CANALI: HISTORY & ITALIAN TRADITION
Canali was founded in 1934 by Giacomo and Giovanni Canali and is run as a family business to this day. Dealing strictly in men’s clothing, it is one of the premier names in luxury Italian menswear.
It
is often said that the world’s men’s suiting Mecca is London’s Savile
Row. It’s true that The Golden Mile is incredibly important to menswear history
and is still relevant in the products it produces today, but London doesn’t
have a monopoly on the best things menswear has to offer.
To
fully do justice to the world of men’s tailored clothing, we must
also look eastward from London towards Italy. There are many wonderful
tailoring houses for men there, and Canali is a standout among them
for all the right reasons.
HISTORY OF CANALI
Canali
was founded in 1934 by Giacomo and Giovanni Canali and is run as a family
business to this day. Dealing strictly in men’s clothing, it is one of the
premier names in luxury Italian menswear.
Even
those who aren’t connoisseurs of menswear are likely familiar with the name
Canali.
Having
been the first Italian firm to use mechanized cutting machines in the 1970’s,
they are a trailblazer in breaking with tradition while still offering a
high-quality product.
The
brand is currently in its third generation of family ownership and has an
international presence in retail locations and department stores. It’s one of
the few brands offering ready-to-wear suits that are fully canvassed,
which is the best way to construct a suit jacket in terms of both style and
longevity.
They
also offer a full line of shoes, shirts, and furnishings, making the brand a
one-stop shop.
WHAT DOES “MADE IN ITALY” MEAN?
Much
of Italy’s economy is based on the export of luxury goods. Italian names are so
common in the luxury space that many are household names. Even someone who’s
never driven a car knows the name Ferrari. Jay-Z has rapped about
Salvatore Ferragamo, and the brand Jacuzzi’s influence was so immense that the name
is now synonymous with hot tubs in the way that Kleenex is for tissues.
Italian
law around what can be referred to as “Made In Italy” is stricter than the rest
of the E.U. and the United States. Products must be “totally” made in Italy
(planned, manufactured, and packaged) to earn the right to bear the label “Made
in Italy.”
All
of Canali’s suits are made from start to finish in Italy. With about 1,700
employees across seven factories, they produce about 250,000 pieces of clothing
annually.
CANALI & THE ITALIAN TAILORING
TRADITION
What
makes an Italian suit different from a British or American suit? Here’s the
quick and dirty on Italian (“Continental”) suits compared to their
Anglo-American cousins:
- Slimmer fit
- Higher button
stances and gorges
- Barchetta breast
welt pocket (curved like the shape of a small boat)
- No pocket flaps
- No vents
Canali
doesn’t religiously adhere to all of the guidelines mentioned above. In fact,
as one of the first Italian brands to embrace the global economy and go
international, Canali has had the wisdom to meld their Italian aesthetic with
British details, like using vents and pocket flaps. As you can see below,
slimness is still paramount in the fit of a Canali jacket, showing that the
firm stays true to its Italian roots in the most important way.
The
brand also offers a made-to-measure option they call “Su Misura,” which allows
the customer to select his own fabric, lining, and design details like lapels,
vents, and buttons. As a general rule, we advise made-to-measure or custom
suits if your budget allows, as it offers superior fit and customization
options.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If
you are looking for a high-quality ready-to-wear or made-to-measure suit,
Canali is a great brand to try. Their commitment to quality is strong, their Italian
aesthetic is stylish and professionally appropriate, and their business has
expanded to include accessories and even shoes.
Source: bespokeunit.com
