Introduction
When it comes to luxury menswear, few brands can rival the prestige and craftsmanship of Kiton. Founded in Naples, Italy, in 1968 by Ciro Paone, Kiton has become synonymous with the finest handmade suits in the world. The brand’s unwavering commitment to quality and attention to detail has earned it a loyal following among discerning gentlemen who appreciate the art of bespoke tailoring.
The Kiton Philosophy
Kiton’s philosophy is simple: to create the best possible garment using the finest materials and the most skilled artisans. The brand’s motto, “”Il meglio del meglio più uno”” (the best of the best plus one), reflects its dedication to pushing the boundaries of excellence in every aspect of the tailoring process.
Handcrafted Excellence
Every Kiton suit is a testament to the brand’s commitment to handcrafted excellence. From the initial fabric selection to the final pressing, each garment is created entirely by hand, requiring over 45 hours of meticulous work by Kiton’s master tailors.
Uncompromising Quality
Kiton’s uncompromising approach to quality is evident in every detail of their suits. The brand uses only the finest materials, such as Vicuña, cashmere, and wool, sourced from the best mills in the world. Each fabric is carefully inspected for any imperfections before being cut and sewn into a suit.
The Fabric
Selecting the Best
Kiton’s fabric selection process is unparalleled in the industry. The brand’s experts travel the world in search of the rarest and most luxurious materials, often purchasing entire harvests to ensure exclusivity.
Vicuña: The Gold Standard
Vicuña, the fine, soft wool of the South American camelid, is considered the gold standard of luxury fabrics. Kiton is one of the few brands that offer suits made from 100% Vicuña, which can cost upwards of $50,000.
Super 180s Wool
For a more accessible luxury option, Kiton offers suits made from Super 180s wool. This high-quality wool is incredibly fine and soft, with a thread count of 180 per square inch, resulting in a smooth, lustrous finish.
The Cut
Neapolitan Style
Kiton suits are renowned for their distinctive Neapolitan style, characterised by a soft shoulder, high armhole, and slightly curved lapel. This style allows for greater freedom of movement and a more relaxed, comfortable fit.
Bespoke Tailoring
Kiton offers a fully bespoke tailoring service, allowing clients to customise every aspect of their suit, from the fabric and lining to the buttons and monogramming. The brand’s master tailors take over 50 measurements to ensure a perfect fit.
The Kiton Silhouette
The Kiton silhouette is instantly recognizable, with its elegant, streamlined shape and subtle details. The brand’s suits are designed to flatter the wearer’s physique, emphasising the shoulders and chest while tapering at the waist.
The Construction
Handmade from Start to Finish
Kiton suits are entirely handmade, from the cutting of the fabric to the sewing of the buttonholes. This level of craftsmanship ensures that each suit is unique and perfectly fitted to the wearer’s body.
The Canvas
The canvas is the foundation of a Kiton suit, providing structure and shape. Kiton uses a traditional horsehair canvas, which is lightweight, breathable, and moulds to the wearer’s body over time.
The Lining
Kiton’s suit linings are made from the finest silk, carefully chosen to complement the outer fabric. The lining is hand-sewn into the suit, with special attention paid to the sleeve lining to ensure a smooth, comfortable fit.
The Armhole
The high armhole is a signature feature of a Kiton suit, allowing for greater range of motion and a more flattering silhouette. The armhole is carefully cut and sewn by hand to ensure a perfect fit.
The Lapel
Kiton’s lapels are slightly curved, adding a touch of elegance to the suit’s overall appearance. The lapel is hand-rolled and pressed to maintain its shape and drape.
The Buttons
Kiton uses only the finest buttons, made from natural materials such as horn, mother-of-pearl, and corozo nut. Each button is carefully selected to complement the suit’s fabric and colour.
The Finishing Touches
Handmade Buttonholes
Kiton’s buttonholes are a true work of art, sewn entirely by hand using a special silk thread. The buttonholes are carefully cut and reinforced to ensure durability and a clean, elegant appearance.
The Pick Stitching
The pick stitching along the lapel and pockets of a Kiton suit is another example of the brand’s attention to detail. This subtle, hand-sewn detail adds a touch of refinement to the suit’s overall look.
The Pressing
The final step in the creation of a Kiton suit is the pressing. Kiton’s master tailors use a traditional iron and a damp cloth to gently shape the suit, ensuring a flawless finish that highlights the garment’s natural drape and lines.
The Kiton Experience
Bespoke Service
Kiton’s bespoke service is the ultimate luxury experience for the discerning gentleman. Clients can choose from an extensive range of fabrics and customization options, with the guidance of Kiton’s expert tailors.
Made-to-Measure
For those who prefer a more streamlined process, Kiton offers a made-to-measure service. This option allows clients to select from a range of pre-designed styles and fabrics, with the suit tailored to their specific measurements.
The Kiton Boutique
Visiting a Kiton boutique is an experience in itself. The brand’s elegant showrooms showcase the latest collections and offer a glimpse into the world of luxury tailoring.
Cesare Attolini: A Worthy Rival
The Attolini Family Legacy
Cesare Attolini, another renowned Neapolitan tailoring brand, is often compared to Kiton in terms of quality and craftsmanship. Founded in the 1930s by Vincenzo Attolini, the brand is now run by his sons, Cesare and Massimiliano.
Attolini’s Signature Style
Like Kiton, Cesare Attolini is known for its soft, unstructured Neapolitan style. However, Attolini’s suits are often considered to have a slightly more relaxed fit and a more understated elegance.
Handcrafted Excellence
Cesare Attolini shares Kiton’s commitment to handcrafted excellence, with each suit requiring over 30 hours of manual labor. The brand’s master tailors use traditional techniques passed down through generations to create garments of unparalleled quality.
Conclusion
In the world of luxury menswear, Kiton stands as a symbol of uncompromising quality and craftsmanship. From the selection of the finest fabrics to the meticulous hand-sewing of each buttonhole, every Kiton suit is a testament to the brand’s dedication to creating the best possible garment.
While rivals like Cesare Attolini offer their own take on Neapolitan style, Kiton remains the gold standard for those who seek the ultimate in luxury tailoring. Owning a Kiton suit is not just about investing in a garment; it’s about embracing a tradition of excellence that has been passed down through generations of master craftsmen.
In a world where fast fashion and mass production have become the norm, Kiton stands as a beacon of authenticity and artistry. The brand’s unwavering commitment to quality and its respect for the time-honoured traditions of bespoke tailoring ensure that a Kiton suit is not just a purchase but a lifelong companion.
As you slip on a Kiton suit, you can feel the passion and dedication that has gone into every stitch. The soft, supple fabric drapes elegantly over your shoulders, while the hand-sewn details and perfect fit showcase the skill and artistry of Kiton’s master tailors.
In the end, owning a Kiton suit is not about following trends or making a fashion statement. It’s about appreciating the true art of tailoring and investing in a garment that will stand the test of time. It’s about embracing a philosophy of uncompromising quality and recognizing that, when it comes to luxury, there can be no shortcuts.
So, whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur of fine tailoring or a newcomer to the world of luxury menswear, a Kiton suit is an investment that will pay dividends in style, comfort, and timeless elegance. Embrace the legacy of Kiton, and experience firsthand what it means to wear the best of the best.