Ermenegildo Zegna vs. Zegna: What's the difference?

While often used interchangeably, Ermenegildo Zegna refers to the historic, full name of the Italian luxury house, celebrated for its legendary tailoring and fabric mills. Zegna is the modern, simplified brand name used today that encompasses its entire collection, from high-end suits to contemporary casualwear, and reflects a broader luxury lifestyle focus.

Let's clarify the nuances to help you understand the brand's heritage and its modern identity.

Ermenegildo Zegna: The Icon of Italian Tailoring

Founded in 1910, Ermenegildo Zegna is the historic name underpinning the brand's reputation as a world leader in men's tailoring and fine textiles. This title represents the deep heritage and craftsmanship, specifically the art of Italian suiting and the brand's roots as a premier fabric producer. Customers who seek out pieces reflecting the Ermenegildo Zegna legacy are typically investing in exceptional, timeless formalwear.

• Product mix: The core focus is on impeccably crafted suits, tuxedos, blazers, and formal outerwear. Ermenegildo Zegna is synonymous with made-to-measure ("Su Misura") services, offering bespoke garments that are built from scratch for individual clients.
• Price point: This represents the pinnacle of the brand's pricing. Made-to-measure suits typically start around $3,000 and can easily exceed $10,000 for exclusive fabrics and extensive hand-finishing.
• Quality: World-renowned for its materials, many of which are produced in Zegna's own Italian wool mills. The focus is on traditional luxury fabrics like ultra-fine wool, cashmere blends, and silk.
• Style & Aesthetic: The style is classic, elegant, and sophisticated. The silhouette is sharp and refined, representing the best of traditional Italian tailoring for professional and formal occasions.
• Sizing/Fit: Garments offer a precise, structured, and slim fit consistent with European tailoring standards. The availability of bespoke services means the ultimate goal is a perfect custom fit.

The Ermenegildo Zegna name signifies unparalleled tailoring heritage, making it the top choice for discerning individuals seeking custom suiting and timeless formal pieces.

Shop Zegna: zegna.com

Zegna: Modern Luxury Redefined

Zegna is the official brand name used today for all its product lines. In a 2021 rebrand, the company formally dropped the "Ermenegildo" from its primary branding to signal an evolution into a comprehensive modern luxury lifestyle brand. It builds upon its tailoring legacy while embracing a more versatile and contemporary range that includes casualwear, sportswear, and innovative designs.

• Product mix: Zegna offers a complete men's wardrobe that includes ready-to-wear suits, luxury knitwear, leather goods, outerwear, designer sneakers, and accessories. Collaborations and a focus on sporty pieces are central to its modern identity.
• Price point: While still a luxury brand, Zegna's product range provides more accessible entry points. High-end casual items like knitwear and trousers often fall between $500 and $2,500.
• Quality: Upholds the same high standards but with an added emphasis on innovation. Zegna incorporates performance blends, advanced textiles, and sustainable materials into its collections.
• Style & Aesthetic: The aesthetic is contemporary, relaxed, and versatile. It masterfully blends casual comfort with high-end luxury, making its pieces suitable for a wide array of settings beyond the boardroom.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a wider variety of fits to cater to its diverse product line, including slim, regular, and relaxed silhouettes in its casualwear for a more modern and comfortable feel.

The consolidated Zegna brand represents a fusion of its distinguished past and an innovative future, ideal for the modern man who values both luxury and versatility.

Shop Zegna: zegna.com

Ermenegildo Zegna vs. Zegna Comparison

Price Comparison

There isn't a direct "versus" in price, as they are the same company. However, the legacy name "Ermenegildo Zegna" is most closely associated with its most expensive offerings: bespoke and made-to-measure suiting, commanding prices from $3,000 to over $10,000.

The broader "Zegna" brand encompasses this high-end segment as well as a more diverse price structure. Its ready-to-wear lines include luxury essentials that are more attainable, such as sneakers around $800, polo shirts starting at $500, or a cashmere sweater for approximately $1,500. This diversification makes Zegna a comprehensive luxury brand rather than exclusively a top-tier tailoring house.

Quality & Materials

Quality remains exceptional across the board. The heritage of Ermenegildo Zegna lies in its masterful use of traditional noble fibers sourced from its own mills, focusing on classic compositions like pure wool, silk, and cashmere that define its formalwear.

Today, Zegna continues this tradition while also pushing the boundaries of material science. The modern brand prominently features innovative and performance-oriented fabrics, such as tech-merino wool for breathability, waterproof materials for outerwear, and the "Oasi Cashmere" initiative, which certifies its fibers as 100% traceable by 2024.

Style & Aesthetic

The defining difference can be seen in the style. Ermenegildo Zegna's heritage represents timeless, structured, and formal menswear. It is the epitome of the classic Italian power suit - understated, elegant, and perfectly tailored.

Zegna's current aesthetic embraces "luxury leisurewear." Under the artistic direction of Alessandro Sartori, the brand has shifted to a softer, more relaxed silhouette. The look is versatile and effortlessly sophisticated, blending the lines between formal and casual. This modernization appeals to a younger, global audience that values comfort without sacrificing luxury.

Sustainability & Ethics

From its earliest days, environmental responsibility has been part of the company's DNA. Founder Ermenegildo Zegna started the Zegna Forest reforestation project in the 1930s. Today, this commitment is central to the modern Zegna brand identity.

The brand's sustainability initiatives are a core marketing message, focusing on traceability, the use of recycled materials, and eco-conscious production processes. Whether under the old name or the new, their commitment to ethical sourcing and environmental stewardship remains a key pillar of the company.

Which One Should You Choose?

As they are the same brand, the decision is less about choosing one over the other and more about understanding which part of their collection fits your needs.

Embrace the Ermenegildo Zegna Heritage if:

• You are commissioning a timeless made-to-measure or bespoke suit for a milestone event.
• The traditional art of Italian tailoring and su misura services are your top priority.
• Your personal style is classic, formal, and centered on timeless elegance.
• You are investing in fabrics with a legendary reputation for quality and craftsmanship.

Embrace modern Zegna if:

• You want to build a complete luxury wardrobe, from refined casualwear to sophisticated officewear.
• You prefer a contemporary style that balances comfort, versatility, and elegance.
• You value material innovation, performance fabrics, and brand transparency on sustainability.
• You are looking for luxury sneakers, high-end knitwear, or modern outerwear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ermenegildo Zegna the same as Zegna?

Yes, they are the same company. "Ermenegildo Zegna" is the full, historic name of the founder and the company. In 2021, the brand was simplified to "Zegna" for its primary branding to reflect its evolution into a modern luxury lifestyle brand.

Why did Ermenegildo Zegna change its name?

The company streamlined its name to "Zegna" to create a more unified, singular, and modern brand identity. The change reflects its shift from being known primarily for formalwear to being recognized as a comprehensive luxury brand that includes extensive casual and leisurewear collections.

Is Zegna a good brand?

Yes, Zegna is widely regarded as one of the world's finest luxury menswear brands. It is celebrated for its exceptional quality, Italian craftsmanship, luxurious fabrics, and sophisticated style, both in formal and casual wear.

How much does a Zegna suit cost?

A ready-to-wear suit from Zegna typically ranges from $2,500 to $5,000. Custom, made-to-measure suits start around $3,000 and can go well over $10,000 depending on the fabric and level of customization.

What is Zegna known for?

Historically, Zegna is known for producing some of the finest textiles in the world and for its impeccable masculine tailoring. Today, it's also known for its luxury leisurewear, innovative materials, and a commitment to sustainability.

Is Zegna considered high fashion?

Yes, Zegna is solidly positioned in the high fashion and luxury market. The brand consistently shows at major fashion weeks and is a leader in setting trends for modern menswear, blending classic craftsmanship with contemporary design.

Where are Zegna clothes made?

The majority of Zegna's products, especially its tailored clothing and textiles, are manufactured in Italy and Switzerland to maintain exceptional control over quality and craftsmanship.

Does Zegna run true to size?

Zegna clothing generally runs true to European sizing standards. Their formalwear and suiting have a tailored, slim fit. Casualwear offers a wider range of fits, from slim to more relaxed, but sizing remains fairly consistent. It is always recommended to consult the brand's size charts.