https://isuit.it/en/designers/cesare-attolini

Kiton vs. Cesare Attolini: A Deep Dive
into the Legends of Italian Tailoring
Introduction
In the world of luxury menswear, two names stand out as the epitome of Italian
craftsmanship and style: Kiton and Cesare Attolini. These legendary tailoring houses have
been at the forefront of the industry for decades, creating exquisite garments that are
coveted by discerning gentlemen worldwide. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into
the history, craftsmanship, and unique characteristics of these two iconic brands, comparing
and contrasting their approaches to tailoring.
The Origins of Kiton and Cesare Attolini
Kiton: A Family Legacy

https://isuit.it/en/designers/kiton

Kiton was founded in 1968 by Ciro Paone, a visionary entrepreneur who sought to create the
finest handmade suits in the world. Born into a family of tailors in Naples, Italy, Paone grew
up immersed in the art of tailoring. He named his company ""Kiton,"" derived from the Greek
word ""chiton,"" which refers to a tunic worn by ancient Greeks, symbolizing elegance and
refinement.
Cesare Attolini: Three Generations of Tailoring Excellence
Cesare Attolini's story begins in the 1930s when Vincenzo Attolini, a master tailor from
Naples, started creating bespoke suits for a discerning clientele. His son, Cesare Attolini,
followed in his footsteps and established the brand in the 1950s. Today, the third generation
of the Attolini family continues the legacy, upholding the same commitment to quality and
craftsmanship that has defined the brand for decades.
The Art of Neapolitan Tailoring
Both Kiton and Cesare Attolini are renowned for their adherence to the Neapolitan tailoring
tradition. This style of tailoring is characterised by its soft, unstructured shoulders, high
armholes, and a natural, comfortable fit. The goal is to create a suit that feels like a second
skin, allowing the wearer to move with ease and grace.
Kiton's Approach to Neapolitan Tailoring
Kiton takes the Neapolitan tailoring tradition to new heights, employing a team of master
tailors who handcraft each garment with meticulous attention to detail. The brand is known
for its use of the finest materials, such as ultra-lightweight wool and cashmere fabrics, which
are carefully selected for their superior quality and texture.
Cesare Attolini's Interpretation of Neapolitan Style
Cesare Attolini's approach to Neapolitan tailoring is equally impressive, with a focus on
creating garments that are both elegant and comfortable. The brand's suits are characterised
by their soft, natural shoulders, a slightly longer jacket length, and a gently curved lapel,
which creates a flattering silhouette.
Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail
Kiton's Commitment to Handcrafted Excellence
Kiton is renowned for its unwavering commitment to handcrafted excellence. Each suit
requires up to 25 hours of labour, with every stitch sewn by hand. The brand employs a team
of over 350 master tailors, each with a specific area of expertise, from cutting and sewing to
buttonholes and finishing touches.
Cesare Attolini's Dedication to Artisanal Craftsmanship
Cesare Attolini is equally dedicated to artisanal craftsmanship, with a team of skilled tailors
who create each garment with precision and care. The brand's suits are known for their
exceptional fit and attention to detail, with features such as hand-sewn buttonholes,
functional cuff buttons, and a hand-rolled collar.
The Fabric Selection Process
Kiton's Pursuit of the Finest Materials
Kiton is famous for its use of the world's finest fabrics, sourced from the most prestigious
mills in Italy and the United Kingdom. The brand is particularly known for its exclusive
""K-50"" fabric, a blend of ultra-fine merino wool and vicuña, which is considered one of the
rarest and most luxurious fibres in the world.
Cesare Attolini's Fabric Choices
Cesare Attolini also places a strong emphasis on fabric selection, choosing only the highest
quality materials for its garments. The brand works closely with renowned Italian mills, such
as Loro Piana and Vitale Barberis Canonico, to create exclusive fabrics that are both
beautiful and durable.
The Custom Experience
Kiton's Bespoke Services
Kiton offers a comprehensive bespoke service, allowing clients to create a suit that is
tailored to their exact specifications. The process begins with an in-depth consultation,
during which the client's measurements are taken, and fabric and style preferences are
discussed. The suit is then crafted by a team of master tailors, with multiple fittings to ensure
a perfect fit.
Cesare Attolini's Made-to-Measure Options
Cesare Attolini provides a range of made-to-measure options, allowing clients to personalise
their suits with a variety of fabrics, linings, and styling details. The brand's experienced
tailors work closely with each client to create a garment that is both comfortable and
flattering.
The Ready-to-Wear Collections
Kiton's Luxury Ready-to-Wear
In addition to its bespoke services, Kiton offers a luxury ready-to-wear collection that
embodies the brand's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. These garments are crafted
with the same attention to detail as the bespoke suits, using the finest fabrics and traditional
tailoring techniques.
Cesare Attolini's Refined Ready-to-Wear
Cesare Attolini's ready-to-wear collection is equally impressive, featuring a range of suits,
jackets, and trousers that showcase the brand's signature Neapolitan style. These garments
are crafted with the same dedication to quality and fit as the brand's made-to-measure
offerings.
Kiton and Cesare Attolini: A Comparison
While both Kiton and Cesare Attolini are renowned for their exceptional quality and
craftsmanship, there are some notable differences between the two brands.
Kiton's Unique Selling Points
● Ultra-exclusive ""K-50"" fabric
● Extensive handcrafting process (up to 25 hours per suit)
● Larger team of master tailors
● Slightly more structured Neapolitan style
Cesare Attolini's Distinguishing Features
● Focus on creating a softer, more relaxed Neapolitan silhouette
● Emphasis on comfort and ease of movement
● Slightly more accessible price point compared to Kiton
● Family-owned and operated for three generations
The Price of Perfection
Both Kiton and Cesare Attolini are positioned at the top end of the luxury menswear market,
with prices reflecting the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of their garments.
Kiton's Price Range
Kiton's suits start at around $7,000 for ready-to-wear and can exceed $30,000 for bespoke
creations. The brand's ""K-50"" suits, crafted from the exclusive blend of merino wool and
vicuña, can cost upwards of $50,000.
Cesare Attolini's Pricing
Cesare Attolini's suits are slightly more accessible, with ready-to-wear options starting at
around $5,000 and made-to-measure suits typically ranging from $7,000 to $15,000. While
still a significant investment, Cesare Attolini's prices reflect the brand's commitment to using
the finest materials and traditional craftsmanship.
The Future of Italian Tailoring
As the world of luxury menswear continues to evolve, both Kiton and Cesare Attolini remain
committed to preserving the art of Italian tailoring and adapting to the changing needs of
their clients.
Kiton's Expansion and Innovation
In recent years, Kiton has expanded its product range to include casual wear, accessories,
and even a home collection. The brand has also invested in innovative technology, such as
3D body scanning, to enhance its bespoke services and ensure an even more precise fit.
Cesare Attolini's Commitment to Tradition
Cesare Attolini, on the other hand, has remained focused on its core offerings of suits,
jackets, and trousers, with a strong emphasis on preserving the traditional techniques and
values of Neapolitan tailoring. The brand continues to be family-owned and operated,
ensuring that the Attolini legacy is passed down to future generations.
Conclusion
In the realm of luxury menswear, Kiton and Cesare Attolini stand as two titans of Italian
tailoring, each with its unique approach to the art of creating the perfect suit. Both brands
offer unparalleled craftsmanship, exceptional materials, and a deep-rooted commitment to
quality, yet they bring distinct qualities and philosophies to their tailoring.
Kiton, with its emphasis on ultra-exclusive fabrics like the ""K-50,"" and its extensive
handcrafting process, represents the pinnacle of opulent tailoring. Its larger team of master
tailors and slightly more structured approach to Neapolitan style underscore a brand that
pushes the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship while exploring new frontiers in luxury.
Conversely, Cesare Attolini maintains a softer, more relaxed Neapolitan silhouette, focusing
on comfort and ease of movement. The brand’s commitment to artisanal craftsmanship,
combined with a slightly more accessible price point, makes it a compelling choice for those
seeking the elegance of Neapolitan tailoring without the highest price tag. The Attolini
family’s dedication to preserving traditional techniques while adapting to modern needs
further solidifies the brand’s esteemed place in the world of luxury menswear.
Both Kiton and Cesare Attolini continue to shape the future of Italian tailoring, balancing
heritage and innovation. Kiton is expanding its offerings and embracing new technologies,
while Cesare Attolini remains steadfast in its commitment to tradition and family values. As
they navigate the evolving landscape of fashion, their dedication to excellence ensures that
they will continue to set the standard for luxury tailoring for years to come.
Whether one is drawn to the unparalleled exclusivity of Kiton or the refined elegance of
Cesare Attolini, both brands offer a testament to the artistry and precision of Italian tailoring.
In choosing between these two icons, discerning gentlemen can be assured of a suit that is
not only a symbol of status and sophistication but also a timeless investment in personal
style.