Corneliani was founded in 1930 by Alfredo Corneliani in Mantua, Italy as a small artisan workshop specializing in the production of coats and raincoats. In 1958 his sons, Claudio and Carlalberto, turned the company into a powerhouse whose products (coats, suits, jackets and more) soon gained a strong following for their sophisticated designs. It encompasses several lines. In this article you’ll learn all about them!
Read: The DEFINITE Guide to ALL Canali Lines
#1 – Introduction
I’d like to mention two important things before we begin…as I usually do:
(1) Most of the information contained in this article comes from my own experience – I own, had owned and sold multiple Corneliani products worth hundreds of Euros on eBay.
(2) I’m not affiliated with Corneliani in any way, shape or form. ALL the information I’ll be sharing in this article comes from my personal experience with this brand.
Buckle up, we’re taking off!
Read: The ULTIMATE Guide to Hugo Boss Lines on the Internet
#2 – Current Corneliani Lines
Corneliani Mainline
If you ever visited an upscale menswear store (Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, to name a few), there’s a 99.9% chance that you’ll find a section dedicated to Corneliani – the vast majority (if not all) of their products belonging to this line, which offers a wide selection of suits, blazers, sport coats, dress shirts and leather products of more timeless and conservative styles.
As far as the quality of construction and materials of Corneliani mainline products is concerned, they’re of very high quality – for example, their leather coats and jackets (like the one I’m wearing in the picture below) are made from high quality leather and their suits, blazers and sport coats are, except those made from thicker fabrics (like the one that I’m wearing in the picture further below), fully canvassed.
As you can see in the pictures, the style of Corneliani mainline products is classic and conservative since they’re aimed at more accomplished men who chase style over fashion – you won’t find anything with loud patterns and wild colors on their products.
If you’re looking for high-quality products of conservative but timeless designs that’ll last until your retirement AND whose prices aren’t over the top (like those from Ermenegildo Zegna, for example), then look no further than those from the Corneliani mainline!
Read: The ULTIMATE Guide to Giorgio Armani Lines on the Internet
CC Collection
CC Collection is Corneliani’s line aimed at entry-level buyers. It offers a decent selection mainly composed of suits, blazers, sport coats, dress shirts and leather products whose styles are similar (conservative) to that of their mainline counterparts – in other words, no loud patterns and/or colors.
The quality of construction of CC Collection products is significantly lower compared to that of their mainline counterparts – for example, CC Collection suits, blazers and sport coats are either unstructured, fused or, in rare occasions, half-canvassed. As far as the quality of materials they’re made of is concerned, it’s somewhat lower – although there’s a decent selection of products that’re made from high-quality wool, linen, silk and cotton, the vast majority is made from various wool and cotton blends.
In case you’re looking for entry-level Italian-made (for the most part) formalwear, then products from the CC Collection (like the suit in the picture above) are something worth of your consideration!
Read: The ULTIMATE Guide to Ralph Lauren Lines
Corneliani ID
Corneliani ID is Corneliani’s fashion-forward line offering a selection mostly consisted of blazers, sport coats, jackets, trousers and dress shirts of usually louder patterns and colors intended for younger crowd who chase fashion over style.
What makes Corneliani ID line stand out in the world of fashion are their famous ID jackets, first introduced in 2005 as a response to a general relaxing of dress codes. They’re designed to be suitable for any weather: single-breasted with two front flap-and-patch pockets at the front and notch lapels, yet with a detachable internal component– called a chest piece – which zips up underneath. For less than 30 Euros, I’ve managed to snag two of them – one made from cotton (which I’m wearing in the picture below) and another one made of a wool and cashmere blend (sadly, without a chest piece, but I think a good tailor can replicate it). These two (and a red seersucker from this line as well) are some of my favorite clothes!
The quality of construction of Corneliani ID products is, from I’ve seen, about the same as that of their CC Collection counterparts – their blazers and sport coats are mostly unstructured (there may be some that are fused, half-canvassed and, according to some, even fully canvassed, but I’ve never seen them).
As far as the quality of materials Corneliani ID products is concerned, I’d say that it’s better than that of their CC Collection products – most of the products from this line seem to be made from natural materials (wool, cotton, silk…).
If you’re looking for flamboyant (but not too eccentric) Italian-made clothes which won’t break the bank (unlike Emporio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana), then I’m absolutely sure that you’ll love those coming from the Corneliani ID line!
Read: Where is Armani Made? Is it in Italy?
#3 – Discontinued Corneliani Lines
Corneliani Linea Sartoria
Before being discontinued in the 1990-ies (and incorporated into the Corneliani mainline), the Corneliani Linea Sartoria line was Corneliani’s top line. It offered a selection of suits, blazers and sport coats made from more premium fabrics – super 130 wool, cashmere-silk blends and the like.
As far as the quality of construction of Corneliani Linea Sartoria products is concerned, it’s on the same level as of their 1990-ies Corneliani mainline counterparts (all of their suits, blazers and sport coats are fully canvassed) – I can say that with ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY because I’m fortunate enough to own a two-button dark gray Corneliani Linea Sartoria orphaned suit jacket (made from super 130 wool) and two Corneliani mainline blazers from that era.
Corneliani Linea Sartoria suits, blazers and sport jackets are, like those from the Corneliani mainline, of conservative style. From what I’ve seen on eBay, the vast majority of them (like the one in the picture above) have 3 buttons – a style that’s, in no small part thanks to McDonalds (I’m not kidding), passé. Therefore, don’t buy them UNLESS you’re a fan of vintage clothes, a hipster or a fashionista who’s looking for a way to stand out from the crowd (and/or who aims to make this style popular again). If you manage to find two and two-a-half button variants that’re in great condition or are NOS (New Old Stock)…snag them before I do!
Read: Are Giorgio Armani Suits REALLY That Good?
Corneliani Trend
As far as Corneliani Trend is concerned, there’s surprisingly little information about it on the Internet – even on specialized forums. From what I’ve understood, in the early 00’s this line discontinued or, to be more precise, separated into two smaller ones with which you’re now probably familiar with – CC Collection (whose products tend to be conservative/classic) and Corneliani ID (whose products are more fashion-forward). As you may have guessed, this line offered a wide selection of suits, blazers, sport coats, jackets and trousers of both fashion-forward AND conservative/classic designs aimed at entry-level buyers.
Read: How to Spot Fake Giorgio Armani Clothes
#4 – Frequently Asked Questions
Is Corneliani a Good Brand?
Amongst many style enthusiasts on popular style forums like Styleforum and Askandyaboutclothes, Corneliani is considered to be a very good brand. As a person who own a Corneliani mainline suit and a couple of sport coats and blazers from all lines bar Trend, I agree with their opinion.
Also, it’s important to mention that Corneliani makes suits from some of the most respected fashion and luxury brands in the world – for example, all Ralph Lauren suits, blazers, sport coats and some slacks are made by Corneliani in their factories in Italy and Slovakia. If they weren’t an reputable brand, good ol’ Ralph (and many others) would find someone else!
Read: How to Recognize a GENUINE Ralph Lauren Polo Shirt
Are Corneliani Suits Fully Canvassed?
All Corneliani suits (including blazers and sport coats) from the main line (as well as those from the discontinued Linea Sartoria line) are fully canvassed. Their counterparts from other lines (CC Collection, Corneliani ID and Corneliani Trend) are either semi canvassed, fused or unstructured.
Read: Differences BETWEEN an ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA SUIT and a SUIT MADE FROM ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA FABRIC
Where is Corneliani Made?
The vast majority of Corneliani products are made in their factory in Mantua, Italy. However, some products from their more affordable lines (CC Collection and Corneliani ID) may be made in Slovakia, Turkey and China.
Read: SHOULD YOU Buy Clothes From HIGH END Brands?
Are Corneliani Suits Better Than Canali?
As far as the comparison between suits (as well as blazers and sport coats) from MAINLINE Corneliani and Canali lines is concerned, their construction and the quality of fabrics they’re made of are on the same level. The only difference between them is the fit – Corneliani suits seem to be a little slimmer in comparison to their Canali counterparts. However, keep in mind that older (vintage) Canali suits are more wider in the chest and shoulders in comparison to their Corneliani counterparts from the same era.
On the other hand, Kei by Canali line suits, blazers and sport coats are better constructed (they’re fully canvassed) and are made from better materials their CC Corneliani and Corneliani ID counterparts. As far as their styling is concerned, I’d say that Corneliani ID’s are, based on the models I’ve seen and own (I’ve three Corneliani ID blazers and one Kei by Canali blazer), better in that segment – Corneliani ID has more attractive designs (and daring, but not too far like Etro, Emporio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana). Still…I love both of them (Kei by Canali and Corneliani ID) and I’m quite sure you’ll too!
Read: How to Spot a FAKE Emporio Armani Watch
Is Corneliani Faked?
Corneliani products, despite their popularity, aren’t faked. However, be VERY careful when you buy their accessories (especially ties and pocket squares), however, as they’re EXTREMELY easy to fake!
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
The featured Image was taken from this link, and the image in the Introduction was taken from this link.
Pingback: ALL ABOUT Pal Zileri and Lines of Pal Zileri Suits – Findnolimits
Pingback: The WORLD’S ULTIMATE Guide to Prada Lines – Findnolimits
Pingback: SHOULD YOU buy Clothes from HIGH END brands? – Findnolimits
Pingback: How to Buy HIGH-END AND DESIGNER CLOTHING on eBay FOR VERY CHEAP – Findnolimits
Pingback: Differences BETWEEN an ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA SUIT and a SUIT MADE FROM ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA FABRIC – Findnolimits
Pingback: Where is Armani Made? Is it in Italy? – Findnolimits
Pingback: The DEFINITE Guide to ALL Canali Lines – Findnolimits
Pingback: Where is Hugo Boss Made? Is it in Germany? – Findnolimits
Pingback: How to Spot a GENUINE Zegna Suit – Findnolimits
Pingback: Where Are Ralph Lauren Clothes Made? In the US? Or Perhaps in China? – Findnolimits
Pingback: The BEST Guide to Zegna Lines IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM (and Beyond) – Findnolimits
Pingback: 5 Reasons to Buy at Thrift Stores – Findnolimits