Gran Sasso - not only knitwear

February 9, 2015

I have written earlier about Italian Gran Sasso - mostly known for their high-quality knitwear. The company makes all kind of knitwear under their own label but they also produce garments for multiple well-known brands that are then sold under their private label lines. In addition to knitwear Gran Sasso also makes a full selection of light weight and unstructured sport coats, blazers and gilets - even though these are not as often in the spotlight.

Gran Sasso double-breasted gilet

This time taking a look of Gran Sasso double-breasted herringbone cotton gilet I got from Vaatturiliike Sauma after getting back from Pitti Uomo and that I was wearing as we visited in Jyväskylä during the weekend.

I had actually had my eyes on the gilet since I saw it for the first last January at Pitti Uomo 85 and after it came to the selection at Sauma last fall. For the first time wear I actually had to borrow the gilet from Tuomo of Sauma as I needed something to wear for the third day of Pitti this time. You can see me wearing it at this video by Helsingin Sanomat that was recorded in Florence. In case you haven't yet read the article, make sure you do.

How to wear a gilet

This kind of a gilet is - in my opinion - actually quite a versatile piece - as it can be worn casually with denim and some knitwear as I have done here but at the same time it is smart and chic enough so that one can wear it over a sport coat or even with a suit.

For colder months of the year it is good to wear as a layer under your overcoat to bring a little bit warmth and as the weather starts to warm up - it can be worn just on its own over a sweater to replace your jacket.

The gilet is made in Italy (as all Gran Sasso garments) of 100% cotton featuring a subtle herringbone texture and 6x2 buttoning. There are two patch pockets and even though the gilet also features a breast-pocket - a pocket square is not needed, at least in case you are wearing it casually as done here.

I know there are people who are not fond of the popped collars but especially during the colder months it is also one good way of layering. And with roll neck sweater you can of course roll it up so that the collar of your button-up shirt underneath is not visible.

In terms of shoes brown suede is always a safe bet. This pair made by Cheaney for Shipton & Heneage is one the oldest pairs in my rotation. I think I bought them in 2011 and they've been beat since then. As you can see there are scratches and signs of wear but they are still suitable to be worn as well with casual combinations such as this one as well as with more business-oriented attires.