Marc Jacobs vs. Tory Burch: Which brand should you buy?

Marc Jacobs is known for its playful, edgy, and trend-driven designs that blend high fashion with streetwear, appealing to a younger, fashion-forward crowd. In contrast, Tory Burch offers a more classic, preppy, and bohemian-inspired aesthetic with versatile pieces known for their timeless elegance and iconic logo.

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

Marc Jacobs: The Playful & Progressive Designer

Marc Jacobs is an American fashion brand celebrated for its innovative and often eccentric designs that cater to trend-conscious individuals. Founded on a blend of luxury and streetwear, the brand attracts a youthful and modern audience who appreciate bold statement pieces. Its target customer is typically in their 20s or 30s and wants accessories and clothing that express a confident and individualistic personality.

• Product mix: A wide range of products including handbags like "The Tote Bag," shoes, fragrances, and ready-to-wear clothing that often features quirky details and bold aesthetics.
• Price point: Accessible to mid-range luxury, with popular handbags typically priced between $300 and $700. Ready-to-wear pieces can start around $200 and exceed $1,000.
• Style aesthetic: Eclectic, playful, and edgy. The brand is known for its unconventional approach to fashion, combining sophisticated silhouettes with a sense of humor and modern flair.
• Quality &, materials: The brand emphasizes craftsmanship, using high-quality leather, durable canvas, and other innovative textiles to create its fashion-forward pieces.
• Sizing/Fit: Handbags and accessories are one-size, while clothing generally fits true to size. It's best to consult the brand's specific size charts for tailored items.
• Return policy: Marc Jacobs offers a straightforward 30-day return policy for unworn, unused items with original tags.

Marc Jacobs is the brand for those who see fashion as a form of self-expression and seek out high-quality, distinctive pieces that stand apart from traditional luxury.

Shop Marc Jacobs: marcjacobs.com

Tory Burch: The Classic Bohemian-Chic Brand

Tory Burch is an American lifestyle brand that embodies a preppy-bohemian aesthetic, known for its timeless pieces and signature double-T logo. It appeals to women who desire sophisticated, wearable luxury that transitions effortlessly from the office to the weekend. The target customer is often in her 30s and 40s, valuing classic designs, quality materials, and a polished look with an eclectic twist.

• Product mix: Known for its iconic Reva ballet flats, leather tote bags, and printed tunics. The brand offers a complete collection of handbags, shoes, clothing, swimwear, and accessories.
• Price point: Accessible luxury, with most handbags falling in the $300 to $600 range and apparel costing between $100 and $500.
• Style aesthetic: Polished, preppy, and bohemian-chic. Tory Burch designs often feature vibrant prints, classic color palettes, and elegant, versatile silhouettes appropriate for various occasions.
• Quality &, materials: Tory Burch prioritizes durable craftsmanship, using quality materials like genuine leather, suede, silk, and fine cotton for long-lasting wear.
• Sizing/Fit: Products, especially footwear and handbags, are known for their reliable and consistent sizing. Clothing tends to run true to size, offering a comfortable and flattering fit.
• Return policy: The brand offers a flexible return policy, typically allowing returns of unworn merchandise within 30 days of purchase.

Tory Burch is the go-to brand for timeless, sophisticated pieces that combine modern style with enduring practicality, making it a favorite for polished everyday luxury.

Shop Tory Burch: toryburch.com

Marc Jacobs vs. Tory Burch Comparison

Price Comparison

Both Marc Jacobs and Tory Burch operate in the accessible luxury market with very similar price points, especially for handbags. A popular tote from either brand will typically set you back between $300 and $600. Marc Jacobs sometimes features more experimental, limited-edition collaborations that can command higher prices, while Tory Burch's pricing remains consistently centered on classic, evergreen styles.

Both brands host seasonal sales and have items available at major retailers like Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, where you can often find discounts. Ultimately, neither brand is significantly cheaper than the other, the value is determined by which style you prefer.

Quality & Materials

Quality is a priority for both brands. Tory Burch is renowned for its use of premium, durable leathers and classic construction, making its handbags and shoes reliable long-term investments. The focus is on longevity and timelessness, with bags that maintain their structure and classic appeal season after season.

Marc Jacobs also uses high-quality materials like leather and sturdy canvas but often incorporates more trend-driven details and innovative textiles. While its quality is excellent, the emphasis is more on fashion-forward design than just traditional durability. A bold, of-the-moment Marc Jacobs piece might be built to last, but its stylistic relevance could be more tied to current trends.

Style & Aesthetic

Style is the key differentiator between these two brands. Marc Jacobs leans heavily into an eclectic, edgy, and youthful aesthetic. The designs are often playful, incorporating bold colors, quirky prints, and streetwear influences. It's a brand for someone who wants their accessories to be a conversation starter and a true expression of their personality.

Tory Burch, on the other hand, embodies a more polished, preppy, and bohemian-chic sensibility. The designs are refined and sophisticated, intended for women who gravitate towards timeless elegance. With its classic silhouettes and iconic double-T logo, Tory Burch is perfect for versatile pieces that are appropriate for professional settings, travel, and casual everyday wear.

Fit & Sizing

For non-apparel items like handbags, sizing is less of a concern. For clothing and footwear, both brands are generally consistent and run true to size. Tory Burch is especially known for the reliable fit of its shoes, particularly the iconic Reva ballet flats and Miller sandals, which are designed for comfort. Marc Jacobs apparel also follows standard sizing, but it's always wise to check individual product size charts, especially for more uniquely structured or tailored designs.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both Marc Jacobs and Tory Burch have acknowledged the importance of sustainability and are taking steps to improve their practices. Tory Burch has outlined certain commitments to social responsibility and has ventures aimed at reducing environmental impact. Marc Jacobs has also initiated some eco-friendly collections and focuses on responsible sourcing. However, neither brand is fully transparent about its supply chain, so shoppers looking for rigorous eco-certification may need to do more research.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your personal style and what you look for in a designer piece. Both brands deliver excellent quality and design, but they serve different fashion sensibilities.

Choose Marc Jacobs if:

• You love a bold, edgy, and playful style that makes a statement.
• You're more interested in current trends than timeless essentials.
• Your wardrobe is a mix of high fashion and casual streetwear.
• You want a handbag that feels unique and reflects your individual personality.

Choose Tory Burch if:

• You prefer a classic, polished, and preppy aesthetic with a bohemian touch.
• You need versatile pieces that can transition from work to weekend.
• You appreciate a signature logo and timeless designs that won't go out of style.
• You value durability and practical elegance for everyday use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Marc Jacobs or Tory Burch more expensive?

Their prices are highly comparable, especially in the handbag category where both brands offer popular styles in the $300-$600 range. One is not definitively more expensive than the other, the cost depends more on the specific item.

Which brand has better quality?

Both brands offer high-quality products. Tory Burch is known for traditional craftsmanship and durable materials that result in timeless, long-lasting pieces. Marc Jacobs also uses excellent materials, but its focus is often more on innovative design and trend-forward details.

Which brand is better for a classic handbag?

For a truly classic and timeless handbag, Tory Burch is the better choice. Its designs often feature versatile silhouettes and an understated elegance that endures beyond seasonal trends.

Is Marc Jacobs considered a luxury brand?

Yes, Marc Jacobs is considered an accessible to mid-level luxury brand. It's well-respected in the fashion industry and offers high-quality designer goods without the ultra-high price tags of brands like Hermes or Chanel.

What is Tory Burch famous for?

Tory Burch is most famous for its signature double-T logo, which adorns many of its top products like the iconic Reva ballet flats, Miller sandals, and various leather tote bags.

Which brand is more popular with younger shoppers?

Marc Jacobs typically appeals more to younger shoppers in their 20s and 30s due to its edgy, playful, and trend-focused designs that align with contemporary streetwear culture.

Do Marc Jacobs and Tory Burch bags go on sale?

Yes, both brands have sales, typically at the end of a season. You can also find their products discounted at department stores like Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom, especially during store-wide sale events.

Do I have to dry clean clothing from these brands?

It depends on the item and its material. Delicate fabrics like silk from Tory Burch will require dry cleaning, while more durable items from Marc Jacobs, like a cotton sweatshirt, may be machine washable. Always check the care label on the garment.