Recognizing a product born from the ingenuity and skill of Italian entrepreneurs and artisans is becoming increasingly difficult. The globalization of the market has created new challenges, and the trend we have been witnessing, especially in recent years, is one where demand rewards quantity over quality. Therefore, it becomes even more important to promote and showcase Italian-made clothing, primarily through informed dissemination, which means making Italian excellence known to consumers.
Let's explore how to recognize authentic Made in Italy, a tradition that Carvico has been promoting worldwide for over 60 years.
When can we speak of Made in Italy fabrics?
Let’s take a step back: what does Made in Italy mean? For Italians, Made in Italy is synonymous with quality in fabrics and craftsmanship, a guarantee of safety, and a timeless style.
Legislation protecting the Made in Italy label has existed for years, but there is still limited awareness about it. In the fashion industry, the “Made in…” label, found on clothing produced in the European Union, is mandatory information. Within this label, the producing companies must declare the country of origin of the product. To determine the origin, the rules specified by European customs regulations are applied, which state that the country of origin should correspond to where the last substantial transformation or processing took place, giving the product its new characteristics.
So, to recap, when can clothing labels bear the “Made in Italy” designation? Only when the Italian origin of the clothing is certified according to current regulations (Articles 23-24 of Regulation 2913/92).
However, a separate discussion is needed for the “100% Made in Italy” label.
What does “100% Made in Italy” mean in fashion?
To further emphasize the value of products made in Italy, the Certification “100% Made in Italy” was developed and implemented by ITPI (Institute for the Protection of Italian Producers), a national body affiliated with CNEL, since 2004. Its purpose is to protect and promote Made in Italy.
The “100% Made in Italy” indication (or “100% Italia,” “Tutto italiano,” and similar labels) is reserved for products that, in addition to being Made in Italy according to current regulations, are entirely made in Italy. This means that design, planning, manufacturing, and packaging are carried out exclusively within Italian territory.
Article 16 of Law 166/2009 obliges Made in Italy clothing brands to provide precise information about the origin of the product to distinguish those that are exclusively produced in Italy from those that only undergo the last substantial transformation in Italy. ITPI has established a traceability system for products certified as “100% Made in Italy.” Certified companies must use the distinctive marks issued by the Institute, equipped with holographic anti-counterfeiting symbols and progressive numbering.
Made in Italy Fashion Worldwide: How It Is Perceived
The Made in Italy brand has become synonymous with excellence not only within Italy but also abroad. The importance of Made in Italy worldwide is attributed to various products recognized for their high-quality materials, refined style, attention to detail, and longevity. The most exported Italian products in the world fall into the four A’s of Clothing, Food, Furniture, and Automation.
How much does Made in Italy matter in fashion?
Firstly, it is due to the history of excellent production know-how, as well as the fact that Made in Italy adheres to Italian territory’s control and laws. In addition to the quality and safety of materials used, clothing items produced by Italian brands are renowned for the style and trends they set in the fashion world, synonymous with luxury. The triumph of Italian style worldwide can be observed when prestigious Italian brands showcase their clothing on the catwalks of all the fashion capitals. This is a phenomenon with deep-rooted origins.
Recognizing Made in Italy Clothing: Beachwear and Carvico’s Experience
Made in Italy is going through a period of fragility, besieged by manufacturing competition from other regions that cannot guarantee the same sensations and emotions. The new generation of consumers is attentive, conscious, and ready to embrace market innovations—a true call to action for Made in Italy to rediscover its stimulus and the ability to strengthen Italian stylistic tradition.
How can you recognize authentic Made in Italy fashion?
The first step is to buy only original products where the brand behind them can guarantee the production chain. In labels, the Italian origin of the fabric is always highlighted because it is synonymous with quality. In the case of beachwear, specifically, it is advisable to look for swimsuits made of Econyl®, a fabric produced by Carvico and Jersey Lomellina, who hold the global exclusive rights to its production.
Why is it important to choose Made in Italy, even in swimwear?
Econyl® is a 100% regenerated nylon thread made from waste materials such as fishing nets at the end of their life cycle, which are recovered through a complex physical and chemical breakdown process.
Choosing suppliers like Carvico and Jersey Lomellina not only enhances the value of Made in Italy but also supports eco-sustainable companies that prioritize environmental aspects without compromising the high quality of the raw material.