Guess vs. Tommy Hilfiger: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

While both are iconic American fashion mainstays, Guess offers a trendy, youthful, and sexy aesthetic at a more accessible price point, focusing on bold denim and statement pieces. In contrast, Tommy Hilfiger champions a more timeless, classic American preppy style, using higher-quality materials and commanding a slightly higher price.

Let's break down the key differences to help you decide which brand best fits your personal style and budget.

Guess: The Youthful & Sexy Trendsetter

Founded in 1981, Guess built its brand on a foundation of glamour, confidence, and cutting-edge style. It appeals primarily to young adults and millennials who want fashionable, statement-making pieces without a high luxury price tag. The brand is best known for its iconic denim, bold logo-centric designs, and figure-hugging silhouettes that radiate a sexy, modern vibe.

• Product mix: A wide range including their famous denim jeans, dresses, tops, outerwear, accessories like handbags and jewelry, footwear, and fragrances.
• Price point: Mid-range and accessible. Most clothing items fall between $50 and $200, with their iconic jeans typically costing $70 to $150.
• Style/aesthetic: Youthful, trendy, and often overtly sexy. Expect bold prints, vibrant colors, metallic accents, and designs that are meant to get you noticed.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to be true to size but often features a slimmer, figure-flattering fit designed to show off curves. It is always wise to check the size guide for specific items.
• Sales: Guess runs frequent promotions, seasonal clearances, and special events both online and in-store, making it easy to find good deals.

Guess excels at offering trendy, attention-grabbing pieces for shoppers who want to stay on top of current styles and make a bold statement.

Shop Guess: guess.com

Tommy Hilfiger: The Classic American Preppy Staple

Tommy Hilfiger has been a cornerstone of American fashion since 1985, defined by its signature red, white, and blue color palette and preppy, clean-cut aesthetic. The brand produces timeless, versatile pieces that appeal to a wide demographic looking for quality and classic style with a modern touch. It has successfully blended its heritage of traditional American fashion with contemporary streetwear influences, creating items that are both polished and current.

• Product mix: A comprehensive collection of casual and formal clothing, their well-known polo shirts, outerwear, accessories including bags and belts, footwear, and scents.
• Price point: Mid-range to premium, reflecting its focus on quality. Expect to pay between $60 and $250 for most clothing, with polos often in the $70-$120 range.
• Style/aesthetic: The essence of classic American preppy. Looks are clean, polished, and versatile, relying on high-quality fabrics and timeless patterns like stripes and checks.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for consistent, reliable sizing with classic fits, including regular, slim, and tailored options that cater to a more traditional silhouette.
• Sustainability: The brand has strong, transparent sustainability goals, using recycled and organic materials and focusing on responsible sourcing practices.

Tommy Hilfiger is the go-to brand for well-made, versatile wardrobe staples that feel both classic and contemporary.

Shop Tommy Hilfiger: usa.tommy.com

Guess vs. Tommy Hilfiger Comparison

Price Comparison

Generally, Guess is the more affordable of the two. With frequent sales and a lower starting price point for many of its trend-focused items, it's easier to build an entire outfit on a budget. For example, a pair of Guess jeans might cost around $120, while a signature graphic t-shirt can often be found for under $50.

Tommy Hilfiger positions itself slightly higher in the mid-range to premium market. The prices reflect better materials and timeless construction. While their famous polo shirts are competitively priced, their sweaters, jackets, and tailored pieces typically cross the $150 mark. The best value from Tommy Hilfiger is often found during seasonal sales or at their dedicated outlet stores.

Quality & Materials

Tommy Hilfiger has a reputation for better overall quality and longevity. The brand uses higher-quality fabrics like Pima cotton and has strong construction, making its apparel durable enough to be considered a long-term wardrobe investment. The stitching is clean, the colors hold up well after washing, and the pieces maintain their shape.

Guess offers good quality for its price, especially its sturdy denim. However, some of its more fashion-forward pieces align more with current trends and may not be designed to last for years. While perfectly fine for seasonal wear, the materials and construction don’t always match up to Tommy's standard of durability.

Style & Aesthetic

The style difference is the most obvious separator. Guess is unapologetically bold, sexy, and trendy. It's for the person who wants to be noticed, embracing figure-hugging silhouettes, prominent logos, and designs straight from the runway. It’s perfect for going out, social events, and making a fashion statement.

Tommy Hilfiger is all about understated, classic American cool. Its aesthetic is preppy, clean, and polished. The pieces are versatile enough to be worn to a casual workplace, weekend brunch, or a family gathering. While always stylish, its focus is on timeless appeal rather than fleeting trends.

Fit & Sizing

Guess clothing is often designed with a "body-conscious" or fitted silhouette. Items tend to run slimmer and are crafted to highlight your shape. While sizing is generally true, its fitted nature means some may prefer to size up for a more comfortable fit.

Tommy Hilfiger offers more traditional and consistent fits. With clear distinctions between slim, regular, and relaxed-fit items, shoppers can reliably choose their size online and know what to expect. This makes it a dependable choice for those who prioritize a classic, comfortable silhouette.

Sustainability & Ethics

For the socially conscious shopper, Tommy Hilfiger is the clear winner. The brand has made public commitments to sustainability, with initiatives focused on using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and ensuring ethical labor practices throughout its supply chain. They are upfront about their goals and progress.

Guess has made some steps towards becoming more sustainable, but its efforts are less comprehensive and transparent than Tommy Hilfiger's. Its model is still more aligned with faster fashion cycles, which inherently creates more waste.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right brand really comes down to your personal style, priorities, and how you build your wardrobe.

Choose Guess if:

• You love staying on top of the latest trends and showcasing a bold, fashion-forward style.
• Your aesthetic is youthful, modern, and a little bit sexy.
• You're shopping for standout pieces, like iconic denim or a great party dress.
• You appreciate frequent sales and getting trendy looks for a more accessible price.

Choose Tommy Hilfiger if:

• You prefer a timeless, classic, and preppy look that never goes out of style.
• You prioritize high-quality materials and durability in your clothing.
• You are building a versatile wardrobe with staples that work for both casual and semi-dressed-up occasions.
• Sustainability and ethical manufacturing are important factors in your purchasing decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Guess or Tommy Hilfiger cheaper?

Guess is generally cheaper. Its items have a lower average price, and the brand runs sales and promotions more frequently, making it more budget-friendly.

Which has better quality?

Tommy Hilfiger is known for superior quality. Its focus on premium materials and solid construction means its pieces are typically more durable and last longer than those from Guess.

Is Tommy Hilfiger a luxury brand?

Tommy Hilfiger is considered a premium or "affordable luxury" brand. It offers high-quality goods at prices that are higher than mass-market brands but still well below high-fashion designer houses like Gucci or Prada.

What is Guess known for?

Guess is famous for its iconic denim jeans, bold logo-heavy designs, and a sexy, trend-driven aesthetic that appeals to a younger, fashion-forward audience.

Do Guess and Tommy Hilfiger run true to size?

Both brands generally run true to size, but their fits are different. Tommy Hilfiger offers consistent, classic fits (regular, slim). Guess tends to have a slimmer, more figure-hugging fit, so checking a size chart or trying items on is a good idea.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Tommy Hilfiger has more developed and transparent sustainability initiatives compared to Guess. The company has clear goals for using eco-friendly materials and reducing its environmental impact.

Which brand is better for professional settings?

Tommy Hilfiger is a better option for most business-casual and professional environments. Its classic, polished, and understated designs, like tailored trousers, button-down shirts, and clean silhouettes, align well with a more practical dress code when styling something for work meetings. In contrast, Guess offers a more casual and bold look, which may not be ideal for all professional settings.

Where can I find the best deals on these brands?

You can find deals for both brands in department stores like Macy's or Nordstrom. Guess often has sales directly on its website. For Tommy Hilfiger, their outlet stores typically offer some of the best discounts and bargains year-round.