Eleventy vs. Brunello Cucinelli: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Eleventy offers a modern, accessible take on Italian luxury with contemporary designs and versatile pieces, while Brunello Cucinelli represents the pinnacle of timeless craftsmanship, best known for its world-class cashmere and deep commitment to ethical production. The primary differences lie in price point and philosophy: Eleventy provides high-quality, stylish apparel for an urban professional, whereas Cucinelli creates investment pieces for those who prioritize heritage and sustainable luxury.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right Italian luxury brand for your wardrobe.

Eleventy: The Modern & Accessible Italian Luxury

Founded in 2007, Eleventy is a modern Italian luxury brand that blends casual elegance with sophisticated, contemporary design. It caters to a style-conscious, urban consumer who values high-quality materials and versatile pieces with clean lines and a neutral palette. Eleventy's entire approach is built on offering refined staples that feel both current and timeless without the ultra-high price tag of heritage luxury houses.

• Product mix: A complete range of menswear and womenswear, including tailored suits, sophisticated knitwear, outerwear, trousers, and refined accessories designed for city life.
• Price point: Eleventy occupies a mid-to-luxury space, with most items priced between $200 and $1,200. This makes it a great entry point into Italian-made luxury.
• Quality & Materials: The focus is on quality fabrics like cashmere, fine wools, silk, and linen. Garments feature meticulous Italian tailoring and construction that provides great value.
• Style & Aesthetic: The overall look is minimalist, clean, and contemporary. It’s perfect for building a versatile wardrobe that seamlessly transitions from professional settings to a stylish weekend out.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing generally runs true to size, offering a tailored European fit. The brand typically offers sizes from XS to XXL in both slim and regular cuts to accommodate different preferences.

Eleventy is an excellent choice for those wanting contemporary Italian design and high-quality construction at a more attainable luxury price.

Shop Eleventy: eleventy.it

Brunello Cucinelli: The Pinnacle of Cashmere & Ethical Luxury

Established in 1978, Brunello Cucinelli is considered one of the world's most prestigious luxury brands, renowned for its commitment to craftsmanship, "humanistic capitalism," and ethical production. Often called the "king of cashmere," the brand's identity is rooted in timeless elegance, the finest natural fibers, and creating clothes meant to last a lifetime. This is for the discerning buyer who values artistry and sustainability as much as style.

• Product mix: Specializes in high-end menswear and womenswear, with an intense focus on luxurious cashmere and fine knits. The collection includes impeccably tailored blazers, trousers, dresses, and upscale accessories.
• Price point: Positioned in the high-luxury tier, products typically start around $500 for a simple t-shirt and can run into several thousand dollars for outerwear or signature cashmere sweaters.
• Quality & Materials: Unmatched mastery of cashmere, sourcing only the finest fibers from Mongolia. Every piece features artisanal finishing, meticulous attention to detail, and a quality designed for long-term wear, similar to other top-tier brands like Loro Piana.
• Style & Aesthetic: Cucinelli embodies a classic, relaxed Italian sophistication. The look is refined, comfortable, and exudes an understated opulence without loud logos or trendy flourishes.
• Sustainability & Ethics: A pioneer in sustainable luxury. The brand is famous for investing in its community in Solomeo, Italy, and for its ethical sourcing and environmentally responsible production methods.

Brunello Cucinelli embodies investment-quality luxury, combining timeless design with an unwavering ethical commitment.

Shop Brunello Cucinelli: brunellocucinelli.com

Eleventy vs. Brunello Cucinelli Comparison

Price Comparison

The difference in price between the two brands is significant and reflects their respective market positions. Eleventy offers "accessible luxury," with jackets often falling in the $800-$1,200 range and knitwear from $300-$600. It brings Italian craftsmanship within reach for professionals who want to invest in their wardrobe without entering the highest tier of luxury spending.

Brunello Cucinelli operates at a much higher price point. A single cashmere sweater can easily cost over $2,000, and tailored suits often exceed $5,000. This price reflects the cost of exceptional raw materials, intensive artisanal labor, and the brand's deep commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices. You are not just buying a piece of clothing, you are buying into a philosophy.

Quality & Materials

Both brands prioritize high-quality fabrics, but they operate at different levels. Eleventy uses excellent materials like wool, cashmere blends, and silk, ensuring its garments look refined and feel comfortable. The construction is solid, reflecting classic Italian tailoring standards that offer longevity and style for its price.

Brunello Cucinelli's quality is legendary, primarily due to its peerless cashmere. The brand sources the rarest and softest fibers, and its production process involves extensive hand-finishing. The durability and feel of a Cucinelli garment are considered benchmarks in the industry. Beyond cashmere, the company uses exclusive wools, silks, and linens, all selected for their superior quality and ethical origins.

Style & Aesthetic

Eleventy's aesthetic is distinctly modern and minimalist. It's designed for an urban environment, with clean silhouettes, versatile neutral color palettes (greys, blues, beiges), and a focus on pieces that work for both business and leisure. The look is polished and contemporary, ideal for someone who appreciates sharp, modern Italian style.

Brunello Cucinelli's style is rooted in timeless Italian sophistication. The aesthetic is more classic, with a relaxed, soft-tailoring approach that emphasizes comfort and easy elegance. Colors are often earthy and warm, and textures are rich and inviting. It's the definition of "quiet luxury," appealing to a customer who wants to look impeccably elegant without being overtly fashionable.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands offer excellent fits, but with slight differences. Eleventy typically provides a contemporary, tailored fit that is true to size. They offer both slim and regular cuts, catering well to a modern wearer's desire for a sleek silhouette. It's a reliable choice when ordering online without prior experience.

Brunello Cucinelli focuses on a more classic fit that is refined and sophisticated. While consistent, the proportions are designed to drape elegantly rather than cling to the body. Due to the high value of each piece, customers often opt for minor alterations at a trusted tailor to achieve a perfect, bespoke-like fit.

Sustainability & Ethics

This is a major point of differentiation. Brunello Cucinelli has built its global reputation on a foundation of humanistic values and sustainability. The company heavily invests in its community, fairly compensates its artisans, and follows strict ethical sourcing standards. For many customers, this commitment to "dignity for all" is a key reason to buy the brand.

Eleventy values responsible sourcing and "Made in Italy" production, which inherently involves high labor and quality standards. However, it does not have the same level of publicly promoted commitment to comprehensive ethical and environmental initiatives as Brunello Cucinelli. Its primary focus remains on delivering a high-quality product at its competitive price point.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer exceptional Italian quality, but they cater to different style preferences, budgets, and values.

Choose Eleventy if:

• You prefer a contemporary, minimalist aesthetic perfectly suited for an urban lifestyle.
• You're looking for accessible luxury that bridges the gap between premium and high-end brands.
• You need versatile, high-quality pieces that work for both the office and casual wear.
• You appreciate modern Italian design and want great value for your investment.

Choose Brunello Cucinelli if:

• You view your clothing as a long-term investment and prioritize timeless design over trends.
• You seek the absolute best quality materials in the world, especially cashmere.
• Sustainability and ethical manufacturing are important factors in your shopping decisions.
• Your personal style is classic, refined, and built on understated elegance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brunello Cucinelli better than Eleventy?

"Better" is subjective. If the metric is pure material quality, artisanal craftsmanship, and ethical commitment, Brunello Cucinelli is superior. However, if you are looking for modern Italian style, versatility, and excellent quality for the price, Eleventy is an exceptional choice and offers better value.

Which brand is more expensive?

Brunello Cucinelli is significantly more expensive. For example, a knit sweater from Eleventy might cost around $400, whereas a similar cashmere sweater from Brunello Cucinelli could easily cost $2,500 or more. The price reflects the highest-grade materials and intensive artisanal production.

Does Eleventy's clothing run true to size?

Yes, Eleventy's collections generally run true to size, offering a modern, tailored fit. They provide both slim and regular cuts to suit different body types, making them a safe choice for online ordering.

What is Brunello Cucinelli most famous for?

Brunello Cucinelli is world-famous for two things: its unrivaled cashmere knitwear, which is considered the best in the world, and its deeply ingrained philosophy of ethical and humanistic enterprise.

Is Eleventy a good brand for workwear?

Absolutely. Eleventy’s sharp tailoring, neutral color palettes, and understated designs make it an excellent brand for building a sophisticated and modern professional wardrobe.

Why is Brunello Cucinelli so expensive?

The high prices are due to a combination of factors: sourcing the finest and rarest raw materials (like top-tier Mongolian cashmere), meticulous Italian "Made in Italy" craftsmanship with extensive handwork, a design philosophy focused on longevity, and a comprehensive commitment to ethical and sustainable production.

Which brand is better for casual wear?

Both brands excel here. Eleventy offers a more urban and contemporary casual style with its refined jersey-wear, tailored bombers, and smart trousers. Brunello Cucinelli defines luxurious casual wear with its soft-structured blazers, plush cashmere tracksuits, and impeccably cut denim, embodying relaxed Italian elegance known as "sprezzatura."

Can I find Eleventy and Brunello Cucinelli on sale?

Yes, both brands can be found at seasonal sales through luxury retailers like MR PORTER or Mitchells. However, discounts on Brunello Cucinelli are often less steep and its most iconic pieces rarely see significant price reductions due to high demand.