Few names evoke a sense of classic Americana style quite like Ralph Lauren. For decades, the brand has been the gold standard for preppy staples, quality craftsmanship, and an aspirational lifestyle that feels equal parts polished and athletic.
But the world of preppy, heritage style is rich and varied. I’ve curated this list of brands like Ralph Lauren to help you find pieces that suit your style.
Scroll on to explore affordable American classics, iconic heritage brands, and those with a modern twists on the aesthetic.
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Affordable Brands like Ralph Lauren
I’m no stranger to crafting affordable, quality wardrobes. So let’s start our search with brands that offer similar staple pieces to Ralph Lauren at lower price points.
Gap
An icon of American style in its own right, Gap is a reliable destination for foundational pieces like classic denim, simple t-shirts, and of course, the perfect pair of khaki chinos. It’s a brand that effortlessly captures that relaxed, all-American spirit.
Uniqlo
When it comes to high-quality, minimalist basics, Uniqlo is simply unmatched. For those specifically looking for brands like Polo Ralph Lauren, their polo shirts are a fantastic and affordable alternative. I even spotted Reddit users in r/malefashionadvice comparing their Uniqlo polos to RL.
Abercrombie & Fitch
This one may be surprising to those looking for Ralph Lauren alternatives but Abercrombie & Fitch has undergone a stylish renaissance and now excels at creating the modern, casual side of the preppy aesthetic.
I cant be the only one who noticed classic rugby shirts for men and women in their recent collections.
L.L.Bean
For the more rugged, outdoorsy side of heritage prep, L.L.Bean is the authority. Famous for its iconic Bean Boots, flannel shirts, and durable outerwear, it’s an ideal brand for building a wardrobe that is timeless and ready for adventure.
Nautica
Nautica captures the classic, sporty, and nautical-inspired side of Ralph Lauren’s world. Turn here for crisp polos, classic swimwear, and Breton stripes.
Exude style with minimal effort. Explore the list of must-have men’s wardrobe staples.
Classic Ralph Lauren Alternatives
The search continues. Observant readers will spot some of the same brands from my old money stores list. But there are new additions uniquely similar to Ralph Lauren here too.
J.Crew
J.Crew is the quintessential American preppy brand and a natural alternative to Ralph Lauren. Known for its optimistic use of color, impeccable tailoring on pieces like their Regent blazers, and a timeless-approach to classic style, it hardly needs an introduction.
Tommy Hilfiger
Perhaps the most iconic of all the brands similar to Ralph Lauren is Tommy Hilfiger. It shares the same deep roots in American heritage and preppy style, though often leaning into a bolder, more youthful interpretation.
Lacoste
If Ralph Lauren's classic polo shirts are what you love most, then Lacoste is a must-shop.
The French brand is the authority on the sporty side of prep, offering its legendary pique polos in a rainbow of colors, making it one of the best brands like Polo Ralph Lauren for athletic-inspired essentials.
Vineyard Vines
We've reached peak prep, of the coastal variety. Hello, Vineyard Vines.
Known for its cheerful prints and relaxed, vacation-ready vibe, this is one of the best brands like Ralph Lauren for those who love the preppy lifestyle but with a more lighthearted sensibility.
Banana Republic
Banana Republic is a reliable source of elevated essentials, often made from high-quality materials like cashmere, silk, and leather. You won't get classic Americana here but you can find quality staples that have the effortless elegant quality you're after.
Alex Mill
If you gravitate toward preppy clothing that’s perfectly undone, Alex Mill has the staples you need.
Here you can create your "daily uniform" with timeless pieces, from crisp Oxford tops and striped sweaters to their much-loved jumpsuits.
Tuckernuck
Next up, Tuckernuck- a brilliant online destination for discovering classic, all-American style.
What's special about the brand is that it curates a collection from both established and emerging brands, all centered around a modern, feminine, and distinctly preppy aesthetic.
Luxury & Heritage Brands Like Ralph Lauren
If you are ready to invest in true forever pieces, pay attention to this section. Here, we’ll explore established heritage brands and designer labels that represent the luxurious side of the classic, preppy aesthetic.
Brooks Brothers
No list of Ralph Lauren alternatives would be complete without Brooks Brothers.
As the oldest apparel brand in the United States, it is the original authority on American heritage style (and has dressed multiple presidents to prove it).
Todd Snyder
Burberry
The iconic British luxury brand Burberry is renowned for its own deep heritage, particularly its legendary trench coats and signature check.
This is an ideal label for those who appreciate the timeless, investment-worthy nature of Ralph Lauren's outerwear.
Barbour
Another essential name in British heritage style, Barbour is the undisputed authority on waxed jackets and country-inspired dressing.
It overlaps with Ralph Lauren in creating rugged and functional style that is built to be worn and loved for a lifetime.
Theory
I see Theory as the ideal place for those who appreciate the clean, tailored side of Ralph Lauren but with a more minimalist and urban edge.
The brand centers on impeccable fit and high-quality fabrics to create sophisticated, modern essentials.
Billy Reid
For a Southern-American take on heritage style, Billy Reid is a true gem.
The brand is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, unique details (like its signature ribbon stripe), and high-quality pieces that are built to last a lifetime. It's a must for those who appreciate the story and soul behind their clothing.
HUGO BOSS
For a sharp, European take on modern tailoring, HUGO BOSS is worth exploring.
It's overlap with RL? Sophisticated and well-tailored pieces. But I will say HUGO BOSS leans more powerful professional in its designs.
How I Selected These Brands
I captured this portion of a gallery wall in the Ralph Lauren Chicago flagship store.
When I recommend alternatives to an iconic brand like Ralph Lauren, I’m not just looking for a similar logo or a single style of polo shirt. Rather, I’m evaluating each brand against a few key pillars that speak to the true essence of the Ralph Lauren aesthetic.
I selected each brand on this list because it excels in at least one of these areas
A Nod to Classic American Style
I selected brands that share DNA with Ralph Lauren’s timeless, preppy, and heritage-inspired feel. I looked for labels that consistently deliver on staples like the perfect oxford shirt, a classic cable-knit sweater, or a well-cut blazer.
A Focus on Craftsmanship
A core tenet of Ralph Lauren is that his clothes are made to last. I prioritized brands that have a reputation for quality materials and solid construction.
A Strong Brand Identity & Heritage
I stopped by the adorable Ralph’s coffee shop at the London flagship location.
Part of what makes Ralph Lauren so iconic is its story.
Naturally, I included brands that have their own strong sense of identity, whether it’s the deep-rooted American heritage of Brooks Brothers, the British country aesthetic of Barbour, or the modern, menswear-inspired vision of Todd Snyder.
Your Ralph Lauren Questions, Answered
I see Ralph Lauren as a beautiful blend of a few distinct elements:
East Coast Prep
This is the core of the brand. Think of the quintessential Ivy League look: crisp Oxford shirts, classic chinos, cable-knit sweaters, and navy blazers.
Rugged Americana
This is the more rustic, adventurous side of the brand. It draws inspiration from the American West, with a focus on heritage pieces like broken-in denim, leather jackets, and cozy flannel.
English Countryside
You’ll also see a distinct influence from classic British style, especially in their tailored tweed, equestrian-inspired details, and iconic outerwear.
When you bring these elements together, you get the signature Ralph Lauren look: a sophisticated, story-rich style that feels at once aspirational and familiar.
This is an important question, and it can be confusing to see the brand at both Bergdorf Goodman and Macy’s. Understand that Ralph Lauren operates with several different lines, designed for different customers and price points.
Think of it this way:
- The Main Collections ( Ralph Lauren Collection, Purple Label): This is the pinnacle of the brand-the runway pieces you see in high-end department stores. They feature the most luxurious fabrics, impeccable tailoring, and the highest price tags.
- The Accessible Lines (Polo Ralph Lauren, Lauren Ralph Lauren): These are the lines you’ll most often find in department stores like Macy’s or Dillard’s. The fabrics and construction are geared for a broader audience, which is reflected in the more approachable price.
