Visiting Italy
There's something about visiting Italy that can elevate your perception of menswear. Maybe it's the contrast with places like London, where you're more likely to see sweatshirts than beautifully crafted clothes. But in Italy, it's remarkable how everyone, from adolescents to older individuals, embodies style (except for some tourists...).
Whether they're sporting shorts and a polo or trousers and a linen shirt, it's incredibly satisfying to observe. And not only does it inspire you to step up your own menswear game, assuming you're not completely oblivious to what you wear, but it also sets a standard. Italian men aren't necessarily donning suits every day – that seems more prevalent in Milan – but wearing a shirt is almost a given in most cases. It's something you definitely don't see as frequently in other countries.
I appreciated seeing trousers with a wider fit. They weren't overly large, but certainly not slim either—more of a slightly regular fit. Lately, I've leaned towards larger trousers as I've grown tired of tight chinos. I crave airy, comfortable trousers where I can easily slip my phone into the pocket without feeling irritated. The trousers I've been keeping an eye on are all wider compared to what I had in my closet previously. However, the beauty of it lies in the versatility; tight trousers provide more warmth, so I might revisit them come winter.
Due to the high temperatures, I didn't come across many jackets or tailored pieces, but it was enough to give myself a bit of a refresh.
A hat was essential everywhere, and my outfit consisted of white cotton shorts from Suitsupply, a linen MTM shirt, a Borsalino Panama hat, and Massimo Dutti suede loafers with a white sole—all chosen to endure the heat.
Reflecting on that, the only thing I would reconsider now are the shoes. However, due to limited packing space and the need for a lot of walking, I opted for these shoes for practical reasons. My Berwick loafers, although stylish, aren't super comfortable. That's why I'm eager to invest in at least two new pairs of loafers from different brands this year, in search of both comfort and style.
Sorry for photos quality, it was mostly family vacation. This is in city Macerata in Marche region where I highly recommend Trattoria Da Rosa.
By the way, this was the first time I wore my new Borsalino Panama hat. It's amazing, but I think it deserves a separate post.
When I think about countries other than Italy that inspire me, besides London and the obvious choices, I'd say North Scandinavian tailoring like Samanamel looks quite gorgeous. Additionally, The Armoury, Craftsman Co. (I'm particularly interested in trying Gurkha trousers), and BnTailor, all from Asia, are sources of inspiration for me. Not to forget The Anthology.
What countries or tailoring styles do you like? Let me know in the comments!
All the best,
Denis
Uliassi - a Michelin restaurant worth visit
