Rifle is an Italian denim brand specializing in rugged, utilitarian apparel. Its core aesthetic centers on classic jeanswear and durable workwear. The brand represents a mid-century European interpretation of American casual style, emphasizing functional design and a pragmatic ethos within the global denim subculture.
History
Founded in 1958 by Giulio and Fiorenzo Fratini in Barberino di Mugello, Italy, Rifle was a pioneer in the European mass-production of denim. The brand gained significant cultural traction during the 1980s, particularly in Eastern Bloc countries where it became a symbol of Western fashion. Throughout its history, Rifle contributed to the democratization of denim in Europe before facing financial insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings in late 2020.