Armani lines explained: Giorgio, Emporio, Armani Jeans and Armani Exchange
The Armani lines explained, from Giorgio Armani to Armani Exchange, with what the label shows and what to check on Armani tailoring.
In this guide
The name Armani covers several lines, from Giorgio Armani to Armani Exchange, and they differ in construction, price and intent. The label inside an item shows which line it belongs to, so buying pre-owned Armani starts with the label.
A short history
Giorgio Armani founded his company in Milan in 1975 with his partner Sergio Galeotti. The house became known for the unstructured jacket, with much of the padding and stiff interlining taken out, so that the cloth follows the body instead of holding a fixed shape. In 1981 Armani introduced two younger lines, Emporio Armani and Armani Jeans, and in 1991 the first Armani Exchange store opened in New York. Armani Privé, the couture line, followed in 2005.
In 2017 the house reduced its lines to three: Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani and Armani Exchange. Armani Collezioni was folded into Emporio Armani, and Armani Jeans stopped as a separate line.
The Armani lines and how to read the label
| Line | What it is |
|---|---|
| Giorgio Armani | The main line, with the most refined tailoring of the house. |
| Emporio Armani | Ready-to-wear introduced in 1981, between the main line and the casual lines. |
| Armani Jeans | The casual line introduced in 1981, with jackets, shirts and denim. No longer a separate line since 2017. |
| Armani Exchange | The most accessible line, also known as A|X, since 1991. |
A label that reads Armani Jeans or Armani Collezioni dates an item to before 2017. In the store, the line is part of the item title.
Emporio Armani or Giorgio Armani
Giorgio Armani is the main line, with the highest prices and the most refined construction. Emporio Armani is the younger ready-to-wear line, with a more contemporary cut and lower prices. Both are made by the same house, and the difference shows most clearly in tailoring: the cloth, the interlining and the finishing of a Giorgio Armani jacket are a level above those of an Emporio Armani jacket.
Armani Exchange or Emporio Armani
Armani Exchange is genuine Armani and the most accessible line of the house, with casual clothing such as T-shirts, sweatshirts and zip-up jackets. Emporio Armani sits above it, with tailoring as well as casual clothing.
What to check on Armani tailoring
- The shoulders. The shoulder is the hardest part of a jacket to alter. The shoulder seam should sit where the shoulder of the wearer ends.
- Alterations. Tailored items can have been taken in or let out by a previous owner. Stitching at the centre back seam, the sleeve heads or the waist that does not match the rest shows an alteration, and the size on the label then no longer describes the jacket.
- The lining. The lining wears first under the arms and at the centre back.
- The cloth. A jacket wears thin at the elbows and the cuffs before anywhere else.
- The buttons. The buttons should form a complete, matching set without cracks at the holes.
Each item is measured flat at four points: the chest, the length, the shoulders and the sleeve. With raglan sleeves there is no shoulder seam, so there are three measurements instead of four. Trousers are measured flat at four points: the waist, the inseam, the hem and the outseam. Items shown on a model state the model's height and usual size instead of the four measurements. The measurements are taken on the item itself, not from the label. The method is explained in the guide to measuring clothing.
How each item is prepared
Each item is inspected, authenticated, cleaned and measured before it is added to the store. Each step is described in How leverene works.
On designer clothing, construction is stronger evidence of authenticity than branding. A convincing label on a jacket whose lining, interlining and buttonholes do not match the standard of the house does not make the jacket genuine. Six checks that apply to every house are set out in how to tell if designer clothing is real.
Price compared with retail
Prices are set per item, up to 80% below the original retail price. The comparison is made with the retail price of the same line, so an Armani Jeans jacket is compared with Armani Jeans and a Giorgio Armani jacket with Giorgio Armani.
Where to start
The jacket is the clearest starting point, because the construction of the house shows there. Browse the Armani collection, or the wider designer clothing range for men and women. Jackets and coats from all brands are on the jackets and coats pages. Lines, condition and sizing across the houses are explained in the designer buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Emporio Armani and Giorgio Armani?
Giorgio Armani is the main line, with the most refined tailoring and the highest prices. Emporio Armani is the younger ready-to-wear line, introduced in 1981.
Is Armani Exchange real Armani?
Armani Exchange is a line of the Armani group, introduced in 1991 as its most accessible line. It is genuine Armani, positioned below Emporio Armani and Giorgio Armani.
Is Armani Jeans still made?
Armani Jeans stopped as a separate line in 2017. Items with an Armani Jeans label were made before that change.
Items can be returned within 30 days.
