In 1934, Giacomo and Giovanni Canali started a tailor’s workshop in Milan. Over the next several decades, it became one of the most popular Italian luxury menswear brands specializing in suits, jackets and other formalwear. It’s one of the biggest Italian companies that’s still family-owned.
Canali products encompass five different lines and in this article you’ll learn all about them!
Read: The ULTIMATE Guide to Ralph Lauren Lines
#1 – Introduction
Before we begin, I’d like to mention that … :
(1) … most of the information contained in this article comes from my own experience – I own, had owned and sold multiple Canali products worth for thousands of Euros on eBay.
(2) … I’m not affiliated with Canali in any way, shape or form.
With these things out of our way, let us continue, shall we 🙂 ?
Read: The ULTIMATE Guide to Hugo Boss Lines on the Internet
#2 – Current Canali Lines
Canali Mainline
Canali mainline is the oldest and most widely available Canali line – you can be absolutely certain that every high-end boutique worth its salt has at least a section dedicated to it. Besides high-quality suits, blazers, sport coats and other formalwear (dress shirts, pocket squares), this line also offers some activewear (like swim trunks) and a range of high-end leather products such as bags, belts, shoes, and cardholders.
All items coming from the Canali mainline tend to be of classic style – with the exception of some tuxedoes, you’ll rarely (if ever) see eye catching colors and/or bold patterns on products coming from this line. If you’re a type of guy who’s chasing style over fashion and doesn’t want to wear something that can potentially make the traffic stop when you walk by, then products from this Canali line are something worth of your consideration.
Canali suits were worn by Gene Hackman, Arnold Schwarzenegger and George Clooney in Michael Clayton. In the picture above, you can see yours truly wearing Canali chinos with a Belvest blazer and Hugo Boss Black Label shoes.
Read: Where is Armani Made? Is it in Italy?
Canali Exclusive
As its name suggests, the Canali Exclusive line is Canali’s top line which mainly offers formalwear (suits, blazers, dress shoes, leather jackets and dress shirts) made from the finest leather and fabrics (such as super 150 to super 200 wool and cashmere blended with mink hair, for example) known to man. Because of this and their quality of construction (comparable to their mainline counterparts), clothes coming from this line are some of the best money can buy – their quality is comparable (if not better) to those of more exclusive brands like Brioni, Tom Ford, Belvest and Ralph Lauren Purple Label.
As a person who owns and has sold several Canali Exclusive products (suits, blazers and overcoats, to be more precise), I can say with absolute certainty that their construction and overall style (basic) are identical to those from the mainline – the only difference, as I mentioned before, are the fabrics. In the picture below you can see how a super 160 wool coming from this line suit looks like.
Read: 5 Reasons to Shop at Thrift Stores
Canali Kei
The Kei (as in K for knit) line is Canali’s more fashion forward line, aimed at people who are looking for a high-quality Italian-made products that’re fashionable (but not too much like Dolce & Gabbana), versatile (both business, party and casual friendly) and of very high quality.
Although Kei offers a decent selection of suits, trousers and overcoats, the vast majority of product from this line are lightweight unlined and unstructured 2 and 2 and a 1/2 button blazers and sport coats usually made from lightweight materials like cotton, linen, silk and various blends. Most (if not all) of them are of Neapolitan style – they’re slimmer, have very thin shoulder pads and are shorter in length compared to their counterparts from other Canali lines. In the picture below, you can see me wearing one.
Read: How to Spot Fake Giorgio Armani Clothes
Canali Black Edition
Established in 2020, the Canali Black Edition line is Canali’s line which offers formalwear that incorporates elements of activewear. In the words of Stefano Canali, Canali’s CEO, the Canali Black Edition represents the most urban and technical execution of Canali’s DNA, designed for a younger customer or a customer who wants to dress up at the weekend and in a more casual situation.
From what I’ve seen, products coming from Canali Black Edition line, like the jacket seen in the picture below, are more casual in comparison to those from the Kei line (not to mention other lines). If you’re looking for a high quality outwear inspired casual clothing, then this Canali line is certainly worth of your consideration – it certainly beats Hugo Boss and Massimo Dutti quality-wise.
Read: The MOST COMPREHENSIVE Guide to Corneliani Lines IN THE UNIVERSE
#3 – Discontinued Canali Lines
Canali Proposta
The last Canali line is the Proposta, a line had been discontinued in the mid 00’s I believe and is the only one whose products I never had a chance to see in person – yet alone own or sell.
Canali Proposta suits (as well as blazers and sport coats) are, in comparison to those from the other lines, roomier and have wider shoulders. On various forums, some state that this line used to be Canali’s more “fashion forward” – a “Kei before Kei” if you will. From what I’ve seen on eBay, that doesn’t seem to be the case – Canali Proposta suits, blazers and sport coats barely differ from their mainline (and Exclusive) counterparts.
Although there’re some timeless one-button, two-button and 4×2 double breasted Canali Proposta suits, blazers and sport coats which I wouldn’t mind wearing, the vast majority of them, like the one in the image above, have three-buttons (or 6×2 if double breasted) which are not in fashion today – I believe that I know why (hint: McDonalds), but this is a whole separate subject which I’ll talk about some other time. In any case…avoid this line unless you’re a fan of vintage or a fashionista looking to stand out from the crowd!
Read: The ULTIMATE Guide to Giorgio Armani Lines on the Internet
#4 – Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canali a Good Brand?
As a person who owns and who has handled quite a lot of Canali products (suits, trousers, blazers, sport coats) I can tell you, with absolute certainty, that Canali is indeed a good brand – whenever you buy a Canali product, you can be rest assured that it’ll last you for decades if you take care of it properly.
Read: Differences BETWEEN an ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA SUIT and a SUIT MADE FROM ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA FABRIC
Where is Canali Made?
Every Canali product, from suits to swim trunks, is made in Italy.
Read: How to Spot a FAKE Emporio Armani Watch
Are Canali Suits Fused or Fully Canvassed?
All Canali suits are, regardless of line, fully canvassed – you’ll never, EVER see a fused (or semi canvassed) Canali suit. The same goes for their blazers.
Read: The WORLD’S ULTIMATE Guide to Prada Lines
Is Canali Faked?
Despite their popularity, Canali products aren’t faked like their Armani, Gucci, Prada counterparts – I’ve been selling Canali products on eBay and I’ve never seen a fake product. Still, exercise caution when buying items that can be easily faked, such as accessories (ties, pocket squares … ), dress shirts and t-shirts.
Thank you for reading. If you’ve liked this article and want to see more like them, make sure you bookmark this site and to follow me on Instagram!
Until next time.
Your man,
-Leon
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