Customers of Luca Avitabile – the superb Neapolitan shirtmaker introduced on this site – will already be aware that he has split from Gabriella, his partner at operating company Satriano Cinque.
As per usual, any back-biting should be largely ignored. Gabriella and Luca simply wanted different things – the former to pursue women’s fashion at home in Naples, the latter to cater to male bespoke customers abroad. Any payments due on orders made with Luca before September should be paid to Satriano Cinque – it seems all customers have received emails to that effect. Any made since then can be done with Luca individually.
It has been a pleasure to see Luca develop a customer base in London, and to meet many of them on the way to or from appointments. He is, from my experience, the best value Italian shirtmaker currently visiting London, and it has been interesting to see customers explore materials they wouldn’t normally have access to from RTW – jersey, pique, linen mixes.
Luca and Luigi (Solito, Neapolitan tailor) are visiting London again on October 23-25. This will be a particularly special visit, as Luigi’s father, the master tailor Gennaro Solito, will also be coming from Naples.
The two are now camped out in the Traveller’s Club, on Pall Mall. A jacket and tie would normally be required to enter the Club, but because the Italians are located in the basement the rule does not apply – rather ironic, given this is one group of men that would likely take pleasure in the application of such a rule.
All communications with Luca should use the address [email protected]. If anyone has any questions about the service or my choices with his shirts and materials (about a dozen so far) please let me know in the comments below.
Photos: Luke Carby
How much do shirts typically cost? And what are the outstanding features that make Luca’s shirts distinctive from, say, Turbull and Asser or other UK shirtmakerts?
Thanks
Starting at €180.
And the second is a big question – a lot of things, essentially. More than in any other area of menswear. Perhaps have a look at previous posts on Satriano Cinque, and let me know if there’s anything that’s not clear?
does Luca require a minimum order?
Nope
Hi Simon, may I ask if they will work CMT with customer-supplied linen? Is there a minimum order quantity and what is the price range please?
Hey,
Prices start at €180. You can get most standard cloths for that. There’s no minimum order. And CMT would probably be ok but worth talking to Luca in person about
Simon,
I’ve recently commissioned Luca for a few shirts to start, with a view to ordering more at a later date. Since you have several shirts, are you able to share your experience with respect to shrinkage? I know this question may not be straightforward as he does use a variety of cloth bunches but your thoughts would be appreciated.
Best regards and keep up the good work on the blog!
Hi. Sure, as you say it varies with cloths a little, but I haven’t had any problems with shrinkage. Wash on cool and hang dry, and you shouldn’t see anything significant
Really hope this means Luca will start doing New York visits now – it’s surprisingly difficult to get high quality, good value shirts made here!
Hi Simon, I am deeply sorry for opening up this thread, but do you launder your own shirts? As I pay more and more for shirts, I am hesitant to using a cleaners – as we called them in the US. Eventually, something will go wrong. It’s inevitable. But the time it takes to iron is causing me to take chances I’d rather not take. Many places in NYC will hand wash and fold them for $8US. But that’s exorbitant. What do you do?
I wash all my own, as pretty much everyone does in the UK. It’s very much a US affliction to use dry cleaners for everything. But it can be terrible for clothes, particularly shirts and tailoring…
Simon,
What would be your recommendations for some interesting winter shirts to go with grey and blue odd jackets – any particular style, fabric, colours you’d recommend?
Good question. The cashmere/cotton mixes are nice, but I find them a bit too soft – there is no body, in the collar or elsewhere; try the brushed cottons instead, in soft colours like greys and subtle checks. The denims are also nice.
Thanks, Simon. How about Luca’s polo shirts for winter – albeit in a heavier cloth than those for the summer?
You could certainly have a polo cut buttoning (halfway down) but the polos are normally made with a pique cotton that I could t recommend for winter
Hi Simon, i would like to thanks readers for their interest in my work, yes me and Luigi Solito would love to visit NY for few bespoke events but we need to reach a minimum number of customers to do that.
Thanks again
Luca
Up to you guys then – get a quorum together?
Please jot my name down as a customer for both Luigi Solito and yourself if you gentlemen decide to come to New York.
Hi Luca,
I’m based in Manhattan and I’m certainly interested in placing an initial order of 2-3 shirts if you plan to visit.
I believe Turnbull & Asser have a beautiful store in New York matter of fact I know they do.
They do, and the staff there are great. But any English bespoke shirt, including T&A (who were my shirtmaker for several years) is hugely different to Italian bespoke
When will your next book be published, Simon?
The Finest Menswear in the World, published by Thames & Hudson, will be out next Spring. Hopefully two other books will also be out next year. Thanks for asking
I wonder if you could write a little more about their bespoke polo shirts. You have mentioned them several times, commenting on them as part of an outfit, but I don’t believe you’ve ever given many details on them.
Good idea, will do
Be careful about America though, I have heard of many horror stories with small traveling tailors where people don’t bother to turn up for appointments.
Apparently this is not so much a problem in the Far East and Europe.
As this is bespoke as opposed to MTM do you know when Luca will be returning to the UK to conduct a fitting?
Many thanks
Matt
Hey Matt – yes, dates in the post…
I didn’t put that very well, I meant when was he returning after the October trip? Does Luca intend to return in 3/6/12 months?
Thanks again
Ah, I see. He’s been coming for the past couple of years to London, with visits every 1-2 months.
I am in NY and i’d be interested in meeting Luca and his friends if they show up (and yes, i do show up at previously made appointments…)
Have they every failed to keep an appointment (I don’t get the last post)? How many fittings does it take/what’s the turn around time like?
No, never failed to keep one in my experience.
Shirts take one fitting, just for the first shirt. Usually shirts can be turned around for each visit, so 5-7 weeks for the fitting, same again for the first shirt, then same again for every subsequent shirt. If needed urgently, my shirts are also posted to me as soon as they are ready.
Simon,
As regards prices I suppose you should clarify that the EUR180 figure is without VAT. When I first saw Luca in June and ordered my first shirt, and when I saw him again in November and ordered more, both times I was quoted prices starting at EUR220 (incl VAT).
Thanks,
S
Yes good point, thanks S
Hello Simon,
following your advice I had a shirt made by Luca when I was in Naples a few years ago. The result was a bit ambivalent, the collar is fantastic, it looks very good but the fit on the body needs to be worked on. However I would like to give it a second try. But how do I find Luca now in Naples? Does he have a shop?
Regards
Michael
He’s working out of the solito building. Worth seeing if you can re-dart the shirt
Simon,
I’ve been trying to contact Luigi Solito on the following email address:
[email protected]
I’m having difficulty in corresponding via email with him. Never seem to get a reply. Are you able to assist by confirming his email if that is possible? I have no such problem with emails being returned from Luca.
Try [email protected]
I’ve met Luca on my travels to Napoli last year a d commissioned a couple of summer shirts to see how they turn out. A very nice and friendly guy to deal with, speaks good English; turn-around time has been somewhat terrible – the first shirts took almost 4 months to arrive, and I had to do a refitting on an ad-hoc trip to Napoli later in the year as my measurements were lost. Both shirts turned out excellent in the fit, much better than I expected. One shirt, however, had quite a terribly fused collar that split after a couple of washes and had to be sent back in January for repairs. Awaiting for it to come back, still, will be interesting to see how the replacement collar will work. Luca has been keeping in touch via whatup so I am not worried about the shirt, just slightly upset that the workmanship was sloppy and I had to go into the expense of covering the return courier and waiting time…on the balance, I’d recommend trying, as if all works out, you will get a very nice shirt for quite a good price. Just be realist info about hiccups that do happen in this business quite often, from my experience.
I had an appointment with Luca but he did not show up .
The following week I again meet with him and when I went to him , he told me to come back later .
But this man is a serious and professional ?
I only lost valuable time.
I do not recommend him.
Interesting Vincenzo. That hasn’t been my experience or that of many others here. Where did you meet him? Naples?
Simon – it’s been some time since this article was originally posted so wanted to ask if Luca still has no minimum order and if pricing has vastly increased. Many thanks
Hi – pricing has increased, yes, best to check with Luca on what it is, but he still has no minimum order
Hi Simon. One quick question about Luca, vs. other shirtmakers. I’ll be in Napoli in a couple of weeks, and i wondering whether to try out Luca or Salvatore Piccolo. Any thought/advice about both, differences in quality, pricing (though, my understanding is that they’re roughly at the same price range). Thanks much. Moez.
I’d say, go to Piccolo if you want more unusual designs, fabrics, more the experience of a RTW brand you like the style of and want a better fit.
Go to Luca if you want more bespoke experience, cut and make
Hi Simon,
I was wondering if you still used Luca for shirts and if you had any new thoughts on him or if any of your previous thoughts have changed? I think I’m going to book an appointment with him when he’s in London next month but wanted to check if you had any updated opinion or information to offer!
Hi Jonny,
Yes I do (making a cream brushed cotton at the moment). He’s my go-to shirtmaker, for his quality, consistency, and character
Hi Simon,
Thank so much, I’m booked in with Luca in Pall Mall and very much looking forward to it. This will be my first bespoke shirt. Would you have any interest in writing some pieces along the lines of ‘what to expect in your first bespoke visit’, be it for shirt/suit/shoes. I understand from reading your blog and others that there are a lot of options and variables (from collar fusing, to button thickness, to shoulder shirring etc), but am not sure which of these are for the customer to specify, or simply applied as ‘house style’.
Good point Jonny. We’ve done this a lot for suits, but not really for shirts. I’ll plan something
Approximate price of bespoke Luca Avitabile shirt
€250
What should men do about pronounced nipples/man cleavage showing through dress shirts? Little is mitigated with an undershirt and it’s quite embarrassing to wear a dress shirt alone. Do you have any tips Simon?
Hi Simon,
I finally decided to try bespoke. My first order will be a shirt with Luca. Before doing so I want to be as prepared as possible. Can you please address my questions?
1. Does Luca explain all available options like collar styles, cuff styles, button types, front placket types, shirt shoulder (spalla camicia) et cetera?
2. To what extent does Luca guide you through all available options?
2 a) Does Luca advise which collar style suits best?
2 b) I do not wear a watch yet. Should I ask Luca to take into account a future dress watch while choosing the right cuff size?
3. I am looking for a relatively slim fit shirt. However, the fit should definitely not be too slim. It is difficult to explain in words what I like. How can I best explain my preference? Is this usually done in the fitting phase?
4. What should I pay attention to during the first (measurement) and second appointment (first fitting)?
5. A friend who tried bespoke several times advises me two things:
6 a) to never pay until the product is finished as I want it. Do you agree?
6 b) to write down what has been discussed and decided and give a copy to the tailor. It feels uncomfortable, but he stresses it keep things clear. Do you agree?
7. What other tips do you have?
Peter, can I ask if you have read or watched what I’ve done before on shirt fittings – such as my video on this site with 100 Hands?
Hi Simon,
Thanks for your reply.
I have not read or watched what you have done before on shirt fittings. After reading your article and watching the excellent video some of my questions were answered. I noticed DKP posted a reply as well. His answers are very comprehensive and really helped me. I am going to make an appointment with Luca soon.
Oh good, pleased we could help Peter
Peter – I don’t know if you’ll find this useful but I had my first bespoke experience with Luca so can offer some perspective. Firstly, I think it’s completely understandable to be a little nervous and perhaps even a little worried you’re going to do something “wrong”. As much as you can, try to let go of that. Luca is very good at putting you at ease. He very much wants to make sure you’re happy and he’s a craftsman who takes his craft seriously. To try to answer some of your specific questions:
1. Luca didn’t volunteer all available options to me but that’s because I arrived with a fairly clear idea of what I wanted but if I really didn’t know where to start, all I would have to do I suspect is ask. Ask him what collar styles are available, ask what he thinks might suit you. Tell him how you’ll wear the shirts most often. As an example, I ordered a button down and a spread for my first order (there’s a two shirt minimum for your first order). I explained that the spread would mostly be worn without a tie but I’d like to be able to wear it with one as well. The result, was exactly what I’d hoped.
2. With regards to fit, I think I know what you’re describing and in my experience, it’s what you’ll get with Luca. The shirt was “tailored” but not tight. That said, once I received the shirts, I did feel one of them could be a bit looser in the middle and so Luca is adjusting it for me.
3. During your fist appointment, I wouldn’t say there’s much to “pay attention to” exactly. Try to come with some clarity around what you want. If you find it helps to have some notes of questions, bring them (I didn’t find that necessary but everyone is different). The first appointment was really about me communicating and deciding on what I wanted and for Luca to take measurements. At the second appointment, Luca had a template shirt for me to try on. This allowed him to see how his measurements had translated and for me to get an idea of fit which already very good. He noted some minor adjustments.
4. With regards to what your friend advised, I can’t agree. To begin with, for your first order (of two shirts), Luca will ask for you to pay half. I think this is entirely reasonable. I would also find it quite strange to write down everything that had been discussed and hand a copy to him as though he’s being given a copy of an affidavit. Just have a conversation with him. If you’re concerned about keeping it all clear for yourself, just run through it at the end with him, e.g. “Ok, so I’m going with the white poplin Thomas Mason fabric with a spread collar, single button barrel cuffs, etc.” The man is a professional who does this every day. It really will be ok
5. Bespoke does not equal perfection. At least not in my very limited experience. What it does equate to is a high level of craftsmanship, a relationship with the person creating your commission, the ability to adjust and iterate. This is what should lead to the best fitting/looking shirt(s) you’ve ever owned.
6. Lastly, Luca’s English is very good. His team can and will correspond with you over email if you forget something or have a question. I wouldn’t abuse that fact but my point is, you’re not going to be cast adrift following your appointments. I think you’re making a very good choice in having Luca create your first bespoke pieces. Enjoy the process!
Peter, I would like to thank your for your kind words and thorough answers!