Looking for brands similar to Ralph Lauren but not? Here are some options that have parallels but exude their own identity!
Well, maybe you want something a bit more irreverent, like Rowing Blazers. Perhaps, since English countryside style and preppy have so much overlap, you want to explore something more British. If you love RL, you might find you love pieces from these other brands — if not the whole brand itself.
13 Brands Like Ralph Lauren (But Do Their Own Thing)
Ralph Lauren embodies a sense of upscale classicism with its own twist. That’s the main through-line when it comes to the aesthetic of the following brands. In fact, many might not even consider themselves Ralph Lauren competitors. However, let’s say you have a lot of RL in your closet. You’ll easily find pieces that’ll pair naturally with your pieces from these brands. Basically, there’s a wide range here.
1. Barbour
Barbour has some of the best outerwear on the market. This English luxury brand is known for its waxed jackets, riding boots, and flat caps. It’s no wonder they’re a staple in British country style. There’s so much overlap between Old England and New England styles, which Ralph does. As such, pieces from both brands pair naturally together.
Like Brooks Brothers, Barbour has an older aesthetic than Ralph Lauren. However, Brooks is more for the uptown guy, whereas Barbour is more for the country gent. Even if you prefer RL’s laid-back, classic style, I recommend you check out Barbour’s outerwear.
2. J.Press
Literally founded on Yale’s campus, J.Press has an academic vibe to it. If Ralph Lauren is the off-duty preppy, J.Press is the on-campus preppy. A popular brand among the Northeastern set, it became a household name during the mid-late aughts neo-prep era, thanks to Gossip Girl. In fact, I remember kids all over town wearing the famous silk patchwork scarf.
Dark academia is making its rounds on Gen Z social media. J.Press offers both dark and light academia. Of course, they also sell a lot of cable-knit and varsity jackets.
3. Lacoste
Lacoste is an easy inclusion on this list since they’re also known for their polo shirt, which comes in every different color. While Ralph Lauren’s style is rooted in the fields, Lacoste is in the country club. It’s still sporty, but less ranch horses and polo fields and more golf, tennis, and pickleball.
As such, the French luxury brand makes preppy silhouettes in breathable, borderline techy fabrics. Although its pieces aren’t heavily teched out, they are definitely super comfortable. The brand was founded by a tennis player, after all. If you love pastels and tennis whites, check out Lacoste and its iconic crocodile logo.
4. Burberry
Burberry has a reputation for being very chic. And don’t get me wrong — they’re truly a fashion-with-a-capital-F brand. However, people often think it’s the formal or urban answer to Barbour, like Brooks to Ralph.
And yes, you can turn to Burberry for excellent suits, upscale garments, cashmere, and silk. However, don’t forget that their claim to fame is their trench coats. And trench coats are super military-forward and utilitarian.
This is your brand if you prefer British-cut clothes such as suit jackets with cinched waists and lower top buttons. Burberry trench coats often use a special material called gabardine, which is water-resistant but sports a more classic and stylish cotton look, unlike a traditional plastic yellow raincoat.
5. Mack Weldon
I’m convinced any guy can find a piece at Mack Weldon, regardless of his personal style. Both RL and Mack Weldon are New York-based brands focused on elevating traditional menswear. Think classic but distinct and infused with function.
I didn’t think I was a big denim jacket guy. However, their SILVER denim jacket beautifully balances elegance with ruggedness. It’s the most versatile jean jacket I’ve ever worn. The SILVER line focuses on premium fabrics with sophisticated technology — anti-odor, for example.
6. J. Crew
Ah, yes, the original standard-bearer for style catalogs. J. Crew has experienced quite a resurgence lately, thanks to the creative direction of Brendan Babenzien. Formerly of Supreme, Babenzien’s goal to bring American classics into the 21st century has come to fruition.
What the trendy might find boring (khakis, for example) can now be found in contemporary fits. There are leather jackets that somehow exude cool without being too try-hard. He didn’t turn J. Crew into Supreme but instead treated it like a 41-year-old start-up. If you love eclectic grandpa style, you might find some cozy yet refined pieces at J.Crew.
7. Hugo Boss
Could Hugo Boss be the German answer to Ralph Lauren? It’s hard to say since their style sensibilities are so different. However, one important thing they share is their anchor in timeless menswear and practicality.
Boss is a bit more discipline-forward, though. If you want a more serious, well-engineered look, I actually do recommend Hugo Boss over RL. Both are great for casual and dressy clothes. However, Boss has really mastered the chic, black look. And no matter what the fit, they’re all about clean lines.
8. Buck Mason
American-made clothes are hard to come by these days. Fortunately, Buck Mason is filling that market gap. And boy, their pieces are highly practical (on top of being handsome and adaptable). This is likely why their denim work shirt is one of their most popular items.
I highly recommend Buck Mason if you’re trying to create a capsule wardrobe. Their pieces are well-made and pair beautifully with each other. Relatedly, their pieces look fantastic when layered.
9. Brooks Brothers
Ralph Lauren originally emulated Brooks’ timeless gentleman style but with a casual twist. As RL grew in popularity, Brooks started to emulate them (though some might say this was more due to the general casualization of fashion). In fact, if you want to find stores like Ralph Lauren, Brooks brick-and-mortar locations have a similar vibe.
Still, Brooks continues to be a bridge between East Coast American old money and the landed gentry of England. I think their Regent Fit collection features some of the best-fitting suits out there. It combines the best practices of American and British cut suits with a fitted chest, slightly fitted (but not cinched) jacket waist, and trousers that sit somewhere between slim and regular.
10. Calvin Klein
Casual jeans are an unquestionable staple in menswear and everyday fashion in general. You can thank Calvin Klein for that. This not only elevated Americana in the ‘70s (later bolstered by Bongo in the ‘80s). It also launched America, well, New York, into the fashion stratosphere. Sure, NYFW still isn’t as important as Paris Fashion Week, but it arguably comes in second place. I say that with all due respect and apologies to London Fashion Week!
Their popular straight-fit jeans combine a relaxed fit with a clean silhouette for an effortless but not sloppy look. To this day, Calvin Klein is still a go-to for the casual side of American fashion.
11. Rowing Blazers
Now owned by the creative group behind Tory Burch, Rowing Blazers continues to serve up unstuffy prep. If you want a more expressive, irreverent, but still sophisticated take on Ivy style, go for RB.
If you’re considering brands like Polo Ralph Lauren, Rowing Blazers is a good option. Their designs are inspired by Northeastern and Ivy sports. As per their namesake, the brand started with a few styles of rowing blazers. However, the brand has expanded into a comprehensive line of clothes, including dad hats, rugby shirts, and jumpers.
Rowing Blazers has also proven to be excellent at partnerships. By collaborating with local preppy brands and establishments worldwide, they welcome all who shop RB into a world of insider stories and aesthetics.
12. Vineyard Vines
Founded in New England vacation spot Martha’s Vineyard, Vineyard Vines is the always-on-vacation answer to Ralph Lauren. If you’re looking for Ivy-leaning swimwear, Vineyard Vines is an excellent place to find some. They also have fun ties with vacation motifs: Anchors, their signature pink whale, and so on.
My go-to hat is a Vineyard Vines trucker with a Nantucket moniker. This brand isn’t afraid of pastels, relaxed fits, or flip-flops. If you can’t find anything for your next beach trip at Ralph Lauren, check out Vineyard Vines.
13. L.L. Bean
As a brand, L.L. Bean is very East Coast and arguably still preppy. However, L.L.’s lifestyle focus is more akin to things like horse-riding and pheasant hunting than Park Avenue latte-sipping. It’s the country part of “town and country.” It’s almost like an American Barbour in that sense.
When I moved from LA to Massachusetts for college in the late 2000s, no brand was more quintessential than L.L. Bean. And hey, you can’t go wrong with their iconic duck boots.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about Ralph Lauren and brands like them.
Who Are Ralph Lauren’s Competitors
Ralph Lauren has historically competed with Brooks Brothers. RL wanted to be a more laid-back, sporty take on the classic style Brooks pioneered. Other competitors include J.Crew and even the French brand Lacoste.
Is Ralph Lauren Still Luxury?
Yes. Though Ralph Lauren has cheaper and mid-tier diffusion lines, it’s still considered luxury overall. Moreover, their Purple Label is undeniably high-end.
Is There a Difference Between Ralph Lauren and Polo Ralph Lauren?
Polo is Ralph Lauren’s mid-tier to upper-mid-tier line, focusing on sportier looks for everyday wear (not athleisure). Unlike RL’s higher-end lines, Polo has a broader range of prices, from relatively affordable to affordable luxury.
Conclusion: The Best Brands Like Ralph Lauren
There you go. Now you have 13 brands like Ralph Lauren to consider! It’s always good to seek out brands similar to the ones you frequent since they allow you to expand your personal style without going too far outside your comfort zone.
Looking for a version of RL that’s a little “older”? Brooks is a good choice. A little younger? Rowing Blazers is your go-to. Perhaps you want a beachier, less ranchy take. Well, Vineyard Vines is right there. And you have to love the range of price points, too!
What are your go-to Ralph Lauren alternatives? Let us know in the comments below!
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