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

Lacoste is known for its classic, tennis-inspired preppy aesthetic and premium materials, typically commanding a higher price point for its iconic piqué polo shirts. In contrast, Tommy Hilfiger offers a bolder, more youthful take on American cool, with a trend-focused approach and a more accessible price range.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right brand for your style and budget.

Lacoste: The Icon of Tennis-Inspired Elegance

Rooted in tennis heritage, Lacoste embodies a refined yet relaxed style symbolized by a simple crocodile logo. The brand caters to a fashion-conscious consumer, typically between 25 and 45, who values timeless design and high-quality construction over fleeting trends. Its aesthetic is clean, minimalist, and built on the foundation of its legendary polo shirt.

• Product mix: Best known for iconic polo shirts but also offers a full range of apparel, including t-shirts, sweaters, outerwear, footwear, fragrances, and accessories.
• Price point: Occupies a mid-to-luxury position. Classic polo shirts range from $80 to $150, with other items like sweaters and outerwear falling between $50 and $200.
• Quality: Famous for its high-quality cotton piqué fabric, which is both durable and comfortable. The brand emphasizes premium materials and meticulous stitching for a longer-lasting garment.
• Style &, Aesthetic: Understated, classic, and preppy. The look is defined by clean lines, solid colors or simple patterns, and the small, iconic logo.
• Sizing/Fit: Garments generally run true to size, offering a tailored yet comfortable fit designed to flatter most body types without being overly restrictive.

Lacoste is the choice for consumers willing to invest in superior craftsmanship, heritage branding, and a timeless style that stays relevant year after year.

Shop Lacoste: lacoste.com

Tommy Hilfiger: The Definition of American Cool

Tommy Hilfiger captures a classic American cool aesthetic, blending preppy foundations with modern, streetwear-inspired energy. The brand's signature red, white, and blue logo is instantly recognizable, appealing to a younger demographic of shoppers aged 18-35. It offers a versatile wardrobe that feels both contemporary and nostalgic.

• Product mix: A wide lifestyle collection including polos, dresses, jeans, graphic t-shirts, outerwear, sneakers, and accessories featuring prominent branding.
• Price point: Positioned as accessible luxury. Polos are generally priced between $40 and $100, while outerwear and dresses range from $60 to $200+.
• Quality: Offers reliable, well-made clothing with a focus on comfortable fabrics like cotton and polyester blends. While quality is consistent, it can vary more across different product lines compared to Lacoste.
• Style &, Aesthetic: Bold, vibrant, and youthful. Features Americana-inspired graphics, heavy logo usage, and a mix of classic preppy vibes with modern streetwear trends.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is consistent and true to standard measurements. In addition to classic fits, the brand often incorporates more relaxed and oversized silhouettes in line with current fashion trends.

Tommy Hilfiger is perfect for the fashion-forward individual who seeks stylish, statement-making clothing at a more approachable price.

Shop Tommy Hilfiger: usa.tommy.com

Lacoste vs. Tommy Hilfiger Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear difference in pricing between the two brands. Lacoste operates firmly in the premium casualwear space, with its iconic polos often costing between $80 and $150. You're paying for the heritage, brand prestige, and the specific high-quality piqué cotton that defines their flagship product.

Tommy Hilfiger is more accessible. Its polo shirts are typically found in the $40 to $100 range, making it a more budget-friendly option for someone seeking a similar preppy look. Tommy also runs more frequent promotions and sales, providing greater opportunities for value. Overall, if price is a major factor, Tommy Hilfiger offers a branded look for less.

Quality & Materials

Lacoste's reputation is built on the quality of its materials, specifically the durable and breathable cotton piqué used in its polo shirts. The construction feels substantial, stitches are clean, and the collars and cuffs hold their shape well over time. This focus on enduring quality is a core part of their value proposition.

Tommy Hilfiger produces well-made, reliable clothing suitable for everyday wear. The brand prioritizes comfort and style, using quality cottons and durable fabric blends. However, Lacoste generally has a clear edge in the refinement and longevity of its materials, especially in their core product categories. You can feel the difference in the fabric density and feel.

Style & Aesthetic

While both brands share a preppy foundation, their stylistic expressions are distinct. Lacoste's style is timeless, minimalist, and sporty. It relies on excellent fit, premium fabrics, and its discreet crocodile logo to convey elegance. It's for someone who wants to look sharp and put-together without shouting about the brand they're wearing.

Tommy Hilfiger's aesthetic is much louder and more trend-aware. It leans heavily into bold logos, Americana color blocking, and streetwear influences. The look is vibrant, youthful, and designed to be noticed. While you can find classic pieces, the brand is best known for its graphic-heavy, statement styles that align with a younger, more fashion-forward audience.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands generally offer sizing that is true to American standards. Lacoste provides a classic, tailored fit that is meant to be trim but not restrictive. It’s a sophisticated silhouette that has remained consistent for decades.

Tommy Hilfiger is also true to size but provides more variety in its fits. Alongside its classic cuts, you'll find more relaxed, boxy, and oversized options, particularly in its Hilfiger Collection and collaboration lines, reflecting modern streetwear influences.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands have made public commitments to improving their environmental and ethical standards. Lacoste focuses on incorporating more sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled fibers, aiming to reduce water and energy consumption. They maintain transparency about their supply chain practices.

Similarly, Tommy Hilfiger pursues sustainability through various initiatives aimed at promoting circular fashion and using eco-friendly materials. The brand is vocal about its goals for ethical manufacturing and publishes regular reports on its progress, demonstrating a serious commitment to positive change.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer quality clothing with a distinct point of view, but they cater to very different priorities.

Choose Lacoste if:

• You prioritize timeless designs over current trends.
• You are willing to invest more for superior material quality and durability.
• Your style is understated, minimalist, and sophisticated.
• You want a classic, tailored fit from a brand with a strong heritage.

Choose Tommy Hilfiger if:

• You want a more accessible price point and love finding a good sale.
• Your personal style is bold, youthful, and trend-focused.
• You enjoy prominent logos and streetwear-inspired graphics.
• You prefer a wider variety of fits, including relaxed and oversized silhouettes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lacoste or Tommy Hilfiger cheaper?

Tommy Hilfiger is generally cheaper than Lacoste across most categories. For example, a classic polo from Tommy Hilfiger can be around half the price of a comparable polo from Lacoste, making it the more budget-friendly option.

Which brand has better quality?

Lacoste is widely regarded as having superior quality, particularly in its signature piqué cotton polos. The brand's focus on premium materials and meticulous construction often results in garments that have a longer lifespan.

What is the style difference between Lacoste and Tommy Hilfiger?

Lacoste’s style is classic, minimalist, and rooted in a sporty, preppy elegance. Tommy Hilfiger's aesthetic is much bolder, more colorful, and heavily influenced by American pop culture and modern streetwear.

How do Lacoste and Tommy Hilfiger sizes fit?

Both brands generally fit true to size. Lacoste offers a more consistently classic, tailored fit. Tommy Hilfiger provides more variety, offering classic, slim, and more relaxed or oversized fits to align with current trends.

Which brand is better for older adults?

While fashion is for everyone, Lacoste's timeless, understated designs often appeal more to consumers aged 25 and over who are looking for sophisticated, heritage-inspired pieces.

Which brand is better for a younger audience?

Tommy Hilfiger directly targets a younger demographic (18-35) with its trend-driven designs, bold logos, and frequent collaborations with pop culture figures.

Do both brands have sales?

Yes, both brands have sales, but Tommy Hilfiger's promotions are typically more frequent and significant. You are more likely to find steeper discounts at Tommy, especially an outlet or during seasonal events.

Are both brands considered luxury?

Lacoste is considered a premium or "bridge-to-luxury" brand due to its price point and focus on quality heritage. Tommy Hilfiger is generally categorized as accessible luxury, offering a designer brand experience at a more mainstream price.