The Italian style is regarded for it's slim silhouette resulting in a sleek, modern and sprezza touch. An Italian suit often results in a 'cleaner' suited look over the American suit.
The Italian suit cut, compared to the American sack suit, is cut slimmer and shorter giving a modern and streamlined appearance over the American sack suit. The suit is cut to fit snugger on the shoulders than the American suit and the shoulders are padded only slightly less than the English cut.
To complement the tailored waist and narrow shoulders, the button is positioned slightly higher than you might find on a two button American sack suit, this contributes to cutting a distinct V-shape up a mans chest.
Initially the suit didn't have side flaps, however, today that is a fairly common feature in an Italian cut suit. In the relaxed nature of the Italians, pockets are generally flapless, traditionally they would have been besom pockets to maintain the appearance of the suits lines. Modern day, the more casual patch pockets are widely accepted.
The Italian suit cut is traditionally made via lighter weight fabrics than the English and American. Over tweed and hearty wool blends, the Italians preferred a higher super wool or lighter linen fabric.
The Italian cut style is more suited to slimmer men and is very popular within the younger demographic. It was made popular by and seen regularly on gentlemen such as Agnelli, Scaccioni, Leluzzi, Alliata and Mastroianni.
Tips for cutting an Italian suit
- Measurement - ensure you enter very fitted measurements across your shoulders, arm width and waist. (note - it is easier to tailor a suit in than out!)
- Besom Pockets or patch pockets
- Regular notch lapel
- Pick a high super wool number or view our range of quality linen (Fabric 84 is my favourite)
Read our articles covering the American sack suit and the English cut
Try designing your own online at our custom suit builder or call (02) 9222 2801 to organize a fitting in our Sydney or Melbourne show rooms.
