In 1934, the brothers Giovanni and Giacomo Canali founded a tailoring workshop dedicated to the manufacture of high quality clothing. In the 1950's, with the contributions of the family's second generation, sales increased. As the firm specialized in fine menswear, its presence began to influence the Italian market. By the mid 1970s, the firm had opened its doors to foreign buyers. Exports consumed 50 percent of the entire Canali production in 1980.

The range of Canali products broadened with the launch of the Canali Proposta and Canali Exclusive lines, as well as expanding to encompass an accessories collection of shirts, ties, belts, shoes and the distinctive line of Canali Sportswear. In its third generation, Canali today constitutes a design and manufacturing group, with seven centers of production located in Italy - all connected with its headquarters at Sovico, near Milan. Each garment is tailored and produced in Italy.

Today, according to Canali's Website, 75% of the total production is exported. 1400 suits are manufactured daily, with 1600 pairs of trousers made daily.