Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani designs and manufactures my favorite suits for men. Armani employs 4700 people in 13 factories worldwide; and has 300 stores in 36 countries. The only place one can buy an Armani suit in many cities is Saks Fifth Avenue.

Giorgio Armani was born in Italy in 1934. He commenced designing men's clothes in 1961. Armani started his own eponymous company in 1975 (with only $10,000 of capital) in Milan, Italy. For 25 years he worked hard to create and produce the most beautiful, stylish suits in the world for men.

Armani has amassed a personal fortune of $5B. The Giorgio Armani Company has annual sales of nearly $2B today.

He initially wanted to be a doctor and attended medical school for two years. He was a professional photographer before deciding to join the Italian military. When his service ended, he was hired as a window dresser at an upscale department store. It was here that he decided he wanted to design menswear.

Today, Armani is known as the father of Italian fashion. His men's suits are the hallmark of sophistication, elegance and glamour. All Armani garments are well known for their clean lines, wonderful silhouettes, exquisite fabrics, precise cuts, and terrific tailoring. The men's suits not only look great, they are the most comfortable I have ever worn. Armani suits produce broad shoulders and a narrow waist because of the flattering design.

Armani also sells lines of women's apparel, accessories, cosmetics, fragrances, jewelry, eyewear, watches and home furnishings. I use Armani Gio cologne and deodorant.

The company operates cafes, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. The next step is luxury hotels planned for Milan, Paris, London, New York, Dubai, Shanghai and Tokyo.

To select the perfect suit, attention must be paid to several variables. It is essential that you find a knowledgeable sales professional for a purchase of this permanence. A fine suit should last a lifetime.

One must consider color, fabric, style, and fit. A fine man's suit projects confident masculinity. To complete the look of a professional gentleman, you will need a quality cotton shirt, silk tie, silk pocket square, cuff links, and shoes (Ferragamo are the best).

The finest men's suits feature neat and firm stitching, and high quality buttons made of horn, pearl or bone. Lapels should be about three inches wide. A besom pocket is recommended, and a lower back vent is a must. The sleeves should end at the wrist bone, leaving perhaps 1/2 inch of shirt sleeve showing (one must display those pretty cuff links).

Single breasted suits are my preference though I have one double breasted Armani for special occasions. And a tuxedo is handy for formal events (with patent leather lace-up shoes, naturally).

The suit pants should drape smoothly and float over your legs. I most often opt for a single pleat, though a double pleat is nice for a more casual setting. I prefer a full break right at the top of my shoe, and a 1 1/2" cuff.