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Last Updated on June 24, 2022
There are few American brands that embody Americana style as well as Ralph Lauren. In Lauren’s own words, what always inspired his creativity was “the East Coast preppiness, the utility of cowboy’s worn jeans, American folk art, the glamour of Hollywood, and the rich heritage of Native American craftsmanship.” His work has always resembled life, be it on the streets, in small towns, or in big cities. Always reflecting the American lifestyle wherever it could be found.
What I love the most about the brand, is that they manage to embody sophistication, aspiration, and glamour, while at the same time being familiar, accessible, and approachable. What is more striking, is the fact that they have managed to toe that delicate line for such a long time, and to amazing success!
Ralph Lauren Collection, Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Lauren Ralph Lauren, and other defunct lines have always managed to tap into a part of the American experience, from high-end to workwear. After inspiring several generations of designers, it is only logical that other brands would resemble or reflect some of Ralph Lauren’s top qualities.
If you are an Americana fan, you probably can’t wait to scroll down this list to find out what other brands should be on your radar. So, read on but be warned, your cart won’t be empty by the time you finish reading!
Contents
Why we love Ralph Lauren, top qualities:
Main qualities of the brand:
- Unique craft
- Beautiful designs
- It’s not just fashion, it’s a lifestyle
- Cultural relevancy
- Sartorial flair
- Uniqueness
- Compelling history and brand DNA
Aesthetic values we cherish:
- Americana style
- Bright colors
Top items we all want:
- Classic Polo shirt
- Cabled cashmere sweater
- Striped Rugby Shirt
1. Tommy Hilfiger (Phillips van heusen)
Basic Information: Tommy is an American clothing brand that produces apparel, footwear, accessories, home furnishings, and perfumes. It is now part of the PVH Corp (formerly known as Philips-Van Heusen Corporation) that also owns Calvin Klein. The brand is most famous for its button-down shirts, chinos, and other preppy style clothing.
Price Range: $$
Origin and Concept: The brand was founded in 1985 by Tommy Hilfiger. From the start, its goal was to design clothes of incredible quality, accessible price, and great value. During the 90s, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein were the ultimate American style brands. It was the time of logomania, and the brand took every opportunity to showcase its blue, white, and red logo, becoming an icon of branded clothing and a staple on celebrity’s street style pics.
My Recommended Product: It was so tough to choose! There are a ton of amazing Tommy items on Amazon to shop from, but if I absolutely must pick one… I would go with these Twdiwan3 Fashion Boots that look so glamorous and elegant! They are your typical horse riding boots, but with a fashion twist.
Celebrities who are fans: All of your favorite 90s icons wore Tommy, including Gwen Stefani, TLC, Destiny’s Child, and Britney. Most recently, Tommy has been spotted on certain top fashion models like Gigi and Bella Hadid, Kyle and Cindy Crawford’s daughter, Kaia Gerber.
Ethical Practices: They have taken considerable steps in defending humane labor policies and devoted money and resources to the betterment of Bangladesh fabrics’ manufacturing conditions.
Check Out: 5 Brands Like Tommy Hilfiger (For All Budgets)
2. Abercrombie
Basic Information: A&F is an American lifestyle retailer that creates casual wear. It is also behind Abercrombie Kids, Hollister Co., and Gilly Hicks. Despite the controversy for its sexualized campaigns (courtesy of Bruce Weber’s racy photos), the company has evolved to update its imagery to new times and no longer displays mostly nude models in its ads. Despite Hollister being the most popular (and the cheapest) of the four brands, the company has certainly come back to popularity in recent times.
Price Range: $$
Origin and Concept: The original company was founded in 1892 in Manhattan, New York, by David T. Abercrombie. Ezra Fitch would later buy a significant interest in the business in 1900. Soon, the brand had been renamed, and by 1928, Fitch was the sole owner of the company. The concept behind the brand is neo-preppy, taking iconic items and reimagining them with an edgier tone. The overall feel achieved is of perceived luxury and trendiness.
My Recommended Product: Talk about iconic, there is nothing as recognizable as this Abercrombie & Fitch Fleece Hoodie. It is super wearable and of amazing quality. I have no doubts it will become your favorite hoodie in no time!
Celebrities who are fans: After outfitting Theodore Roosevelt and Adm. Richard Byrd’s expedition to Antarctica, the brand also dressed Ernest Hemingway and other notorious figures of the times. More recently, Jennifer Aniston, Victoria Beckham, and other celebrities have also been spotted wearing A&F in a lowkey fashion.
Recommended: 5 Stores Like Abercrombie & Fitch for that American Aesthetic
3. Calvin Klein (Phillips van heusen)
Basic Information: Calvin Klein is an American fashion house that specializes in leather, lifestyle accessories, and ready-to-wear. It is most famous for being a youthful brand that represents classic American style and for popularizing the slip dress on the runway.
Price Range: $
Origin and Concept: Calvin Klein began his namesake label in 1968 as a coat shop. The brand grew very quickly and added sportswear and lingerie to its repertoire. The brand became famous for its sexualized portrayal of jeans, particularly one campaign with an underage Brooke Shields. Its most recognized and legendary ad campaigns for jeans and underwear also featured stars like Mark Wahlberg and Kate Moss.
My Recommended Product: What could be more classic than a Panty and Bra convo? The ultimate sexy and lowkey set that your lingerie drawer needs!
Celebrities who are fans: Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, Billie Eilish, A$AP Rocky, Bella Hadid, Chika, Noah Centineo, Indya Moore, Troye Sivan, Kevin Abstract, Kendall Jenner, Yoo Ah-in, and those are just some of the celebrities that appeared on its latest campaign! Calvin Klein is such an American favorite that it comes as no surprise that their loyal audience includes both common people and A-listers.
Ethical Practices: The brand uses some eco-friendly materials like organic cotton. It has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its production and supply chain, as well as a CanopyStyle approved policy to prevent deforestation. Sadly there is no evidence they are on track to meeting this target and it doesn’t appear like they are minimizing their textile waste. Regarding labor conditions, some of their supply chain is certified by the Fla Workplace Code of Conduct. It has received a 50-60% score in the Fashion Transparency Index, so that’s definitely good. When it comes to animal welfare, they are simply not good enough. Some of their animal products are traced and they do have a formal animal welfare policy aligned with Five Freedoms, but it still uses leather, wool, and exotic animal hair.
Check Out: 5 Brands That Look A Lot Like Calvin Klein
4. Brooks Brothers
Basic Information: Brooks Brothers is one of the oldest American brands. It was the de facto uniform on Ivy League campuses, Wall Street, and inside the White House not so long ago. They are most famous for the creation of the soft-collared button-down polo shirt, which was worn by literally everyone, including Andy Warhol, when it came out on the market.
Price Range: $$$
Origin and Concept: The brand was established in 1818 and was the first to sell ready-to-wear clothing for men, as well as the first US fashion brand that exported its clothing internationally. Brooks Brothers was also a pioneer in the use of linen crash, shantung silk, and cotton cord in the US. As early as 1910, women were borrowing men’s polo coats and other styles to wear themselves. So in 49, the brand finally introduced their women department.
My Recommended Product: You could always get yourself a polo shirt, however, these Chino Pants were too good to pass up. You can pair them with a basic t-shirt and some loafers or dress them up with heels and a blazer!
Celebrities who are fans: Historically, the brand has been a long-time favorite of US Presidents, like President John F. Kennedy. At Donald Trump’s Presidential inauguration, both he and former President Barack Obama wore Brooks Brothers’ coats. Steve McQueen was also a loyal customer, and Stephen Colbert is known to wear the brand dutifully. The brand is so iconic that it has also been featured in Mad Men, Gossip Girl, and other shows known for their fashion savvy costuming. Regarding celebrities, Katie Holmes, Christina Hendricks.
Ethical Practices: The brand is not transparent enough regarding its environmental and labor policies.
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Brooks Brothers vs Ralph Lauren
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5. Burberry
Basic Information: Burberry is a luxury British fashion house. Headquartered in London, it designs ready-to-wear that includes apparel, accessories, footwear, eyewear, perfumes, and cosmetics. They are most famous for the invention of the gabardine, the first breathable, waterproof, and hard weaving fabric that revolutionized clothing and particularly rainwear.
Price Range: $$$
Origin and Concept: The brand was established in 1856 by Thomas Burberry in Basingstoke, England. The basic concept and one they uphold to this day is that clothing should be designed to protect people from the British weather. It is one of the most quintessentially British brands of the fashion world. Their tartan design is recognizable the world over.
My Recommended Product: Despite the heavy price tag, there are some accessible items to shop for on Amazon like this Cateye Sunglasses. This Heritage Nova Check Watch is not one of them, but I just had to include it because it is so beautiful!
Celebrities who are fans: Historically, they have outfitted a bunch of explorers like Major F.G. Jackson, Aviator Claude Grahame-White, Roald Amundsen, Ernest Shackleton, Captain John Alcock, and Lieutenant Arthur Whitten Brown, as well as George Mallory on his 1924 attempt to reach the summit of Everest. British actors and musicians are the preferred models and muses of the brand so Kate Moss and Cara Delevigne usually make appearances on their runways.
Ethical Practices: Burberry’s tanneries are audited by Leather Working Group, and it is also a member of the Better Cotton Initiative. It uses eco-friendly materials and has also set a Science-Based target to reduce greenhouse gases and emissions in its operations. It also implements initiatives to reduce water use and monitors health and safety issues along its production lines. Despite using leather, exotic animal skin, and hair, it sources wool from non-mulesed sheep and it uses down accredited by the Responsible Down Standard. It doesn’t use fur or angora.
