09/09/2020
There are a few factors that make Italian fabrics unique and luxurious.
Softness
Italian fabrics often use angora wool, taken from the angora rabbit's undercoat. This animal originates from Italy which is why the fabric is so particular to the region. If you've ever worn angora wool you'll have noticed he incredibly soft and comfortable feel of it.
Weaving
The Italians were real pioneers in weaving. Any designer who knows their stuff can spot an Italian suit by looking at the weaving alone.
The Italian Mills
Italian fabrics aren't sent off to India or Bangladesh for finishing, and that's evident in the quality of the final product. Founded in the early 1900s, many Italian wool mills are still in operation. They produce the premium wool and cotton used to make high-end Italian fabric garments.
They Last Longer
Since Italian fabrics use superior wool and closely monitor the milling process, it's of superior quality. They don't cut corners. That means that every piece of Italian fabric you buy is a sort of investment.
It's something well made, using centuries of expertise, the polar opposite of fast, throwaway fashion.
Organic Textiles
Real Italian fabric is made from all-natural, totally organic textiles. They don't mess about with cheap and synthetic alternatives. Natural textiles like wool, linen, and cotton are carefully woven by experienced tailors into exclusive, luxurious menswear.
Exclusivity
Because Italian fabrics aren't produced on mass they have limited availability. A relatively small number of items can be made from each fabric run, making them scarce and exclusive.
Durability
The wonderful think about Italian shirt fabrics is they are so well made they really can last forever. Hand-wash them, or have them cleaned gently by professionals, and you'll see what an investment you've made. The only time you'll have to give away an Italian fabric is if you've gained or lost a serious amount of weight.
Before you do throw away a piece of Italian fabric, however, it's worthwhile talking to a quality tailor. Being well-made, durable fabric, there's every likelihood it can be adjusted to your new size.
It's refreshing to have clothing of such high-quality it can be adjusted and even repurposed. We've all gotten so used to unsustainable, low-quality clothing that we assume we'll have to throw it out and buy more. With Italian fabrics, that's absolutely not the case.
If you reframe the purpose as 'finding value', then Italian fabric and fashion are investments. Think about how long they'll last you, and how much more of an impression you'll make on people around you.
How to Make Sure You're Buying Quality Men's Shirts
Increasingly, the market wants authenticity and quality over quantities of throwaway alternatives. Look at Italian nylon - a very high quality knit fabric. It can stretch in four directions with quick recovery, is resistant to scratching and even has antibacterial qualities!
Choose the Right Fabric for the Season
There's science to choosing the right fabric for the right season. If you're headed into winter, look for heavy, warm options. If summer is around the corner, hold the designer shirt fabric up to the light.The more light that you can see through the fabric, the more breathable it will be. Italian linen is wonderful in summer - stylish but fresh. It can cost a little more but treated well, it'll last a lifetime.
Italian fabrics make stylish women's dresses and jackets. But if there's one thing the Italians are most famous for, it's the unsurpassed quality of their shirts for men, Italian suits, linen pants, sports jackets - there are few things they can't do exceptionally well in menswear.