*This is an extract from the book Bespoke Style, which is available here on the PS shop*

Nunzio Pirozzi has a strong reputation in Naples. Indeed, he’s one of the few master tailors that other tailors consistently praise.

(The usual method of expression is pursing the lips and an emphatic thumbs-up.)

Generally, this refers to a tailor’s technical abilities, and Nunzio is certainly strong there.

However, from a style point of view he is unusually modern. He tends towards the short jacket, narrow trousers and tight fit of the younger Neapolitan tailors, despite being of the older generation.

The jacket of this suit is not long, and yet it was one of few in this series where I deviated from the house style – requesting it to be an inch longer.

 

 

House: Sartoria Pirozzi

Address: Viale Antonio Gramsci 23, Naples

Site: www.sartoriapirozzi.com

Cutter: Nunzio Pirozzi

Price (at time of writing): €3500 (incl VAT)

Suit starting price: €3500 (incl VAT)

 

I commissioned the suit in 2016 back when Pirozzi were working with tiemaker E.Marinella, and visiting London regularly as its in-house tailor.

Unfortunately they no longer do so, but Pirozzi do still travel to Asia, at Sartorial in China, Dal Duca in Hong Kong and Strasburgo in Japan.

I already had a caramel-coloured corduroy suit from Anderson & Sheppard, and it was one of my favourites. But that had a double-breasted jacket, and I was always unsure whether it was the right choice – I found I couldn’t wear the jacket with jeans easily, for example.

So this was an attempt to correct that choice, as well as make something that was a ‘three-way suit’, in that the jacket and trousers could be worn separately, as well as together as a suit.

The suit has done well in that respect, and been worn all three ways. But it was probably overkill to have two such similar suits. I should have stuck with just one or the other.

 

 

The overall style of this Pirozzi jacket is definitely Neapolitan. The canvas in the chest is lightweight; the quarters are open; the body is cut close.

But the shoulders are different. There is a little padding in there – just a single layer of wadding, but more than most Neapolitans.

The shoulder is a touch wider, and there is a touch of wadding at the top of the shoulder, creating a subtle roped effect.

These are all small points, but overall they make the top half of the jacket stronger and more formal than most Neapolitans.

 

 

The lapel and collar are interesting too. The lapel line isn’t quite straight, unlike almost all other Neapolitans (Rubinacci being the exception we’ve covered).

It is ever-so-slightly convex, curving outwards towards the shoulder.

And the gorge (where collar and lapel meet) is very high. The measurement from the point of the lapel up to the shoulder seam is 2¾ inches, which is the smallest of any tailoring covered in this series.

Like many other contemporary suits, the angle of the top of the lapel is also quite flat, pointing out towards the sleeve rather than downwards. (Compare it to the downward slope of Ferdinando Caraceni.)

 

 

Those last two points – the height and angle of the gorge – are in keeping with the view of this as a rather modern Neapolitan.

As mentioned at the beginning, the jacket is not long (30½ inches in the back seam) and yet it was lengthened at the first fitting.

It is also cut quite close to the body, has a fairly wide lapel (4 inches) and slim trousers (19 inches at the knee at 15 at the cuff).

 

 

So we can perhaps characterise the overall Pirozzi style as a Neapolitan suit with English influences in the lapel and shoulder, and a modern cut in the length and slimness.

The sleeve is more generous than some Neapolitans, partly as a result of that roped sleevehead. But it still narrows to 11 inches at the bottom.

The buttoning point is fairly high (17½ inches from the shoulder seam), there’s definite though moderate shape in the waist and lower back, and the outbreast pocket is a little lower than normal at 10¾ inches from the shoulder (most are 10).

Little deviations here and there – but as I always say, this is what makes the style of a suit.

 

 

Although this is my second suit in this cord, I have to say I never tire of how nice it looks with an ‘Italian background’ of navy tie and blue shirt.

The tie is of course from Anderson & Sheppard, as is the white-linen handkerchief (A&S are sponsoring this series and so have provided all the accessories, with Edward Green supplying the shoes).

The shirt is a denim-coloured linen, made by D’Avino.

Those shoes are EG Dovers.

 

 

Style breakdown:

  • Shoulder width: 6½ inches
  • Shoulder padding: Thin wadding
  • Sleevehead: Wadding, slightly roped
  • Sleeve: Moderate, narrows sharply to cuff
  • Lapel: 4 inches
  • Gorge height: 2¾ inches
  • Drape: Small
  • Outbreast pocket height: 10⅜ inches
  • Buttoning point: 17½ inches
  • Waist suppression: Moderate
  • Quarters: Open, from first button
  • Length: 30½ inches
  • Back seam: Moderately suppressed
  • Vent height: 10¼ inches
  • Trouser circumference at knee: 19 inches
  • Trouser circumference at cuff: 15 inches

Photography: Jamie Ferguson

 

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Ajay

One of the best fits so far in my view — I think owing on part to the way the fabric falls.

Ben

Great cut. Can’t imagine going any shorter than that. Really like how the fabric drapes.

By standard regulations, owning two caramel corduroy suits means you have, what, a dozen navy worsteds?

Dr P

I, too, work in a casual environment; thus, I found the post especially interesting. In terms of wearing the camel corduroy jacket as a separate, would you advise to pair it with grey flannels or more contrasting navy trousers (heavy cotton, not wool) may work in this case? I remember previous posts noting that blue trousers are not always easy to match with sports jackets, but this may be a case where navy trousers may work well?

RM

Hi
Nice suit, such blending of styles allow for more innovation in tailoring.
You have given up on patch breast pockets entirely?
Anderson and Sheppard pride themselves on the collar never leaving the neck, do you think that it might be worth future reviews could involve a photo with an arm raise to test this collar movement, sleeves and armhole height?
Just a thought. Keep up the great work.

Peter K

Perhaps a short 360 degree video of you moving in the suit?

Kev F

Something immediately hits you on first sight of this suit, Simon. Trying to put the relatively strong colour aside I think it’s the slimmer cut – there’s an expectation perhaps of corduroy, especially the larger wale sizes to be a fuller profile (memories of baggy trousers and jackets worn very casually perhaps). A couple of questions on your decision making though. You compare this with your A&S suit, very stylish I recall at a book signing but did you ever intend that suit to be a 3-way as you did this one considering you are not happy with the DB jacket being separate? Secondly, having already having a suit of that shade did you consider having this second suit in a different tones you had even more variation in your wardrobe? (I’m just considering how to expand mine and wouldn’t think about duplicating although I appreciate your “need’ for an expansive wardrobe is far greater than mine.)

Kev F

Thank you, Simon. I’m interested to see you recommend a grey/brown tone. I was looking at an Armoury article mentioning a similar colour and seeing some at Anglo-Italian as a more muted alternative to the much stronger tobacco.

Kev F

Just been re-reading those and other links – thanks, Simon. This whole site is becoming a very comprehensive and useful source for info and ideas.

Martins

I wouldn’t say it’s a very strong colour… pictures here is quite artistically enchanced , at least I think so when comparing to original articles about making a suit…

Kev F

Yes, I appreciate that. I think it’s somewhat relative depending on personal preference and what you want from a particular inclusion to your wardrobe. Perhaps I should have qualified it by saying that tone would be too strong for what I have in mind at the moment and would prefer a more muted grey/brown. Nothing against tobacco/snuff tones per se though it is a stronger tone than Simon’s Ciardi cotton suit.

Robin

I note you went for patch pockets but how would this have looked with jetted pockets or flap pockets ? Or angled pockets ?

By that, I mean , what does it affect ?
The ascetics ?
The proportionality ?
The sense of width on the waist?

Does the cloth effect the type of pocket ?

OTAVIO SILVA

There’s something comforting about looking at a nicely cut and made cord suit. Any additional info on the cloth (number of wales, weight, composition, mill etc)?

OTAVIO SILVA

Sorry, Simon. I couldn’t find any real information on the cloth from the articles you referred me.

OTAVIO SILVA

Oh, thanks! What do you think about the longevity and shape retention of the cloth, given it’s relatively light compared to other cords and its cashmere content? I believe it’s quite soft and reassuring to wear, though.

CDBP

I like it. Clearly, it is serious and high quality piece of work.
BUT
Without the length you added in the coat it would have looked bad, or atleast very modern, and not suited to the material.
Maybe it is my “anglo-saxon” mindset but I struggle with corduroy tailored that way. Feels a bit too formal / tight for the material.
Sharp looking suit. Hope it gets more comfortable with time.

Mike Rowley

Hi Simon

Although the finished product is not to my taste, it makes for an (as usual) interesting read.

One thing I have never understood is why some occasionally leave the buttons on button down collars undone. Does is represent something in particular?

Thanks.

John

I do the same thing with button-downs. My reasoning is that the buttons originated to keep the tie in place, the story going that polo players did this prior to the blessed advent of cotton piqué knit ‘polo’ shirts as sportswear…This makes sense to me, as you’d want something to hold the collar that could (unlike a gold safety pin, say) endure a little stress. I recall reading that Americans took them on as part of a functional/sporting life-influenced collegiate look, semi-formal at best, but that some Europeans wear them in situations North Americans might not…I’ve also seen louche Pitti types leaving them undone *while wearing a tie*…Which might be a little too next-level for me…

Anyway, I mostly like function to be functional. If I’m wearing a tie, I use the buttons; I especially like the feel of this with more substantial materials, for instance with an oxford cloth shirt and a heavy repp, knit, or grenadine tie. If I’m not wearing a tie, I leave them unfastened — if find they can buckle in odd ways if I don’t. The only rare exception is in the case of a button-down collar done all the way up without a tie, in which case the buttons add an interesting element of structure as well as stop the collar from flapping, something that would ruin this rather unorthodox approach in general.

Kenneth

Lovely corduroy suit…fall is coming..enjoy your day and week

Stuart Caunt

What an amazing suit and incredible timing that it shows up now. I was having a discussion with a tailor the other day around cord and would love to get something made. They have a relationship with Scabal so my interest was piqued when I saw that you list this as being from Scabal 501058, 92% Cotton 8% Cashmere, 360 Gr, 12 cords/inch from Cashmere Corduroy Bunch (N° C2231) in the original article. Sorry for my ignorance of Bunch reports etc as this is the first time I am looking at this kind of thing but I can’t find this mentioned anywhere on Scabal’s website. They list only one corduroy at present – C2360 which seems to be out of stock. Am I looking in the wrong place?

Oggi

I like the suit.Thank goodness you chose a longer jacket length!How do you feel about the narrow 7 1/2″ hem on the trousers?I’ve always felt a little uncomfortable with a slim hem on worsteds and woollen trousers but perhaps you find it works with corduroy.It’s a personal thing I think…I prefer 8″ usually on formal strides.

Nigel C

Like many of those commenting I love the look of a corduroy suit – but it must be a bit lived in. One of my English masters at school had a dusty dark mauve coloured one ( no idea how describe the colour really). It was fantastic: Wide lapels and tasteful flares too – I am that age. An early experience of clothing that was truly stylish that has stuck in my mind. If you’re out there Mr Aldous ….
Best wishes Nigel

Matt

I love this suit. Stylish and practical.

Dr P

Could I compliment on the choice of shirt and tie (‘Italian background’). The simplicity of the plain Oxford shirt and bright navy tie makes, in my opinion, the overall look modern and wearable. I think if the suit was combined with a Tattersall shirt, for example, the overall look would be perhaps too expected and less forward looking…just a thought.

Dr P

This is indeed a key factor for those of us who like to wear a sports jacket (and ideally a tie) at work. In an increasingly casual (or even untidy) wearing style in virtually all working environments, a challenge is to learn how to wear tailoring in a way that does not cause excessive “separation” with others and somewhat conveys modesty and professionalism…I’m aware that this topic has already been covered in other posts, but I think this remains an highly relevant topic in my opinion.

Hugo

Hi Simon, Nice reviews. I am curious, I always seem to have the fold just below your knees in picture 2 with my bespoke trousers. Is that due to fabric, cut of the tailor or my own imperfection? :-p

Hugo

Thank you for the insight Simon. And for the great learning over the last years, really improved my bespoke journey!

Petronio

Simon, thanks a lot. Always enlightening. I guess that in terms of comfort and appeal cord is really at the top and it is very versatile for nowadays climate. My Roman tailor used to stress that cord at the end of the day is cotton. I have always been reluctant in bespoke cord suits since in my experience this cloth gets worn out very quickly. Is it different with high quality cords used for tailoring ?

Pao

Great article Simon. I too ordered a suit with a 3-way function in mind (min being tobacco linen) especially to pair with denim. Have you ever done an article on denim, styles, and styling with tailoring? I find I’m having a hard time finding good denim that’s not such a low rise. Sorry, if off-topic.

Emerging Genius

I like it. Very Ralph Lauren circa 1980s.

Steve

Can you speak about comfort of a jacket? How comfortable should a jacket be? What can one reasonably expect? How does one judge this without a gold standard to compare it to? I have several MTM jackets and I have ordered first bespoke suit.

I was in a menswear chain and overheard a sales person say that when wearing a jacket, you should be able to comfortably shake a persons hand, but that’s about all. This is obviously a low bar, but it got me thinking.

Steve

Thank you. Comfort is highly subjective. What about range of motion? I think that is a more precise way of asking for the information I am after. What should I be able to do in a tailored jacket without being restricted or damaging the garment? For example – shake hands, yes. Throw a ball overhand, no.

Michael

Gorgeous cloth and beautifully cut. I especially like the curve on the patch hip pocket. Looks great with all the Dovers, too. Two questions. The first is about the buttoning point. Why, as a rule, don’t tailors position the buttoning point on the customer’s natural waist, which is the narrowest part of one’s body. I’ve always found the Italian preference for a high buttoning point both uncomfortable and unflattering. Secondly, I know one should attempt to match one socks to ones’s trousers, but this presents a problem when one is wearing a suit other than navy or gray. For mine, the brown socks make for too much brown in the outfit. Couldn’t one substitute a navy pair instead? Cheers as always.

Jan

Interesting point regarding the socks. Because of the navy tie I would have picked navy socks over dark green for this outfit. Can you perhaps articulate why you think it wouldn’t be great? Many thanks!

John

Sorry for such a late addition to this conversation, but do these topics ever grow old? I also find a high buttoning point uncomfortable…They were everywhere during the slim suit craze of the early 2010s almost always with very short jackets, perhaps a part of Thom Browne’s ‘shrunken suit’ effect, but I never thought they suited me. As for the question of a flattering/unflattering silhouette (at least on me), I agree there too, but suspect the Italian interest comes from a longer history of clothing tailored close to the natural silhouette as opposed to more draped approaches in the UK and (especially) the United States; I also think that a high-buttoned suit looks best on slim young men under six feet.

Alan Flusser (writing sometime in the 90s, I believe) advised that the button ought to sit two inches above the navel, which I’ve found works for me, especially if the shoulder has a little padding; for reference, I’m 6’1″ with relatively long legs and arms.

I’ve tried brown or khaki socks with trousers (a tan glen plaid suit or khaki-coloured gabardine trousers) and enjoy the effect in some cases — things feel more fluid and graceful and the shoe really gets showcased, especially with a good loafer — but (and this is tricky), it always makes the choice seem conspicuously deliberate…Kind of the opposite of those synthetic black socks one pictures a businessman wearing as a default with any neutral suit. This sense of intention is mostly a good thing, but it never feels entirely casual to me despite the origins of earth colours in tailoring. I enjoy it here, but can also imagine hunter green, burgundy, or even (gasp) red or violet cashmere socks as a way to address the shoe with a complementary or analogous colour; a combination as luxurious as cord & caramel also seems to allow for a certain amount of artistic license.

Steve

Yes a lovely suit Simon & I like the tapered width at the turn-up. Regarding this point & corduroy trousers what’s your general opinion on turn ups v straight hem? I’m considering a corduroy suit myself shortly.

John

Sorry for bumping this thread 2 years later, but your perspective over time is something I am interested in in this case. I have rediscovered a tan, off-the-rack corduroy suit that I could not quite make work a few years ago. It still needs hemming… The suit has a relatively close cut similar to the one of your suit. I have read some strong cautions against cuffs on cords, though never with any specific reason provided. I love the look of them on your suit. My question is kind of a multi-parter:

  • Cuffs have the use value of weighing down the trouser leg a little…Do you find this helpful here given the relatively narrow leg, or is it more a matter of style?
  • You mentioned that, were you to get the suit made now, you might opt for a fuller cut. Do you have any updated thoughts about the height of the cuff? This one looks to be about two inches high — the effect with a narrower leg feels quite stylish in my opinion, even though I often prefer a more full-cut silhouette with a narrower (1.75″) cuff in general. Are you still happy with it?
  • Thinking of your relating of the wear of cord to that of denim and khaki twill, do you get the suit cleaned as much as you do others, or allow it to acquire a bit more patina? When getting the suit cleaned, do you ask them to turn the trousers inside out to preserve the nap when pressing, or do you not press them at all?
  • Finally, I try to avoid cleaning in general because it is hard on fabrics, but have found it tricky to spot-clean corduroy without disturbing the nap. Is there a method that you have found works for you?

Thank you so much for these articles and generous advice! The mix of the practical and personal is wonderful.

BRENDEL

Simply superb

Luca Simoni

your new tailor did a fine job. 
non-straight lapels distinguish a tailored cut. My late, excellent tailor, who worked 50 years in Milan coming from southern Italy, refused to cut straight lapel, considering it “unacceptable” on a bespoke item.
Neapolitan tailors, with whom I have a long experience, do excellent work but are lazy.
Straight-cut lapels involve less attention to proportion than ‘belly’ lapels.
Similarly, the front darts of a Neapolitan jacket end at the lower edge of the jacket (not Rubinacci or Solito), because they are easier to make.
Trousers have only one back pocket. And so on.
Where effort can be saved, they save.
But they are very good and, often, very nice.

Luca Simoni

errata corrige: Solito does not make belly lapels. But does not make either full lenght front darts. One of the very few neapolitans

Montesquieu

Nunzio has been my tailor for the last 10+ years, during which time we’ve collaborated on about 15-20 commissions. Prior to working with him, I tried Rubinacci, Attolini, and Solito across 2-6 different commissions each, primarily fitted in Naples (a couple were Milan) over a 5+ year period. I’ve also worked with a Savile Row tailor on 6+ commissions. IMO the Pirozzi pieces are the best by far in terms of overall silhouette, beauty, and even a few small details related to construction quality. This isn’t meant as a knock on the others; I still wear everything with joy. But I believe most informed observers would independently also view and rate his work for me the best of the five. (Among the others, I consider the differences mostly about house style, which can be a matter of preference. Pirozzi’s work, unlike theirs, approaches what I consider to be perfection.) He’s also a beautiful human being whom I’ve grown to love dearly, despite our inability to speak a common language. In my personal and limited experience, he has risen to the very highest rank of tailoring magic.

Steve

Thanks Simon, turn-ups advice very useful in your article – so turn ups it is..

steve

Steve

What are your views on a black corduroy suit as worn by your friend Gianluca ; what do you consider are the pros & cons of the tone & when worn as separates.
Many thanks,
Steve

Patrick

This just about manages to avoid the author’s affection for jackerts that are too tight.

H

Simon – I’m considering commissioning a suit in corduroy. The idea is to have something that makes sense in casual settings with some flexibility in how I wear it.

I like corduroy but I’m curious if you would recommend another type of cloth for a suit of this nature?

Also, in light of your experience what are the key things to look out for, or avoid, in a corduroy commission given the nature of the cloth?

Thanks!

H

So a suit that can work for lunch, into dinner and possibly, into the hours beyond. It is unlikely it will be called into this type of action regularly given family commitments/current life choices, but it’s pretty to think you can go out for lunch, or dinner, ready for the possibility of going out out.

Beyond this, I think corduroy has the possibility of being a good choice in a ‘dress down’ work environment. Again, not usual for me but it does happen occasionally.

Flexibility is partly about wearing it three ways and partly about the slightly Swiss army knife description above.

H

Thanks Simon – much appreciated.

Noel

Hi Simon,

You say the jacket is not long at 30½ inches. What is you height for comparison (I seem to recall it’s above 6 feet)? What is your ideal jacket length? Would that length be roughly halfway between the base of your neck and the floor?

Thanks you

Danny

Great review, Simon! I’m looking at a corduroy suit myself in a similar cotton/cashmere composition. Do you recommend any elastane for stretch? What other bunches do you recommend or have heard good things about? Thanks very much

Kenneth

Beautiful suit…enjoy wearing it during the fall 2021 and early spring seasons 2022…peace

Al Khan

Hi,
What is the make and weight of the cloth?

Sam

Hi Simon – do you know what wale this material is? It looks like 11 (or maybe narrower?) Thanks!

Peter

I love this series. Would you ever consider doing more Simon? I’d be interested to see one for Saman Amel, Anthology, Ciardi and other recent commissions.

It would also be interesting to understand any subtle changes in your preferences within Neapolitan style over the past ten years of PS. For example side-by-side pictures of Solito/Caliendo/Ciardi in gorge, buttoning point, lapel shape, drape or whatever.

Last point- given general trends to casual in everything, do you think a corduroy suit might belong in the first five jackets?

Demetrious Parker

Question concerning corduroy suit can you or would you wear a corduroy suit in the summer months depending on which city or location in which you are visiting especially out of the country example Spain

Chuck

Hello Simon,

I like the colour of this corduroy suit it looks beautiful and well made, do you know the manufacturer of the fabric, the bunch and the swatch number?

Thank you so much.

CMW

Hi Simon. What type of neckties do you use with corduroy suits? Are silk knit ties, wool and cashmere blend ties, and grenadine ties ok to use?

Pete

Absolutely love this suit. There is a joy and comfort in the feeling of a cord suit on the body. Effortless style and very approachable in terms of the fabric and style. Having recently just acquired a blue cord sb suit I fully appreciate its magnificence. Lovely choice.

Peter

Dear Simon,
isnt the price in the article wrong? Didnt u say that you paid about 2,500 in another article?

Peter

I another article about the Sartoria from 2022 you said:
A jacket in London costs £2400 and a suit £2900, so pretty reasonable. If you can get to Naples for all your appointments it’s €2000 and €2500. 
that’s what I was talking about

frankfrank

any thoughts about Pirozzi MTM?

FRANKFRANK

would you say that the price of about 1,500€ is too inexpensive to be a good MTM?