Men’s fashion is more than what meets the eye. Being effortlessly fashion-forward doesn’t require much, but it’s more than a Gymshark T-shirt and sweats. European styles pose as a great example — sleek, tasteful and nothing uncomfortably far outside the box. Italian brands, like Stone Island and the CP Company, are making a splash on the University of Miami’s campus as a great way to elevate sporty basics for men.

“Wear what you want, be confident and empower yourself with the clothes you choose to wear, and find your individuality through your own personal style,” said Nick Dunac, a sophomore at UM studying biology and immunology.

As men explore the world of style, it’s easy to look to Europe for inspiration as a leading factor in men’s fashion. Italian menswear is well-known for its timeless, sophisticated style. Esteemed for its historic high-quality craftsmanship and high attention to detail, Italian menswear combines classic cuts and traditional materials with modern styles and innovative fabrics.

Brands such as Gucci, Prada, Armani, and Brioni have become synonymous with Italian luxury, elevating the men’s fashion segment from within. Italian suits are considered some of the best in the world, due to their hand-made construction, precise cuts and luxurious fabrics. Additionally, Italian menswear encompasses a range of casual wear, from stylish sneakers and leather jackets to elegant polo shirts and cashmere sweaters. Italian menswear is a reflection of the country’s rich history, culture, and appreciation of art.

Today, high end Italian menswear brands are taking the market by storm. Newer brands are popping up and seeing great success. The undeniable class of  high quality cuts and clean looking styles has men everywhere interested and are made available to any who want to pursue them. The CP Company, founded in 1971 by Massimo Osti, is an online Italian menswear brand best known for their activewear collection. The CP Company uses traditional and unique garment dyeing methods for each piece of fabric and their muted tones and unique styles scream comfortable sophistication.

Stone Island is another Italian clothing brand known for its high-quality sports and casual wear. Founded in 1982, the brand became famous for its unique fabrics and technologies, such as reflective materials and special dyes. Their product line includes jackets, coats, sweatshirts, trousers and accessories, all designed to provide the wearer with both style and comfort. Despite its high-end status, Stone Island is also known for its versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions, from outdoor activities to casual events. They even have a store location in the Miami Design District, bringing that sharp style from Italy to Miami.

These brands have spread their Italian influence across the world, especially with the boom of fashion in America in the last 50 years. Even more so, the culture that Italian influence brings helps break down the toxic masculinity culture in America that caring about fashion is not manly. European men, especially Italians, are notorious for being well-groomed and put together. In America, not so much. Men are often ridiculed for caring too much about their looks. However, the handsome, cool factor of Italian menswear has brought a certain excitement and carefreeness back to men’s fashion in America, inspiring a whole new generation of men.

“Be yourself. That’s the best advice I could give to anyone searching for their style,” said Julian Crosby, a senior at the UM.

All around UM you will see students sporting their iconic athleisure wear, taking clothing made for the gym and crafting stylish looks with them for long days of class. But for those who put comfort first, that doesn’t mean your style must be sacrificed. It’s clothing or accessories influenced by the chic coolness of Italian menswear that will elevate any day-to-day outfit.

“Push yourself beyond what is traditionally ascribed for men. Be creative. Change your silhouette, play with color, patterns, and try something out that scares you,” said UM senior, Matteo Claure.  “I’ve really been into layering skirts with pants recently and layering will always add to your outfit. More is the minimum. Also, men, please wear more jewelry, please.”

An accessory here or there will spice up an outfit from casual to cool. High quality T-shirts and polos paired with a solid trouser make for a versatile look ready for any occasion. Small, simple decisions like these will elevate athleisure into outfits that can be worn on numerous occasions with multiple variations. Whether it’s a walk through campus, class or a dinner out, outfits like these are ready for anything.

words_lauren ferrer. photo_nina d’agostini. design_logan o’neill.

This article was published in Distraction’s Spring 2023 print issue.