Brooks Brothers vs. Ralph Lauren: Which brand is better? [2026]

Brooks Brothers is renowned for its traditional American menswear, focusing on high-quality, timeless pieces like tailored suits and classic dress shirts. In contrast, Ralph Lauren offers a broader, aspirational lifestyle aesthetic, blending preppy staples with luxury fashion that ranges from casual polo shirts to elegant formalwear.

Let's compare these two iconic American brands to help you decide which one best suits your wardrobe and style.

Brooks Brothers: The Original American Clothier

Founded in 1818, Brooks Brothers is one of America's oldest and most respected clothing brands, known for its unwavering commitment to classic style. It's the go-to brand for professionals and anyone seeking traditional, refined menswear. Their focus is on well-made, enduring pieces that are staples of business and formal attire, rooted in a rich heritage of American fashion.

• Product mix: Specializes in tailored clothing, including suits, dress shirts, blazers, and ties. The brand also offers a selection of quality casual wear like chinos, sweaters, and sport shirts.
• Price point: Operates in the mid-to-luxury range. Dress shirts are typically priced between $75 and $150, while suits generally start around $800.
• Quality & Materials: Employs high-quality fabrics such as durable Italian wool and soft Egyptian cotton, emphasizing craftsmanship built to last rather than following fleeting trends.
• Style & Aesthetic: Conservative, polished, and preppy. The aesthetic is perfect for professional settings, weddings, and formal events where timeless elegance is key.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for offering consistent, classic fits that cater to a wide audience. You can typically find slim, regular, and big &, tall options to ensure a proper silhouette.

Brooks Brothers is the ideal choice for building a foundation of classic, reliable pieces for professional life and formal occasions, offering excellent quality for its price point.

Shop Brooks Brothers: brooksbrothers.com

Ralph Lauren: The Quintessential Lifestyle Brand

Ralph Lauren has evolved beyond a clothing company into a global luxury lifestyle brand that defines aspirational American style. From its iconic Polo Ralph Lauren line to its high-end Purple Label collection, the brand offers a sophisticated and versatile look that mixes classic preppy elements with a touch of European elegance. It appeals to a broad demographic looking for everything from refined casualwear to luxurious formal pieces.

• Product mix: Offers a vast and diverse range of products including polo shirts, dresses, suits, outerwear, accessories, and home furnishings. The brand caters to a complete lifestyle aesthetic.
• Price point: Positioned in the luxury market. Signature polo shirts start around $100, while tailored suits can easily exceed $1,000 and climb much higher for premium collections.
• Quality & Materials: Uses premium materials like Egyptian cotton, cashmere, and fine wool, often incorporating more fashion-forward textiles and designer details to enhance the luxury feel.
• Style & Aesthetic: Versatile and aspirational, ranging from casual and sporty to elegant and sophisticated. The iconic polo player logo represents a status of timeless cool.
• Sizing/Fit: Generally offers more modern, fashion-conscious fits, including slim, classic, and tailored cuts. Sizing can vary between its different lines and collections.

Ralph Lauren is for those who appreciate luxury fashion and want a versatile wardrobe that projects a polished, aspirational image for any occasion.

Shop Ralph Lauren: ralphlauren.com

Brooks Brothers vs. Ralph Lauren Comparison

Price Comparison

Brooks Brothers generally provides a more accessible entry into the premium clothing market. For core wardrobe items like formal suits and dress shirts, Brooks Brothers offers solid value with suits beginning around $800. While still a significant investment, this is often more attainable than some competitor offerings.

Ralph Lauren firmly occupies the luxury space. Its iconic polo shirts start near the $100 mark, and its tailored suits often begin well over $1,000, with top-tier collections reaching several thousand dollars. While both brands are premium, Ralph Lauren positions itself at a higher price overall, particularly across its diverse product lines.

Quality & Materials

Both brands are committed to using high-quality materials, but their approach reflects their core identity. Brooks Brothers is celebrated for its durable craftsmanship. It uses traditional, sturdy fabrics like long-lasting wool and Egyptian cotton designed to withstand years of wear, making its garments excellent long-term investments for a professional wardrobe.

Ralph Lauren also uses exceptional materials, including soft cashmere and fine cottons, but a larger focus is placed on a luxurious feel and appearance. The quality is consistently high across its premium lines, but the emphasis is as much on a refined, sophisticated finish as it is on pure durability.

Style & Aesthetic

The main difference between the two brands lies here. Brooks Brothers embodies a classic, conservative, and business-focused American style. Its aesthetic is preppy but in a more traditional sense - think Wall Street or Ivy League heritage. The clothing is designed to be timeless and professional, not to make a fashion-forward statement.

Ralph Lauren, on the other hand, sells an aspirational lifestyle. Its aesthetic is also preppy but more versatile and worldly, incorporating equestrian themes and a sense of relaxed elegance. Ralph Lauren offers styles perfect for a weekend in the Hamptons, a business meeting in the city, or a formal gala, making it much broader in its scope.

Fit & Sizing

Brooks Brothers is well-regarded for its traditional fits. While they've introduced more modern, slimmer silhouettes in recent years, their classic fit remains a generous and comfortable option ideal for a business environment. Their sizing is generally consistent, making it reliable for repeat purchases.

Ralph Lauren's sizing and fit are more varied and tend to lean a bit more modern. Slim and custom fits are common across their lines, creating a more tailored silhouette. Since the fit can change between collections like Polo Ralph Lauren and Purple Label, it's often wise to consult size guides or try pieces on.

Which One Should You Choose?

Deciding between Brooks Brothers and Ralph Lauren depends entirely on your personal style, professional needs, and what you want your clothes to say about you.

Choose Brooks Brothers if:

• You need reliable, high-quality attire for a corporate or professional setting.
• You value timeless, conservative style over following seasonal trends.
• You are building a long-lasting wardrobe of investment pieces on a premium, but more accessible, budget.
• You prefer a brand with a deep heritage in traditional American menswear.

Choose Ralph Lauren if:

• You're looking for a versatile brand that can outfit you for casual, business, and formal occasions.
• You are drawn to an aspirational, luxury lifestyle and iconic branding.
• You prefer a more contemporary, fashion-conscious fit in your clothing.
• You want to invest in pieces that offer both sophisticated style and high-end luxury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brooks Brothers or Ralph Lauren more expensive?

Overall, Ralph Lauren is the more expensive brand. While both are premium, Ralph Lauren’s entry-level products are priced higher (e.g., polo shirts vs. a standard sport shirt), and its high-end collections reach a much higher luxury price point than Brooks Brothers.

Which brand has better quality?

Both brands offer excellent quality, but it's purpose-driven. Brooks Brothers excels in sturdy, durable construction intended for long-term wear, especially in formal business apparel. Ralph Lauren offers superb quality with a focus on a luxurious look and feel, using fine materials and sophisticated finishes.

What is the style difference between Brooks Brothers and Ralph Lauren?

Brooks Brothers offers a classic, traditional, and conservative American style, ideal for professional environments. Ralph Lauren provides a more aspirational, versatile, and fashion-forward preppy aesthetic that covers everything from casual weekends to formal luxury.

Is Brooks Brothers a luxury brand?

Yes, Brooks Brothers is considered a premium or accessible luxury brand. It's known for high-quality materials and craftsmanship at a price point that is more attainable than many high-fashion luxury houses.

Which brand is better for business suits?

While both make excellent suits, Brooks Brothers is arguably better for a traditional business suit. Suits are their specialty, and they offer a range of classic fits designed specifically for a professional environment.

How do the sizes fit for each brand?

Brooks Brothers tends to have a more classic, generous fit, although they do offer slimmer options. Ralph Lauren generally has a more modern, tailored fit, but it can vary significantly between the brand's different lines.

Which brand is better for casual wear?

Ralph Lauren is the clear winner for casual wear. Its Polo Ralph Lauren line is iconic for its range of polo shirts, chinos, sweaters, and outerwear that define the smart-casual preppy look.

Are both brands sustainable?

Both companies are taking steps towards better sustainability. However, Ralph Lauren has been more public and transparent about its goals, including initiatives for responsible sourcing, reducing its carbon footprint, and promoting a circular "Live On" program.