The Mr. Derk Guide to Gran Sasso Sizing
How Italian knitwear sizing converts to the North American chest sizes we use, which pieces run trim, and how to pick your size with confidence.
Italian knitwear, one family, since 1952.
Gran Sasso is a family-owned knitwear house from Sant'Egidio alla Vibrata in Abruzzo, founded by four brothers in 1952 and still run by the family today. The company does one thing: knitwear. Every garment is knit and finished in Italy, from featherweight summer cottons and silks through merino, cashmere, and technical outerwear knits.
The house is best known for its refined yarns: filo di Scozia mercerised cotton with a silk-like hand, pure silk knits, fresh-handle "fresco" cottons for hot weather, and extra-fine merino for the cooler months.
At Mr. Derk in Edmonton we carry Gran Sasso year-round, with a rotating selection of knit polos, T-shirts, crews, and knit outerwear on the floor and online.
Gran Sasso is labelled in Italian sizes. We list it in North American chest sizes.
The tag inside a Gran Sasso garment reads in Italian sizing: 48, 50, 52 and up. On mrderk.com we list every Gran Sasso piece by its North American chest size instead, the same convention we use for tailoring: R40 fits a 40-inch chest, R42 fits a 42-inch chest, and so on. The chart below converts between the two, along with the familiar letter size for reference.
Italian sizes 46 through 60, converted.
Gran Sasso Size Chart
"To fit chest" is your body measurement around the fullest part of the chest, not the garment measurement. Knitwear has natural give; if you measure between sizes, take the larger size on regular-fit pieces. Not every size is stocked in every style; if yours is sold out online, call us, we may be able to order it.
Three quick rules.
1. Size by chest. Measure around the fullest part of your chest with the tape level. Match that number to the "To Fit Chest" row above. If you wear a 42R sport coat, R42 is your starting point in Gran Sasso knitwear.
2. Know which pieces run trim. Gran Sasso cuts with an Italian silhouette, closer than most North American knitwear. The regular-fit polos and crews are true to size. The filo di Scozia tees run trim through the body, and the bouclé knit polo is a slim cut; on those, take the larger size if you are in between or prefer ease.
3. Respect the fabric. These are fine-gauge Italian knits, not sweatshirts. Cold wash and lay flat to dry for the cottons; dry clean the silk and bouclé pieces. Treated properly, they hold their shape for years.
If you're not sure, come into the store. We'll measure you free of charge and pull a few options to try. No purchase necessary.
Every Gran Sasso piece at Mr. Derk is hand-checked on arrival from Italy. Try it on in store and we'll fit it against your sport coats and trousers, not just on its own.
The questions we get most often, on the floor and over the phone.
Does Gran Sasso run small?
Gran Sasso cuts with an Italian silhouette, which is trimmer than most North American knitwear brands. Regular-fit pieces are true to size against your chest measurement. The filo di Scozia tees and the bouclé knit polo run closer through the body; if you are between sizes on those, take the larger one.
What does R40 mean?
It is the North American chest size, the same number you would use for a sport coat: R40 fits a 40-inch chest in a regular length. The garment tag inside will read the Italian equivalent, size 50. The conversion chart above maps every size.
What is filo di Scozia?
Filo di Scozia is a premium cotton lisle: long-staple cotton yarn that is double-twisted, passed over a flame to burn off surface fuzz, then mercerised. The result is a knit with a subtle lustre, a cool dry hand, deeper colour, and far better resistance to pilling than ordinary cotton jersey. It is the yarn Italian makers reserve for their finest summer knits.
How should I care for Gran Sasso knitwear?
Cotton pieces: machine wash cold on gentle or hand wash, and always lay flat to dry. Never the dryer. Silk and bouclé pieces: dry cleaning is the safe default. Fold knitwear rather than hanging it; hangers stretch the shoulders of a fine-gauge knit over time.
Where is Gran Sasso made?
Everything is knit and finished in Italy at the family's operation in Sant'Egidio alla Vibrata, in the Abruzzo region beneath the Gran Sasso mountain the brand is named for. The company has been family-owned since 1952.
Is a knit polo dressy enough for the office?
Yes, and that is the point of the category. A Gran Sasso knit polo in filo di Scozia or silk has a proper collar that holds its shape under a sport coat and a fabric with visible refinement. It reads closer to a fine sweater than a golf shirt. Tucked or untucked with tailored trousers, it covers everything short of suit-and-tie.
What's your return policy on Gran Sasso?
Standard 14 days from purchase, unworn, with original tags attached. If you are shopping online and unsure about size, call us first at 780-431-4293 and we will measure the exact garment for you before you order.
Where can I buy Gran Sasso in Canada?
Mr. Derk in Edmonton carries Gran Sasso year-round, on the floor and online at mrderk.com. Visit us at 10428 Whyte Avenue or call 780-431-4293 to book a fitting.
Need help finding your size?
Book a private fitting at our Edmonton store. We'll measure you and pull a few Gran Sasso pieces so you can compare on the body. Free of charge, no purchase necessary.
Or call us at 780-431-4293.