We’ve hunted down the best Italian clothing brands so you can inject some of that European flair into your wardrobe.
The best Italian clothing brands offer unmatched elegance and style. Playful with tailoring and bold on color, Italy is home to some of the most important names in fashion and the recent Milan Fashion Week 2023 showcased Italian talent including Prada, Gucci and Fendi who all hail from the country. While we love British clothing brands for quirky statement pieces and admire the chicness of the best French clothing brands, no one does it quite like the Italians.
Whether you're after designer heels, or the best designer bags, Italian-crafted leather goods are some of the highest quality in the world. In fact, the level of detail and workmanship in Italian clothing brands and accessories means that many big British, French, and American clothing brands also rely on Italian craftsmanship and textiles to produce parts of their collections. But it’s not just designer brands that Italy has under its incredibly stylish belt. There are heaps of Italian straight-to-market fashion brands that deserve a look-in too.
The best Italian clothing brands - chosen by our fashion editors
Whether you want to broaden your knowledge on the best Italian straight-to-market fashion retailers or splurge on a designer investment piece, these are the best Italian clothing brands to shop right now.
1. Calzedonia
You may already be familiar with Calzedonia as there are several stores in the US and UK. A go-to for the warmest leggings and top-quality tights, it is also one of the best Italian lingerie brands, mixing fashion-forward thinking which some much-needed comfort. These wardrobe essentials are guaranteed to last too, think cashmere tights for that luxe finish and leather-effect leggings for a dose of Italian glamour - ideal for what to wear in Rome. Not forgetting the brand's desirable swimwear collections that house some of the best beach cover-ups, with easy-to-wear silhouettes and mood-boosting, dopamine-dressing-inspired inspired prints for a beach-ready look.
Fashion editor's picks…
RRP: $39 / £34.99 | Featuring four-way stretch for an utterly dreamy fit, these black leggings are the ultimate everyday staple. Wear as part of your best loungewear looks or throw on for days at the gym.
RRP: $70 / £49.90 | For the spring and summer you can't beat a linen cover-up. Light and breathable, this striking blue hue is ideal for sunny days, pairing effortlessly with denim, its ideal for how to style jeans.
RRP: $79 / £59 | Every closet needs a one-piece and this design is one of the best swimsuits out there. We often look to Australian swimwear brands for timeless designs, but this Italian swimsuit ticks all the boxes.
2. Diesel
An Italian clothing brand with denim at its core is Diesel. Having launched in 1978, Diesel really hit its peak in the '90s when it seemed every cool girl was donning a pair of distressed Diesel jeans. With '90s nostalgia one of the biggest spring/summer fashion trends 2023 has to offer, Diesel's denim collection is right on the money right now, and still makes for a very worthy investment. With a genuine vintage spin at the heart of the brand's design aesthetic, its best jeans now benefit from a more sustainable manufacturing process that uses less water and chemicals - always a plus. Highlights from Diesel include padded bomber jackets, vinyl skirts and logo-embellished knits all with a cool '90s edge.
Fashion editor's picks…
RRP: $250 / £195 | Although the denim trends 2023 tell us that it's all about the best wide leg jeans, there's no beating staple skinny jeans. This mid-wash pair from Italian clothing brand Diesel can be easily dressed up with a blazer or down with your best white t-shirt.
RRP: $1,195 / £895 | The coat trends 2023 are clear - biker jacket are in. Though pricey, this is one of our favorite biker styles on the market right now. An edgy update of the best denim jackets, this design makes an ideal addition to your spring capsule wardrobe.
RRP: $375 / £330 | A classic midi dress is the first thing we reach for when the weather starts to warm up, and this number offers the perfect level of statement dressing. Flowy and comfortable, it will work for all manner of events. Add polish with a fitted blazer and boots.
3. Fendi
We're spoilt for choice when it comes to Italian designer brands and Fendi is a luxury fashion house that remains top of its game. From the iconic baguette bag to the recognizable double-F logo - adorning everything from jackets to the best designer belts - Fendi is synonymous with glamorous Italian fashion. Founded by the Fendi family in 1925, the brand launched its first ready-to-wear collection in the 1970s under the creative direction of the late Karl Lagerfeld. One of the longest-standing family-led fashion brands, granddaughter Silvia Venturini Fendi - who designed the coveted baguette bag - remains the sole family member still working for the brand. Expect sleek, tailored pieces in a neutral color palette.
Fashion editor's picks…
RRP: $1,950 / £1420 | Wondering how to style cargo pants? These can be worn a million different ways. Team with everything from comfortable flats on holiday to heels for evenings out. Half-tuck a floaty blouse for the ideal summer look.
RRP: $6,200 / £4,500 | Fendi baguettes are some of the most recognizable designer bags and a shape we will never tire of. Reinvented for the handbag trends 2023, this stunning turquoise design with beading detail is a true standout piece.
RRP: $1,790 / £1,320 | A satin shirt is a workwear staple, but it can be also styled in numerous ways in warmer weather. Reflecting some of the best luxury pajamas, this printed shirt can be worn open over a cami, or half-tucked into linen pants.
4. Gucci
We couldn’t do an Italian clothing brands round-up without mentioning the powerhouse that is Gucci. From the best Gucci bags and best designer sunglasses to its eclectic suiting adored by the likes of Harry Styles, Gucci is one of the most coveted designer brands out there. Although they carry the designer price tag, these are investment pieces that are set to last. Look to its signature geek-chic designs and logo-heavy detailing, because if you’re wearing Gucci, you want everyone to know about it.
Fashion editor's picks…
RRP: $3,800 / £1,440 | One of the best shirts, this silk chiffon number is utterly divine. With beautiful lace detailing, it is a show-stopping piece that is still easy to style for every day, or slipped on with the best tuxedos or wide leg pants for evening wear.
RRP: $1,300 / £800 | The best sweaters with short sleeves are the perfect update for spring. Style with an on-trend denim maxi skirt for an effortlessly cool look. Or slip on under a well-tailored blazer to add a fashionable feel to your workwear ensembles.
RRP: $4,700 / £3,000 | The best dresses will live in your wardrobe for a life time and this '70s inspired floaty frock is ideal for summer dressing. Team with heels to nail what to wear to a wedding for a real fashion-forward statement, that's runway-worthy.
5. La DoubleJ
A relatively newbie on the fashion block, La DoubleJ launched in 2015 predominately selling vintage clothing and jewelry. The brand now repurposes archival prints into new pieces covering clothing and homeware. With bold design choices, there is nothing lowkey about this collection. The opposite of the minimalism of Scandinavian clothing brands, think vivid colors, bold prints and voluminous silhouettes, La DoubleJ has some of the best midi dresses too. It’s maximalist and statement-making and perfect for commanding an entrance.
Fashion editor's picks…
RRP: $970 / £770 | A riot of color, this button-fronted dress really takes the bright color clothing trend to heart. With a relaxed silhouette, this dress delivers on style and comfort and would also work as one of the best mother of the groom dresses for a summer wedding.
RRP: $545 / £465 | The cropped length of these trousers makes them perfect for transitional weather. We love this light green hue for adding a splash of color without sacrificing on wearability. Add trainers or tan-heeled boots for a funky daytime look. Keep your top neutral.
RRP: $730 / £595 | Ideal for the summer, this airy mini dress is the perfect wear-everywhere item. The darker palette means it can be styled in numerous ways and has instant polish, whilst the waist-loving silhouette is universally flattering. Style with some oversized sunnies for Italian glamour.
6. Marina Rinaldi
A luxury label that caters for curvy women, Marina Rinaldi’s goal is to make “the elegant fashion dreams of all women come true, for all sizes”. One of the best plus size clothing brands, the Italian clothing brand doesn’t shy away from bold colors and attention-grabbing prints which is a welcome change in plus-size fashion. High quality fabrics with lots of added detail, the collection is expertly tailored to flatter your figure and make you feel incredibly glamorous, minimal effort required! Its accessories work seamlessly with the clothing line too.
Fashion editor's picks…
RRP: $895 / £555 | Outerwear can be tricky to nail as we head towards summer, but this gorgeous suede jacket ticks all the boxes. Say goodbye to the best waterproof jackets and welcome this stylish number into your rotation.
RRP: $295 / £235 | Look no further for a smart summer outfit for work piece, or indeed slip this long skirt into your suitcase for your next sunny vacation. Pair with neutral strappy sandals and your best beach bag for a holiday-ready look.
RRP: $535 / £275 | This feminine lace slip is perfect for layering with a white tee or wearing on sunny days. Elegant and versatile, when it comes to how to style a slip dress, the options are endless. Totally timeless, it's worth the investment.
7. Miss Sixty
Miss Sixty provided us with many low-slung jeans back in the early noughties and we’re pleased to see the Italian clothing brand is still going strong. It was brought back into the spotlight a couple of years ago when model Bella Hadid fronted a campaign for the brand - and with the recent resurgence in Y2K styles and '90s fashion trends, it’s certainly one to put back on your radar. Denim still plays a key role in the collection but you can also bag yourself some floaty dresses and staple outerwear. The only downside of Miss Sixty is the smaller size range, making it not a great experience for fuller figures.
Fashion editor's picks…
RRP: $729 / £597 | We love a denim dress for the summer, and this retro-inspired style will look great teamed with your best white trainers. Layer with a denim jacket or over a white tee for a more casual finish.
RRP: $279 / £239 | Cut-out detailing is set to be huge this year and we love the boho feel of this shirt. The ideal hue for toning down bright colors, this is a chic warm weather essential with some Italian flair.
RRP: $349 / £299 | In true Miss Sixty style, the brand utilizes slogan detailing and retro-style embroidery to create this stand-out piece. Wondering how to style a denim jacket? Slip this over feminine dresses to add an edge.
8. Prada
Prada has got to be one of the most iconic Italian fashion brands. From some of the most well-recognized designer bags and best designer heels, to its sleek ready-to-wear collection, Prada oozes ladylike elegance that’s guaranteed to elevate the everyday. Created in 1913, the original founder’s granddaughter Miuccia Prada heads up the luxury fashion house alongside Raf Simons, taking it to new heights. One to create trends rather than follow them, Prada is renowned for crafting future classics that define a fashion era.
Fashion editor's picks…
RRP: $3,551 / £2,650 | Though more expensive than the Burberry trench coat, the Prada iteration is still a wardrobe classic. With a nod to the brand, via a small logo button on the top collar, this trench coat is timeless, discreet, and made from recycled fabric.
RRP: $1,250 / £1,000 | A denim dress will never fail you, and we love this sleeveless shirt dress. Featuring the brand's signature logo on the pocket, because if you're wearing Prada, you want people to know, this is a piece you will want to wear everywhere this summer.
RRP: $945 / £695 | Looking to dip your toe into working out how to wear headbands? This jet black design with stud detailing can be dressed up for the races or worn everyday. It adds a little something special to your look with its highly embellished finish.
9. Dolce Gabbana
When it comes to Italian clothing brands, Dolce & Gabbana is one of the first that comes to mind. Championing a design aesthetic that puts glamour, celebration and color front and center, the brand's collections are often reminiscent of the Italian Riviera, offering a nostalgic element to its thoroughly modern collections. With a penchant for highlighting and flattering the female form, hourglass silhouettes are key to the brand's design signature. While Dolce & Gabbana create statement styles, print collections and edits each season, its pieces won't go out of style.
Fashion editor's picks…
RRP: $2,911 / £1,800 | Offering an unbeatable Italian Riviera feel, Dolce & Gabbana is masterful at print, color and feminine silhouettes. This plunge neck, empire line maxi dress is utterly charming and can be worn for a glamourous vacation look, or as an ideal outfit for what to wear to a christening this summer.
RRP: $2,195 / £1,500 | Leopard print is a neutral and this classic animal print dress will never go out of style. In a bodycon silhouette, this shift dress is ideal for hourglass body shapes, as it will highlight curves. Wearable all year, layer over a fitted cashmere roll neck in winter and go bare-armed in summer.
RRP: $1,095 / £725 | 'Florals for spring - Groundbreaking' - excuse our fashion quote, but when Dolce & Gabbana do bloom prints, the brand really goes all in. The midi length and blown-up poppy print of this number, already has us excited and ready for the sunnier days ahead. Pair with ballet pumps.
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