Woven in Time: How Couturist Tailors Crafts Garments with Vitale Barberis Canonico Fabric

In the world of tailoring, the cloth is more than just a raw material — it’s the very foundation of the garment, the silent storyteller that defines the feel, drape, and elegance of every suit. At Couturist Tailors, we believe that exceptional garments begin with exceptional cloth. That’s why we are proud to work with one of the most revered and historic mills in the world: Vitale Barberis Canonico.

The Legacy of Vitale Barberis Canonico

Founded in 1663, Vitale Barberis Canonico is widely recognised as the oldest wool mill in the world still in continuous operation. Nestled in the heart of Italy’s Biella region — the spiritual home of fine wool production — the mill has been passed down through 13 generations of the Barberis family, refining their craft over centuries.

What sets Vitale Barberis Canonico apart isn’t just its age or legacy, but its commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability. Every roll of cloth that leaves their mill carries not only the weight of history, but also the promise of enduring quality. From soft flannels and versatile tropicals to richly textured tweeds and refined super 120s, their range of fabrics combines heritage techniques with cutting-edge textile science.

Their approach is uncompromising. Only the finest raw materials — including superfine Australian Merino wool — are used. Each stage of production, from spinning and dyeing to finishing, is carried out with meticulous care in-house. The result is cloth that is lightweight, luxurious, breathable, and enduring in both form and function.

Couturist Tailors x Vitale Barberis Canonico

At Couturist Tailors, we are more than just suit makers — we are curators of personal style, artisans of detail, and champions of timeless craftsmanship. Our partnership with Vitale Barberis Canonico is a natural extension of that philosophy.

We choose to work with VBC fabrics because they offer an unmatched level of quality, depth, and character. Every made-to-measure garment we create is shaped not just by your measurements, but by the story you want your clothing to tell. Whether you’re looking for a classic navy business suit, a bold dinner jacket, or something entirely one-of-a-kind, we offer a carefully curated range of Vitale Barberis Canonico cloths to suit any occasion and every individual.

Fabric Selection: Where the Journey Begins

One of the most exciting parts of the made-to-measure experience at Couturist Tailors is the fabric selection process. We invite our clients to explore the extensive range of VBC swatch books — from their iconic Perennial and Super 110s ranges to Flannels, Tropical Weight, and Supersonic travel-ready options.

Our expert tailors guide you through this process, helping you understand how each fabric behaves, wears, and feels. Do you need something breathable for the Australian summer? We’ll suggest a lightweight plain-weave wool. Looking for a soft flannel for the cooler months? VBC’s brushed woolens offer warmth without the bulk.

A Cloth Worthy of Craft

Great cloth deserves great tailoring. Once a Vitale Barberis Canonico fabric is selected, it is carefully transformed through our precise tailoring process — a combination of modern pattern-cutting and hand-finished techniques. Each piece is cut and constructed with attention to detail, allowing the fabric’s natural qualities to shine.

From the roll of the lapel to the drape of the trousers, every stitch is placed to enhance comfort, movement, and longevity. Our garments are made to not only fit the wearer perfectly, but to age with grace and hold their structure through years of wear.

Why It Matters

In a world of fast fashion and disposable style, choosing a suit made from VBC cloth and tailored by Couturist is a declaration. It says you value quality, heritage, and craftsmanship. It’s a suit that isn’t dictated by trends but guided by taste. And it’s made to last — in construction, in comfort, and in timeless appeal.

At Couturist Tailors, we are proud to bring the legacy of Vitale Barberis Canonico into every garment we craft. Together, we combine centuries of Italian weaving tradition with the sharp edge of modern Australian tailoring — delivering garments that are truly unmatched in style and substance.