Understanding Vitale Barberis Canonico’s Fabrics: The Complete Comparison from Prism 110s to silky Greenhills 160s
We know, it can be overwhelming with where to start with Vitale Barberis Canonico’s range of fabrics.
A bespoke suit is more than just a piece of clothing—it’s a statement of personal style, craftsmanship, and quality. Choosing the right fabric is essential, and Vitale Barberis Canonico (VBC) has been producing world-class fabrics for over 350 years, offering materials suited for entry-level suiting, high-performance tailoring, and ultimate luxury.
This guide takes you through VBC’s most essential fabric collections, starting from Prism 110s, moving through Super 110s Perennial, Super 120s Sunshine, Super 130s Dolcevita, Supersonic, Solaro, Revenge 150s, and Hopsack, before finishing with the ultimate Greenhills 160s.
Prism – The Entry-Level Super 110s
For those looking to experience VBC’s craftsmanship at an accessible price, the Prism Collection is an ideal entry point into fine tailoring. As a Super 110s wool fabric, it offers a clean drape, resilience, and a classic business aesthetic, making it perfect for first-time buyers investing in a quality suit.
• Composition: 100% Super 110s Wool
• Weight: ~250g/m²
• Texture: Smooth with a slight structure
• Drape: Classic, with a slightly firmer hand
Why Choose Prism?
✔️ Affordable yet refined – A great introduction to VBC suiting.
✔️ Versatile for work and semi-formal wear – Ideal for entry-level business suits.
✔️ Durable and practical – Holds its shape well, with solid wrinkle resistance.
Perfect for: Young professionals, first-time buyers, or those looking for a budget-friendly yet elegant suit.
Super 110s – The Perennial Collection (Upgraded Durability)
A step above Prism, the Super 110s Perennial Collection is a global best-seller, known for exceptional color depth, smooth texture, and resilience. It is a workhorse fabric, great for daily professional wear.
• Composition: 100% Wool
• Weight: ~260-280g/m² (ideal for year-round wear)
• Texture: Firm yet smooth, offering excellent resilience
• Drape: Balanced between structure and fluidity
Why Choose Super 110s Perennial?
✔️ Holds up to frequent wear – More durable than Prism.
✔️ Classic business suiting – Available in refined colors and timeless patterns.
✔️ A smart investment – Well-balanced for comfort, durability, and style.
Perfect for: Business professionals needing a durable, versatile, and refined suit.
Super 120s – The Sunshine Collection
Moving up in refinement, Super 120s Sunshine provides a smoother texture, better drape, and enhanced breathability. Designed as a high-twist tropical worsted, this fabric is ideal for warm climates and travel.
• Composition: 100% Wool, two-ply worsted yarns
• Weight: ~230-250g/m²
• Weave: High-torsion plain weave, enhancing airiness and crease resistance
• Finish: Light sheen with a crisp, energetic feel
Why choose the Sunshine Collection?
✔️ Exceptionally breathable – Perfect for summer suits and warm climates.
✔️ Holds shape throughout the day – Thanks to its high-twist construction.
✔️ Inspired by 1930s tropical worsteds – Classic styling with modern performance.
Perfect for: Those needing a light, airy suit that remains sharp even in hot weather.
Super 130s – The Dolcevita Collection
For those looking for refined elegance, Super 130s Dolcevita offers an ultra-smooth texture, superior drape, and luxurious comfort.
• Composition: 100% Super 130s Wool (17-micron fiber fineness)
• Weight: ~240g/m²
• Weave: Worsted, with a fluid and graceful drape
Why choose Dolcevita?
✔️ Soft, luxurious feel – Incredibly comfortable and refined.
✔️ Balanced durability – Despite its softness, it remains resilient.
✔️ Perfect for business and formal occasions – A refined, all-season choice.
Perfect for: Professionals and sartorial enthusiasts who want luxury with durability.
Supersonic – Performance Meets Tailoring
VBC’s Supersonic Collection is for the modern gentleman who needs a suit that moves with him. Designed to maximize natural stretch without synthetic fibers, Supersonic fabrics offer unparalleled comfort and flexibility. The Supersonic is available also under the Drapers brand at a higher price point, thus getting it from VBC provides great value.
• Composition: 100% Wool (or wool blends)
• Weight: ~240-260g/m²
• Technology: Special weaving process enhances stretch and resilience
• Features: Water-resistant, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant
Why choose the Supersonic fabric?
✔️ Freedom of movement – Natural stretch for effortless comfort.
✔️ Wrinkle and crease resistance – Perfect for travel and long workdays.
✔️ Water-resistant treatment – Protects against unexpected weather.
Perfect for: Business travelers, executives, and those needing all-day performance without sacrificing style.
Montecarlo Hopsacks - playful & elegant hot weather etiquette
The very best choice for sport jackets with personality that are still refined in looks.
The Montecarlo Collection by Vitale Barberis Canonico (VBC) is a distinguished line of fabrics celebrated for its unique three-dimensional hopsack weave. Crafted from exclusive 21 Micron wool, this collection offers a pleasantly dry hand, exceptional crease resistance, and remarkable breathability. The Montecarlo fabric is a must-have in the summer wardrobe of connoisseurs who appreciate its unique texture and performance.
Composition: 100% 21 Micron Wool
Weight: Approximately 280g/m²
Weave: Three-dimensional hopsack structure
Texture: Pleasantly dry hand with a fluid surface movement
Drape: Structured yet breathable, ideal for unlined jackets
Why Choose the Montecarlo Collection?
• Exceptional Breathability: The open hopsack weave ensures maximum air circulation, making it perfect for warmer climates.
• Crease Resistance: Maintains a crisp appearance throughout the day, even in challenging conditions.
• Versatile Elegance: Suitable for both formal and casual settings, offering a rich palette of colors highlighted by the three-dimensional hopsack structure.
Perfect for: Gentlemen seeking a stylish, breathable, and resilient fabric for summer jackets and blazers.
Solaro – The Play of Light and Shade
Solaro offers a range of incredible detail in patter with unique duotone hues.
Solaro fabrics are instantly recognizable for their two-tone effect, achieved by weaving contrasting warp and weft colors. This gives the fabric a subtle iridescence, creating depth and dimension when exposed to sunlight.
• Composition: Wool & Silk blend
• Weight: ~240-260g/m²
• Texture: Breathable, crease-resistant, with a rich color depth
Why choose Solaro?
✔️ Unique visual effect – Distinct iridescence makes it a head-turner.
✔️ Breathable summer suiting – Keeps cool in warm weather.
✔️ Rich history – First developed for British military uniforms, now a sartorial icon.
Perfect for: Statement pieces, summer suits, and casual elegance.
Greenhills 160s – The Ultimate Luxury Fabric
A jacket tailored by ENDEL Tailor with VBC Greenhills 160 dark grey fabric, featuring signature Milanese buttonhole.
For those seeking the pinnacle of refinement, Greenhills Super 160s is VBC’s most exclusive and luxurious offering. A silky smooth and light fabric that can be felt by handfeel. Greenhills does requires a bit more care for the fabric as being delicate does not quite as strong as the heavier and thicker fabrics.
• Composition: 100% Super 160s Wool (15.75-micron fineness)
• Weight: ~220-230g/m²
• Texture: Incredibly smooth and luxurious
Why to go for Greenhills fabrics?
✔️ Unparalleled softness – Among the finest wools available.
✔️ Feather-light feel – Supreme comfort for high-end luxury.
✔️ The ultimate sartorial indulgence – A true collector’s fabric.
Perfect for: Those who demand the absolute finest fabric money can buy.
General Questions about VBC Fabrics
Q: What is Vitale Barberis Canonico (VBC)?
Vitale Barberis Canonico is a renowned Italian fabric mill with over 350 years of experience (making it the oldest mill in the world also) producing some of the world's finest wool fabrics. They are known for their quality, craftsmanship, and wide range of options for bespoke suits.
Q: Why does Endel Tailor use VBC fabrics?
We often recommend VBC fabrics because they represent the best in quality, durability, and great value. Their wide range of fabrics allows us to create the perfect suit for every client, from everyday business wear to special occasion garments.
Q: What does "Super" number (e.g., Super 110s, Super 160s) mean?
The "Super" number refers to the fineness of the wool fibers used in the fabric. Higher numbers indicate finer fibers, resulting in a softer, more luxurious feel. However, higher isn't always "better" – it depends on your needs. Finer fabrics (higher Super numbers) are generally more delicate, while lower Super numbers are more durable.
Q: What is the weight of the fabric?
The weight of the fabric is measured in grams per square meter (g/m²). A lightweight suit for summer may be around 230g/m². A heavier suit for winter might be closer to 280g/m² or higher (though VBC's range in this article focuses on the lighter-mid weights).
Q: What is fabric drape?
Fabric drape refers to how the fabric hangs and flows when worn. Some fabrics have a structured drape. Some have a more fluid drape.
Questions on specific VBC Fabric Collections
Q: I'm buying my first bespoke suit. Which VBC fabric should I consider?
The VBC Prism (Super 110s) collection is an excellent starting point. It's affordable, durable, and offers a classic look, perfect for an entry-level bespoke suit.
Q: I need a durable suit for everyday work. What do you recommend?
The VBC Super 110s Perennial collection is a great choice. It's known for its resilience and is designed to withstand frequent wear while maintaining a refined appearance.
Q: I live in a hot climate. Which VBC fabric is best for summer?
The VBC Super 120s Sunshine collection is specifically designed for warm weather. It's exceptionally breathable and lightweight, with a high-twist construction that helps it resist creasing. The Solaro is another great option.
Q: I want a luxurious suit for special occasions. What are my options?
For special occasions, consider the VBC Super 130s Dolcevita collection for a balance of luxury and durability. For the ultimate in luxury, the VBC Greenhills Super 160s collection offers unparalleled softness and a feather-light feel.
Q: What is the VBC Supersonic collection?
The Supersonic collection is designed for performance. It uses a special weaving technique to maximize natural stretch without synthetic fibers, making it incredibly comfortable and wrinkle-resistant. It's also water-resistant.
Q: What is the most luxurious VBC fabric?
The VBC Greenhills Super 160s is the most luxurious option, made from incredibly fine wool fibers. It's exceptionally soft and lightweight.
What’s your perfect fabric? Let us help you craft your next bespoke masterpiece at Endel Tailor.