There's an effortless cool that comes with Nautica's preppy, nautical-inspired style. Loved for its crisp polos, classic chinos, and that signature maritime vibe, the brand is a go-to for anyone who wants to capture a laid-back, coastal aesthetic.
If you're looking to expand your wardrobe with more brands that share that same sea-inspired spirit, you're in the right place. From upscale resort wear to rugged outdoor gear, here are 19 brands that are perfect alternatives to Nautica.
If Nautica is the classic New England seaside, Tommy Bahama is the luxurious Caribbean escape. The brand champions a relaxed, island-life vibe with a focus on high-quality resort wear, breathable linen shirts, and camp collar tops with tropical prints. While both brands capture a vacation-ready feel, Tommy Bahama leans into more upscale leisurewear with richer fabrics and a distinctly warmer-weather aesthetic.
Shop now at tommybahama.com
Famous for its iconic alligator logo and pique cotton polos, Lacoste offers a sporty, preppy style with a touch of French elegance. Their pieces transition seamlessly from the tennis court to the marina, sharing Nautica's love for classic, clean lines. Price-wise, it's slightly more premium, generally from $70-$150, but it’s a perfect alternative if you're looking for that simple, high-quality polo with an internationally recognized symbol of cool.
Shop now at lacoste.com
An icon of classic American style, Brooks Brothers is like Nautica's more polished, older sibling. This is the place to go for timeless staples like oxford shirts, sharp chinos, and sophisticated blazers that feel right at home on a yacht. While Nautica is strictly casual, Brooks Brothers offers a bridge to more business-casual looks without losing that coastal, preppy foundation.
Shop now at brooksbrothers.com
J.Crew has perfected the art of preppy-cool with a modern twist. You'll find a similar emphasis on nautical stripes, quality chinos, and versatile basics, all within a comparable price range of $30-$150. J.Crew often feels a bit more style-forward, pairing timeless pieces with modern silhouettes and colors, making it an ideal choice for anyone who loves Nautica’s vibe but wants slightly more contemporary options.
Shop now at jcrew.com
Ralph Lauren Polo is the quintessential aspirational American sportswear brand, and its DNA is deeply intertwined with a nautical, country-club aesthetic. Think beautifully crafted polo shirts, cable-knit sweaters, and tailored khakis that elevate casual basics to a more luxurious level. At a higher price point ($80-$250), it’s the brand you turn to when you want the Nautica look, but with more prestige and premium fabrics.
Shop now at ralphlauren.com
Best known for inventing the boat shoe, Sperry is the undisputed king of nautical footwear. Beyond their iconic shoes, they also offer a range of apparel that perfectly complements the seaside lifestyle, including practical outerwear, comfortable polos, and weekend-ready shorts. If you already have the Nautica wardrobe, Sperry provides the authentic, boat-friendly finishing touch for your feet and beyond.
Shop now at sperry.com
Vineyard Vines takes the coastal lifestyle and injects it with a healthy dose of fun. Known for its cheerful whale logo and bright, playful patterns, their vibe is decidedly preppy and youthful. With a similar pricing structure to Nautica ($30-$150), it’s a fantastic alternative if you love the nautical theme but are looking for splashier colors and bolder prints that don’t take themselves too seriously.
Shop now at vineyardvines.com
Pendleton offers a more rugged, heritage take on American style. Famous for their high-quality wool blankets and shirts, often featuring beautiful plaid or Southwestern-inspired patterns, their apparel has a timeless, outdoorsy feel. While Nautica is crisp and sporty, Pendleton provides a cozier, more textured approach that’s perfect for cool evenings on the Pacific Northwest coast.
Shop now at pendleton-usa.com
Infused with a coastal Southern charm, Southern Tide is all about classic style designed for a life by the water. Their collections are filled with bright polos, graphic tees featuring their Skipjack fish logo, and perfectly tailored shorts. They share Nautica’s preppy and nautical spirit but filter it through a slightly different, energetic, sunny, and distinctly Southern point of view.
Shop now at southerntide.com
For a rugged, British take on coastal style, look no further than Barbour. This heritage brand is celebrated for its durable waxed canvas jackets, quilted vests, and classic knitwear designed to withstand the temperamental English weather. While Nautica channels the American marina, Barbour evokes a more pastoral, countryside-meets-coast aesthetic with an emphasis on craftsmanship and timeless functionality.
Shop now at barbour.com
If your nautical lifestyle is more active - think fishing, boating, and hiking along the coast - then Columbia is the brand for you. They focus on performance-driven outdoor apparel, with things like PFG (Performance Fishing Gear) shirts that offer sun protection and moisture-wicking fabrics. It trades Nautica's preppy aesthetic for pure function, making it an excellent choice for any serious seaside adventurer.
Shop now at columbia.com
Faherty combines a laid-back, coastal vibe with a strong commitment to sustainability. They specialize in ultra-soft, comfortable fabrics like organic cotton and recycled materials, creating pieces that feel as good as they look. Their aesthetic is a bit more relaxed and surf-inspired than Nautica's crisp preppiness, perfect for anyone who prefers a sun-faded, beach-casual look.
Shop now at fahertybrand.com
Orvis is a brand steeped in outdoor tradition, known primarily for its high-quality fly-fishing gear. Their apparel line extends that same focus on durability and timeless style into casualwear, offering rugged field jackets, classic button-downs, and durable chinos. It’s similar to Nautica’s appreciation for an adventurous life but with a stronger leaning towards country and field pursuits.
Shop now at orvis.com
Specializing in classic menswear, H.I.S. nails the preppy, nautical vibe with a comfortable and wearable feel. They offer an easy-to-shop collection of polo shirts, casual button-downs, and swimwear often featuring anchor motifs and clean stripes. They are a direct, often more affordable, alternative for capturing that relaxed, maritime-inspired look.
Shop now at his-usa.com
For a more youthful and budget-friendly take on the nautical look, American Eagle is a fantastic option. While more trend-focused, their collections consistently feature classic coastal staples like striped tees, chambray shirts, and comfy shorts in the spring and summer. It’s a great place to pick up preppy, sea-inspired pieces without the higher price tag.
Shop now at ae.com
A true New England original, L.L.Bean is synonymous with durable, practical outdoor clothing. Renowned for its iconic boat totes and duck boots, their apparel offers a no-fuss, rugged approach to coastal living. L.L.Bean shares Nautica's classic, timeless quality but places a heavier emphasis on utility and pieces built to last a lifetime, perfect for both on and off the boat.
Shop now at llbean.com
If you love the yachting world but are looking for statement-making luxury, Vilebrequin is your answer. This French brand is world-famous for its eye-catching patterned swim trunks, often with playful motifs like sea turtles and colorful fish. With a price point far exceeding Nautica ($200+), it’s a high-end swimwear alternative for those who want to turn heads at the beach club or pool.
Shop now at vilebrequin.com
Hailing from Australia, Seafolly brings a fun, fresh, and fashion-forward feel to swimwear and beachwear. The brand offers bold prints, vibrant colors, and flattering cuts across its range of bikinis, one-pieces, and cover-ups. It delivers the same joyful, sun-drenched coastal vibe as Nautica but channels it into on-trend swimwear with an energetic, feminine flair.
Shop now at seafolly.com
Born from the harsh seas of Norway, Helly Hansen is an authentic sailing gear brand that has successfully blended performance with style. While some gear is highly technical for serious sailors, their lifestyle collections include classic polos, waterproof jackets, and casual layers that carry real maritime credentials. This brand is a step up in terms of function from Nautica, perfect for those who actually spend time on the water but still want to look sharp.
Shop now at hellyhansen.com
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