The Working Man’s Business Suit

When you plan on going to the office knowing this is the day for getting down and dirty, then dress appropriately, select a suit constructed to endure the rigors of everyday uses and keep the luxury brand for special meetings.

The name on Australian and New Zealand businessman shoulders is Studio Italia, the choice is yours, SI for slim fit like the 50’s or classical styles.

Value; 100% Australian Marino wool, the best wool in the world, if you don’t believe it, then ask yourself why is it the number one choice wool for Armani, Hugo Boss and Zegna? Of course there are different grades. Boss insist on Virgin Marino, which simply means the first cut, because it’s the softness and most pliable. The SI uses super 120’s which is minus 60 of the highest grade.

The suits are designed and specified by a long line of family tailors, the experts know how to construct suiting, cutting corners without compromising quality, with in a given price point.

Wok it out, for $599,00 you can pick out a classically styled black pin stripe suit with two pairs of trousers and a guaranteed fit. In fact 3 out of 10 men can walk out with minimal alterations, mostly trouser leg adjustments and waist in or out, but rarely any changes to the jacket, this is way above industry averages.

So when its time to roll up the sleeves and get to the photocopier, in and out of the heat and cold for meetings all over town, slinging the jacket off and on, lunching, then a few more meetings, trudging back and forth to the tea room. The secretary is off sick, so you have to do your own messaging, rustling through filing cabinets, fosiking through reception desk trying to find your diary. The Studio gets knocked around, but it’s designed to do just that and fresh and crisp.

Of course this is not the only brand that produces general purpose work suits, but it is by far the best seller, and customers keep coming back for the same, ignoring other brands of similar price, so there must be something in it.

To be fair the closest rival is a fabulous fitting suit from another great Aussie maker, catchy little name with a big meaning, the 1096 by Anthony Squires (Allah Stafford Ellison), at the same price as the Studio, $599, 00 with two pairs of trousers. The big difference is this one is 80% Marino, 20% polyester, inherently resilient. And to be even fairer the trousers are the best fit, in fact in all my suit wearing years they are the best fit. Lean and clean around the front, back and thigh, and, slightly tapered, so they sit attractively on the shoe adding extension to a tall or stout mans frame. The body hugging jacket compliments any portly shape.

One more 1096 value add, is a unique 3 year and one day warranty, this says a lot about confidence of make. Jokingly I’ve heard, so on the second day after three years the sleeves fall off and the suit self destructs. Seriously, this is the only suit that challenges Studios position, but the designers need to get more range on the racks than the black and grey choices.

The founder of Studio Italia

Joseph Cohen, whose entrepreneurial flair and spirit is found resonating through the fourth generation family enterprise, founded Berkeley Apparel in 1907. Joseph Cohen was a foresighted Polish Immigrant whom undertook his tailoring training in the West-End of London, his philosophy of quality and style are the hallmarks of the company's products. The family philosophy is the search for the finest quality, quality of life, quality relationships with staff and customers and the continuous search for innovative products. Technology transfers and capital investment transfer has enabled Berkeley Apparel to shift its emphasis from manufacturing to importing high value brands.

Now when are they going to realise the value of accessories, a handsome collection of designer silk ties and compliment with silver or enamel cufflinks, close off the collection with some fine Napa leather wallets.