THE JOURNAL

How would you sum up the Loro Piana brand to someone who – gasp – hasn’t heard of it before? Any explanation must surely start, in a sense as all clothes do, with textiles. You see, before Loro Piana made clothes, it was – in fact, still is – a fabric supplier. One of the world’s very best. And a passion for high-quality fabric remains at the heart of everything the brand does. Indeed, Loro Piana is so obsessive about textiles that there’s even a short film on its website with nothing but close-up shots of hands gliding over different fabrics and yarns.
While the clips probably won’t go viral on TikTok anytime soon, the 16-second video does succinctly convey the emotional aspect of discovering the finest cashmeres, the softest merino wools, the lightest linens and the hardiest cottons for each new collection. It’s a sense of emotion that you’ll connect with when you wear the Italian label’s clothes, thanks to how good the natural fibres feel on and how long they’ll offer nothing but staying power. New wardrobe favourites like these aren’t always so easy to find, but with the help of our buying team, style decisions are straightforward. Here are 12 pieces that’ll turn you into a man of the cloth.
01.
The green rollneck

You’ve probably noticed that we’ve been waxing lyrical about the colour green for some time now. Although to describe it as a single colour is perhaps a little reductive. There are countless different varieties of it, from autumnal bottle and fern green to acid, lime and neon. For those who lean towards the bolder end of the spectrum, the zesty tone of this cashmere rollneck will hit the right note. It commands attention and will instantly pep up darker layers.
02.
The rainproof bomber jacket

It’s hard not to mention Mr James Dean whenever a bomber jacket is in the frame, especially one as classically styled as this, but Loro Piana pushes things forward with its innovative Rain System® treatment. It dishes out protection against both drizzle and general wear and tear to ensure it can be relied on for years to come.
03.
The tapered sweatpants

While it was a pleasure to put “real” trousers on again after lockdown – you know, belt loops, buttons, zips, etc – we’ll admit that not quite ready to part with the sheer level of comfort that sweatpants deliver. This navy pair is the kind that you’ll get away with wearing out of the house (thanks to the neatly tapered cuffs) and while relaxing in the front of the box (thanks to the super soft wool and cashmere blend).
04.
The undyed sweater

From art to fashion, the natural world provides endless inspiration. This sweater, in subtly gradated shades of fawn, mushroom and beige, is part of Loro Piana’s “Made in Nature” capsule that focuses on undyed fabrics in their authentic colours. Keep the wool in its best condition by washing it by hand as infrequently as possible.
05.
The nubuck jacket

Maybe it’s the buttery grain of the nubuck, or maybe it’s the rich brown shade, but there’s something about this jacket that feels so indulgent – a bit like two helpings of dessert, and who ever regrets that choice? The brightly checked lining is a nice finishing, too.
06.
The striped scarf

Is it a cliché to say that the devil is in the detail? Perhaps. But when it comes to accessories, it’s an undeniable truth. It’s a rule Loro Piana stands behind if this hand-loomed cashmere scarf is anything to go by. The stripes are woven in classic autumnal tones, so it’ll match your cosiest knitwear.
07.
The technical cap

This baseball cap isn’t just for disguising bad hair days (and yes, we all have them – even Mr Timothée Chalamet, who regularly dons one while out and about). Instead, it’s got you covered on those days when you’re rushing out of the door with no time to check the weather app. Its technical Storm System® finish will fend off wind and water.
08.
The brown jeans

Yes, you did read that right. These jeans shun classic blue, black and white washes in favour of an (equally versatile, might we add) brown. Everything else about this pair is as classic as you’d expect, including the slim cut and five pockets.
09.
The weekend sunglasses

When Loro Piana’s team were sitting around the design table trying to land on a name for these sunglasses, only “weekend” suited thanks to how ideal they are for relaxing Saturday afternoons and long Sunday drives. They’re handmade in Japan, home to some of the world’s finest artisanal frame manufacturers, and have thin polarised lenses.
10.
The Roadster sweater

You don’t have to drive a vintage Roadster to wear this half-zip sweater, but it wouldn’t hurt. Knitted from two-tone cashmere, it’s inspired by uniforms worn by Loro Piana’s own Classic Car Team from 1987.
11.
The smart sneakers

While they’ll work for most, sporty sneakers aren’t for every occasion – however this rather refined pair is. They’re assembled from a hardwearing leather in a clean storm blue and panelled with water-resistant suede.
12.
The boots

It’s what you don’t see (or pay much attention to) that really matters with these boots. They’re detailed with hidden tabs to ensure they don’t slip while you’re walking and have practical rubber soles.