[jta1188]

Well, I came across an Armani Collezioni suit while looking around Saks the other day and I REALLY liked it. It was about $700 (about $1100 short of the $1800 retail) and I was very tempted to buy it. I know Armani and other designers aren't thought of well in these parts, but I tried on the jacket and it fit like a glove!

I realize Armani Collezioni suits aren't full canvassed (and that seems to be a big dilemma around here), but, I've always heard that Armani suits LOOK outstanding (the appearance of the fabric, the drape, the silhouette, etc.) regardless of the material and production methods used and I felt that was the case in this situation as well.

Am I committing a big no-no by buying this suit? Also, I realize some of you wouldn't pay more than $500 or whatever for such a suit, but where can I find an Armani suit for that price without resorting to the perils of the internet (sizing problems, inability to inspect suit, shipping troubles, etc.)?

Thanks for all the help, as usual!

 

[Peak and Pine]

I think your first line is the clincher: I really liked it. Go for it.
​

 

[Peak and Pine]

Now about the lack of canvassing.

I live in a post-and-beam home c. 1830. My neighbor's is baloon-frame c. 1970. Both look pretty good on the outside. And neither, so far, has blown down. Canvas is over rated.
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[12gofas]

If you like it and it fit you,

then buy it. In the long run, you are the one who has to be happy with it. As many of the members here have said many times, you must feel comfortable in whatever you are wearing. As long as you are not buying it to "FLASH THE LABEL" as that is never a good reason to buy anything. That is the equivalent of someone buying a $800,000 house, and working two jobs while driving a 15 year old Ford Escort.

 

[DocHolliday]

With most such discussions here, it's a question of value for money. Is Armani the best value at its pricepoint? I don't think so. But if you've found it at a nice discount, and if you like it, then buy it and enjoy it. The key thing is to know what you're buying, and as long as that's the case, you're in good stead.

 

[Scoundrel]

It's unthinkable to buy Armani? *Humph*

 

[Tonyp]

If the fit is right and the suit is not too trendy and can be worn for many occasions I would get it. as DH said at the right price it may fit the bill. Armani sells the fit and the fabric. the guts are not what he is selling.

 

[StevenRocks]

If you like it and it's a good deal, then buy it!

 

[pt4u67]

Please check the fabric content before you buy. I've seen quite a few that are a wool/poly blend.

 

[Earl of Ormonde]

and I REALLY liked it. I tried on the jacket and it fit like a glove!

I think you've answered this yourself mate. Don't let attitudes or clothing snobbery on a web forum prevent you from buying something you really like. And which is also a perfect fit. That combination of factors is hard to find off the peg.

Go for it!

 

[Earl of Ormonde]

Please check the fabric content before you buy. I've seen quite a few that are a wool/poly blend.

And, so what?

 

[whistle_blower71]

Now about the lack of canvassing.

I live in a post-and-beam home c. 1830. My neighbor's is baloon-frame c. 1970. Both look pretty good on the outside. And neither, so far, has blown down. Canvas is over rated.
​

..and what is the third little pig's house made of? :icon_smile:

W_B

 

[Earl of Ormonde]

..and what is the third little pig's house made of? :icon_smile:

W_B

Cashmere?:icon_smile_big:

 

[Cary Grant]

And, so what?

And so it may not breathe as well, it may get shiny, it may not hang as naturally, etc etc...

 

[Earl of Ormonde]

And so it may not breathe as well, it may get shiny, it may not hang as naturally, etc etc...

Lots of mays there. On the other hand, it will be lighter and might be more comfortable to wear, and might have a longer life and might be easier to care for, which I believe is why wool-poly and cotton-poly mixes exist in shirts and suits. Maybe!

 

[Mannix]

You seemed to like it very much, and the price was right, so you should have bought it. Don't let someone's opinion about buying only full canvassed suits influence your choices. Buy what you like.

 

[OCULUS NY]

The price and the fit

In my expereince, Armani, unlike many Italian houses, seems to cut their goods to almost American adult sizing. Isaia, Valentino, etc. are notrorius for skimpy cuts that drop at least a size below the marking. Also, various lines, even by the same maker, are cut differently.

Another Italian designer hallmark is 400% markups; that way, they can do a 70% off sale and make a buck.

So, if it fits OK, and the discount is reasonable, you're good to go.

 

[ChicagoMediaMan-27]

And, so what?

Hey - if it fits well and he really likes even though it is fused, then I agree with the others that he should buy it. Especially with that sale.

However, $700 for a wool/poly blend just isn't worth it.

 

[[email protected]]

I had an Armani Collezioni and loved it. Always got compliments. Had it for two or three years, wore it a lot, and wore it out. Got my money's worth. At that price, if it fits you that well, it's a no brainer.
[email protected]

 

[flatline]

Two questions:

First, what are the different levels of Armani? I know that A|X crap is their low-end, but how do clothes labeled "Giorgio Armani" and "Armani Collezioni" compare? I have been seeing a lot of this from the high-end designers, like Dolce&Gabbana having the cheaper D&G line.

Second, I had no idea that Italian designer suits were fused. Is this pretty widespread? If I understand correctly, the New York ultra-high-end designers like Tom Ford and Thom Brown are all full canvas, so I'm slightly surprised that the other high-enders are not.