardrobe, and if you only ever buy a single pair, let them be from Tod’s. Founded in 1900, the brand is most well-known for its Gommino loafers, which exemplify stunning attention to detail; up to 35 pieces of leather are used in a single shoe, with over 100 steps going into the creation of the quintessential footwear staple. The brand has since expanded into other leather goods and ready-to-wear with a modern minimalist aesthetic, but it’s still its driving shoes and loafers that are a standout.
Established in: 1900
Founder: Filippo Della Valle
Headquarters: Sant’Elpidio a Mare, Italy
Best for: leather and suede loafers, quiet luxury men’s bags
Materials: natural materials (leather and suede)
5. Zegna
Formerly known as Ermenegildo Zegna, the eponymous brand was founded in a commune northeast of Turin in 1910. Zegna began operating as a wool mill before expanding to ready-made suiting in the mid-20th century. Today, Zegna is known for its high-quality fabrics and innovative approach to menswear; offering collections that fuse leisurewear with tailoring. Collaborations with Jerry Lorenzo’s Fear of God and outfitting football club Real Madrid have helped cement the venerable fashion house as a key player in the contemporary menswear market.
Established in: 1910
Founder: Ermenegildo Zegna
Headquarters: Trivero, Italy
Best for: elevated contemporary smart casual wear in luxurious fabrics
Materials: natural fibres (wool and cashmere)
6. Canali
Established in 1934 by brothers Giovanni and Giacomo Canali, the Italian label is known for its contemporary take on tailoring as well as its outerwear. Today, Canali has altered its approach to suiting, opting for a more relaxed yet still refined take on menswear; think suiting separates teamed with knitwear, suit sets with sneakers, and outdoorsy items paired with wide-leg trousers.
Established in: 1934
Founders: Giovanni and Giacomo Canali
Headquarters: Sovico, Italy
Best for: classic Italian suiting and separates, single-breasted overcoats in contemporary cuts
Materials: natural fibres (wool, cashmere, and silk)
7. Kiton
Founded in 1968 by Ciro Paone, Kiton is revered for its approach to Neapolitan tailoring. While today many heritage brands have moved towards more industrialised production methods, Kiton still does things the traditional way: with skilled tailors. Each Kiton garment can pass through the hands of over a hundred multi-skilled tailors, with each step of the production process performed the old-fashioned way. Kiton’s late founder Ciro Paone was committed to preserving the art of tailoring, leading to the creation of the Kiton Tailoring School in 2000, which nurtures the next generation of tailors. You can’t go wrong with a Kiton suit, however, we’d also recommend perusing the Neapolitan tailor’s selection of trousers and patterned knitwear.
Established in: 1968
Founder: Ciro Paone
Headquarters: Arzano, Italy
Best for: handmade tailored suits, Sprezzatura style (effortless elegance)
Materials: premium natural fibres (vicuña, wool, cashmere, and silk)
8. Pal Zileri
Created in the 1980s under the company Forall Confezioni SpA, Pal Zileri was conceived as a commitment to traditional menswear tailoring. Offering both causal and formal attire, each garment balances traditional Italian design with innovative cuts and concepts. Compared to some of the more heritage Italian fashion houses, Pal Zileri suiting offers a more affordable option.
Established in: 1980
Founder: Forall Confezioni S.p.A.
Headquarters: Milan, Italy
Best for: suiting and separates in contemporary cuts
Materials: natural fibres (wool, cashmere, and silk)
9. Corneliani
Italian menswear brand Corneliani was founded in Mantua in 1930 and has since become best known for its sportscoats and suits. Look to Corneliani for its tailored trousers, outerwear, and sportscoats.
Established in: 1958
Founders: Claudio and Carlalberto Corneliani
Headquarters: Mantua, Italy
Best for: contemporary suiting and separates, technical raincoats, lightweight knitwear
Materials: natural fibres (wool, cashmere, cotton, and silk), some technical fabrics use a blend of natural and synthetic fibres
10. Bottega Veneta
One of the heritage Italian brands that have managed to garner a cult-like following well into the contemporary era, Bottega Veneta was initially founded as a leather goods atelier in Vicenza in 1966. Originally known for its woven handbag designs, Bottega Venetta expanded into ready-to-wear in the 1990s with the following decade seeing the Italian fashion house undergo a stylistic revamp under creative director Tomas Maier and become lauded for its ‘stealth wealth’ approach. Subsequent collections under Daniel Lee and Matthieu Blazy have been similarly well-received, with the latter debuting with a collection that showcased the brand’s leather savoir-faire. Since 2022, Bottega Veneta has offered a lifetime guarantee on all its handbags, displaying its commitment to a ‘made forever’ leather craftsmanship.
Established in: 1966
Founder: Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro
Headquarters: Milan, Italy
Best for: leather goods and accessories
Materials: leather (in signature intrecciato weave)
11. Prada
Founded in 1913 by Mario Prada, Milanese brand Prada remains in the family to this day, now overseen by its eponymous founder’s granddaughter Miuccia Prada, despite Mario initially preventing female family members from playing a role in the business. Originally a leather goods company, Prada expanded into nylon handbags and backpacks in the late 1970s; a material for which the brand is now known. Released in 1998, Prada’s first ready-to-wear menswear collection was a success, lauded for its clean lines, neutral colours, and decadent fabrics. Today, Prada menswear is known for both its slick, contemporary casual and formal pieces; look to the brand for nylon jackets, wool suiting, and experimental seasonal releases.
Established in: 1913
Founder: Mario Prada
Headquarters: Milan, Italy
Best for: durable nylon bags, trendy styles and cuts
Materials: natural and synthetic blends, emphasis on recycled nylon across handbags and ready-to-wear, leather for handbags
12. Giorgio Armani
There’s no overstating the role Giorgio Armani has played in irrevocably shifting the menswear landscape since founding his eponymous label in 1975. Prior to the 1980s, men’s suiting was rigid and angular, defined by staid formality. Giorgio Armani started the decade by creating the ultimate power suit; with a nipped waist and shoulder pads, the silhouette was sported by Richard Gere in American Gigolo and soon after, in soft cream and pastel hues by Don Johnson in Miami Vice. However, the stock market crash later that decade saw Giorgio Armani take a new, more relatable approach, blurring the lines between casualwear and formalwear. Shoulder pads were shunned in favour of relaxed cuts and almost floppy fabric, with the new Giorgio Armani style epitomising effortless elegance. For best results, skip the subbrands like Emporio Armani or Armani Exchange and opt for classic Armani.
Established in: 1975
Founder: Giorgio Armani
Headquarters: Milan, Italy
Best for: relaxed suiting and separates, signature minimalist yet elegant approach
Materials: natural fibres (wool, cotton, and silk), some natural and synthetic blends
13. Rubinacci
For true Neopolitan sprezzatura, turn to Rubinacci. Founded by Gennaro Rubinacci in 1932, Rubinacci is for those who aren’t afraid to embrace a little colour and flair. With Rubinacci the devil is in the details, with many of the brand’s blazers lined with silk and printed with dramatic baroque scenes. Family-owned and run to this day, look to Rubinacci for printed scarves and pocket squares, statement suiting (think colourful velvet), and loafers.
Established in: 1932
Founder: Gennaro Rubinacci
Headquarters: Naples, Italy
Best for: statement suiting and separates delivered with a flourish
Materials: natural fibres (wool, cashmere, and cotton)
14. Aspesi
Founded in 1969, Aspesi is a brand for guys who are more likely to be found traversing a mountain than navigating the concrete jungle. Focused on what its founder Alberto Aspesi terms ‘normal’ clothes, Aspesi pieces combine Italian cuts and craftsmanship with technical materials, creating utilitarian garments designed to weather any storm.
Established in: 1969
Founder: Alberto Aspesi
Headquarters: Legnano, Italy
Best for: elevated outdoor wear in durable technical fabrics
Materials: natural and synthetic blends (the latter typically for technical materials)
15. Fracap
Founded in 1908 by Antonio Cappello, Italian label Fracap’s hiking boots have been produced by the same bloodline for over a century. Fracap boots are made with vegetable-tanned leather at the family’s factory in Puglia, Italy. Instantly recognisable by its iconic red laces, Fracap boots utilise traditional bootmaking techniques, while experimenting with contemporary elements. Today, the brand also produces high-end leather sandals and casual shoes.
Established in: 1908
Founder: Antonio Cappello
Headquarters: Monteroni di Lecce, Italy
Best for: handcrafted designer hiking boots
Materials: vegetable-tanned leather
16. Velasca
A relative newcomer to the Italian menswear scene, footwear brand Velasca was founded in 2013 by Enrico Casati and Jacopo Sebastio who shared a desire to offer high-quality Italian-made footwear at fair prices. From monk straps and oxfords to loafers and pared-back sneakers, each pair of Velasca shoes employs a timeless aesthetic and is designed to look just as good in a decade or two as it does today. Almost a decade after its founding, Velasca launched a men’s ready-to-wear line which takes the same elevated yet affordable approach. Despite the brand’s newness, its design aesthetic leans heritage with suiting, sports coats, and field jackets exuding old money style.
Established in: 2013
Founders: Enrico Casati and Jacopo Sebastio
Headquarters: Milan, Italy
Best for: boots and loafers, deconstructed separates
Materials: leather for shoes, natural fibres (wool, linen, and cotton)
17. Diemme
While Fracap holds the record for the oldest Italian brand specialising in leather hiking boots, Diemme’s offering is not to be overlooked. Founded in 1992, family-owned Italian footwear label Diemme has been producing high-end footwear for the likes of Chanel, Bottega Venetta, and Maison Margiela in addition to its own in-house selection. Taking a contemporary and often avant-garde approach to hiking boots, Diemme isn’t afraid to employ quirky touches like leopard prints, coloured panels, and chunky rubber soles.
Established in: 1992
Founders: Dennis and Maico Signor
Headquarters: Onè di Fonte, Italy
Best for: colourful designer hiking boots
Materials: leather
18. Boglioli
A brand that embodies the seemingly nonchalant approach to elegance central to the quintessentially Italian concept of sprezzatura. Boglioli translates decades of tailoring expertise into a Mediterranean leaning take on Italian style, defined by unstructured tailoring, lightweight materials like cashmere and linen, and garment-dyed pieces. Positing a lived-in, unstudied elegance, Boglioli’s laidback coastal aesthetic can be easily transposed to local shores, with garments like its signature K-Jacket, chambray shirts, and relaxed trousers acclimating well to the Australian approach to elevated dressing.
Established in: 1974
Founder: Mario and Stefano Boglioli
Headquarters: Gambara, Italy
Best for: casual tailoring, unstructured sports coats (K-Jacket), garment-dyed pieces
Materials: natural fibres (cashmere, wool, and linen)
19. Stone Island
While Italian style is intrinsically associated with tailoring, the boot of Europe is also responsible for one of the most iconic streetwear brands of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The Italian streetwear brand gained approbation with industry insiders and celebrity in the know thanks to founder Massimo Osti’s unique approach to garment construction. Stone Island was conceived following Osti’s transformation of a sturdy military truck tarpaulin; dyeing the durable cotton canvas with pigmented resin in contrasting colours on either side and treating it with an enzyme wash to give it a faded, lived-in look and break down the density of the fabric to create a wearable garment. The resultant fabric was called Tela Stella and forms the basis of many of the brand’s durable yet distinctly stylish workwear and outerwear pieces.
His work in the materials innovation space has earned Osti the appellation of ‘garment engineer’, with other highlights including technowool and steel bonded cotton, both of which are employed in streamlined technical garments that appeal to proponents of terrace style.
Established in: 1982
Founder: Massimo Osti
Headquarters: Ravarino, Italy
Best for: statement outerwear, football casual style pieces, streetwear
Materials: in-house technical fabrics like Tela Stella, steel bonded cotton, and technowool
20. C.P. Company
Predating the establishment of Stone Island by just over a decade, C.P. Company is also the brainchild of Massimo Osti. Retaining the same forward-thinking approach to material innovation, C.P. Company pieces place functionality front of mind, marrying technical fabrics and functional details with a military-inspired aesthetic. Like its brother brand Stone Island, C.P. Company has been embraced by the football hooligan crowd, an association it’s begun to lean into of late. The brand’s Goggle Jacket—easily identifiable by its distinctive built-in lenses—is one of the brand’s most popular styles.
Established in: 1971
Founder: Massimo Osti
Headquarters: Ravarino, Italy
Best for: statement outerwear, football casual style pieces, streetwear, garment-dyed pieces
Materials: mix of natural and synthetic fibres within its proprietary fabrics; think recycled nylon and batik broadcloth
21. Artknit Studios
While brands like Loro Piana and Zegna have been pioneering the use of natural fibres and traditional techniques for decades, it’s not just heritage stalwarts working to keep time-honoured traditions alive. There’s a nascent market of contemporary brands advocating natural materials and sustainable production processes, making for a thoughtful take on luxury. Based in the textile hub of Biella, Artknit Studios is one such brand. Making use of natural and biodegradable fibres like merino wool, cotton, and cashmere, the Italian menswear brand eschews trends in favour of a timeless permanent collection built on elegant wardrobe staples (think tailored trousers, shirt jackets, and sweaters) in neutral tones.
Established in: 2018
Founder: Alessandro Lovisetto
Headquarters: Biella, Italy
Best for: affordable knitwear, transitional outerwear, tailored trousers (pleated wide and straight leg)
Materials: natural fibres (wool, cashmere, linen, and cotton)
22. Luca Faloni
Luca Faloni founded his eponymous brand with the intention of bringing Italian craftsmanship and style to the wider market. Like Artknit Studios, Italian menswear brand Luca Faloni is underpinned by natural, biodegradable materials sourced from renowned producers and mills across the country and focuses on a permanent collection of enduring menswear staples (Luca Faloni cuts lean slimmer and a little more sprezzatura than Artknit Studios, which employs a refined yet relaxed aesthetic). Look to Luca Faloni for linen shirting in a stylish colour palette reminiscent of that of Le Corbusier, as well as classic chinos and sports coats.
Established in: 2014
Founder: Luca Faloni
Headquarters: Milan, Italy
Best for: slim-cut chinos and polo shirts, cashmere knitwear
Materials: natural fibres (wool, cashmere, linen, silk, and cotton)
23. De Petrillo
After several years working as a salesman for his father-in-law’s factory in Naples, Benedetto De Petrillo founded his own tailoring brand in 1996, introducing the ‘La Pignola’, a tailor-made Neapolitan style jacket that adhered to traditional tailoring rules. De Petrillo suits are designed to speak to the unique character of their wearers, employing traditional Neapolitan tailoring techniques while being suffused with their own idiosyncratic flair.
Established in: Benedetto De Petrillo
Founder: 1996
Headquarters: Naples, Italy
Best for: unstructured sports coats, double-breasted suits
Materials: natural materials (wool, cashmere, and cotton)
24. ROA
Take a hike, Italian style. Contemporary hiking brand ROA was founded in 2015 with the goal of creating technically adept trail gear that spoke to the modern hiker. Blending high-performance materials and technical innovation with modern minimalist design, ROA hiking boots make a statement on and off the trail. While vintage hiking boots are currently the footwear du jour in the menswear world, most ROA styles take a hypermodern approach with low-cut hybrid silhouettes (including styles that draw from loafers and sandals) and integrated lacing systems.
Established in: 2015
Founder: Maurizio Quaglia (in collaboration with Italian streetwear juggernaut Slam Jam)
Headquarters: Ferrara, Italy
Best for: hiking boots, lightweight water-resistant outerwear, nylon shells
Materials: mix of natural and synthetic materials
Enjoyed this article on the best Italian menswear brands? Check out our other men’s style guides here.
Words by Theo Rosen
Feature image courtesy of Brett Lloyd for Brioni
