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

Marc Jacobs is known for its playful, eclectic, and trend-driven designs with a streetwear edge, appealing to a modern, fashion-forward audience. In contrast, Tory Burch offers a more classic, preppy, and bohemian-chic aesthetic focused on timeless pieces that blend elegance with contemporary style.

Let's compare these brands to determine which one is right for your wardrobe.

Marc Jacobs: The Playful & Innovative Trendsetter

Marc Jacobs is an American fashion brand that perfectly blends high fashion with a youthful, rebellious spirit. Celebrated for its bold prints, quirky designs, and innovative silhouettes, the brand targets a fashion-conscious consumer who isn't afraid to stand out. Marc Jacobs makes luxury feel fun and approachable, rather than stuffy or overly formal.

• Product mix: A wide range including handbags, ready-to-wear clothing, shoes, and accessories often characterized by eye-catching prints and edgy details. Iconic pieces like "The Tote Bag" have become must-have items.
• Price point: Sits comfortably in the mid-to-luxury market. Small accessories start around $150, popular handbags are typically in the $400-$700 range, and footwear can exceed $1,000.
• Quality: Craftsmanship is generally good, utilizing durable materials like coated canvas and quality leather. The brand's focus is on trendy, of-the-moment designs, which sometimes means that lower-priced items might not have the same longevity as investment pieces from more classic brands.
• Sizing/Fit: Clothing and accessories typically run true to size. Shoes are also generally true to size, although some customers report certain styles can run slightly narrow.
• Sales: Frequently holds sales and has a strong presence in outlet stores, making its playful designs even more accessible to a broader audience.

Marc Jacobs is the go-to for shoppers who want bold, statement-making fashion that feels current and has a distinct, youthful vibe.

Shop Marc Jacobs: marcjacobs.com

Tory Burch: The Polished Bohemian-Chic Classic

Tory Burch is an American lifestyle brand that embodies a polished, preppy, and bohemian-chic look. Renowned for its iconic Reva flats and versatile handbags, the brand delivers classic elegance with a modern twist. Its target audience is a woman who appreciates timeless, high-quality pieces that can effortlessly transition from a day at the office to a weekend brunch.

• Product mix: Best known for footwear and handbags, but also offers a full line of ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, and even home goods. Designs often feature vibrant prints, polished hardware, and the unmistakable Double T logo.
• Price point: Occupies a similar accessible luxury space. Small leather goods start around $100, most handbags fall between $200 and $600, while larger bags like the popular Perry Tote can cost up to $1,200.
• Quality: Emphasizes high-quality materials, including genuine leather and durable fabrics, paired with excellent craftsmanship. Tory Burch bags and shoes are praised for their durability and often hold up for years with proper care.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is known for being consistent and true to size across most collections. The brand also offers a good range of sizes, including wider options for some footwear styles to ensure a comfortable fit.
• Sustainability: Actively promotes social responsibility through initiatives supporting women’s empowerment and has transparent goals for using eco-friendly materials and reducing its environmental footprint.

Tory Burch is perfect for those who want sophisticated, versatile, and well-made pieces that will remain stylish for years to come.

Shop Tory Burch: toryburch.com

Marc Jacobs vs. Tory Burch Comparison

Price Comparison

Both brands operate firmly in the accessible luxury category, but with slight differences. Marc Jacobs often provides a more attainable entry point, with popular small handbags and accessories starting around the $150-$300 mark. The brand’s frequent sales and presence in outlet malls make its trend-focused items particularly appealing for shoppers looking for a designer feel without the top-tier price.

Tory Burch is priced comparably, but its most iconic and popular handbags often sit in the $400-$700 range. While accessories start around $100, the brand's positioning feels a bit more aligned with long-term investment pieces. Both offer seasonal sales, but Marc Jacobs may have a slight edge for those seeking more frequent or deeper discounts.

Quality & Materials

This is a key area of difference between the two brands. Tory Burch places a strong emphasis on high-quality materials and durability. Handbags are typically made from genuine leather with robust hardware, and are widely regarded for their longevity. This makes them a practical choice for everyday use, as they are built to withstand wear and tear.

Marc Jacobs also uses quality materials, but the brand’s main focus is on creating fashion-forward, statement designs. While craftsmanship is solid at its price point, the materials used in some of the more trend-based, lower-priced items may not have the same lasting power as Tory Burch’s classic leather goods. For items you plan to use daily for years, Tory Burch often has a slight advantage in perceived durability.

Style & Aesthetic

The style of these two brands could not be more different. Marc Jacobs is bold, avant-garde, and playful. The aesthetic is heavily influenced by streetwear, youth culture, and high-fashion eclecticism. With oversized logos, unusual color combinations, and quirky prints, the brand appeals to those who see fashion as a form of self-expression and aren't afraid to experiment.

Tory Burch defines the American preppy, bohemian-chic look. Her designs are polished, sophisticated, and versatile. The style is timeless yet modern, making it ideal for everything from professional environments to beach vacations. If your wardrobe is built around classic silhouettes, understated elegance, and functional style, Tory Burch is a natural fit.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands are taking steps toward more responsible practices, but their focus areas differ. Tory Burch has built social responsibility into its brand identity through the Tory Burch Foundation, which supports women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship. The company is also transparent about its goals for sustainable sourcing and reducing its environmental impact.

Marc Jacobs has also launched sustainability initiatives aimed at using eco-friendly materials and responsible sourcing. However, as a brand that thrives on fast-moving trends, aligning fully with sustainable practices presents more of a challenge. For shoppers who prioritize brands with established and clear social missions, Tory Burch stands out.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your personal style and what you're looking for in your accessories and clothing.

Choose Marc Jacobs if:

• Your style is bold, eclectic, and trend-focused.
• You love statement pieces that get noticed.
• You want luxury fashion that feels youthful, fun, and a bit rebellious.
• You're looking for an accessible entry into the world of high-fashion designers.

Choose Tory Burch if:

• Your aesthetic is classic, polished, and timeless.
• You need versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down.
• You prioritize quality materials and long-term durability.
• You prefer a preppy or bohemian-chic look that feels effortlessly elegant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Marc Jacobs or Tory Burch cheaper?

Generally, Marc Jacobs can be slightly more affordable, especially for entry-level handbags and during sale periods. While both are in a similar price bracket, Tory Burch's classic pieces often hold their value and price point more consistently.

Which brand has better quality bags?

Tory Burch is widely regarded as having an edge in terms of durable materials and long-lasting craftsmanship, particularly for their leather handbags. Marc Jacobs offers good quality for its price, but the focus is often more on the design trend than on long-term wear.

What is Marc Jacobs' style known for?

Marc Jacobs is known for a playful, eclectic, and often edgy style that blends high-fashion concepts with streetwear influences. Think bold prints, oversized logos, and unique silhouettes.

What is Tory Burch's style known for?

Tory Burch is known for its preppy, bohemian-chic aesthetic. Her style is classic, polished, and versatile, often featuring vibrant colors and her iconic Double T logo on items like flats and handbags.

Do Tory Burch shoes run true to size?

Yes, Tory Burch shoes are known for fitting true to size. Many styles also come in a good range of sizes and sometimes offer wider fits, which is a significant plus for comfort.

Is Marc Jacobs considered a luxury brand?

Yes, Marc Jacobs is considered a contemporary or accessible luxury brand. It offers designer credibility and high-fashion designs at a more attainable price point than top-tier houses like Chanel or Dior.

Is Tory Burch a good investment?

Many of Tory Burch's classic items, like the Robinson or Perry totes and Reva flats, are considered good investments because of their timeless style and excellent durability. They remain popular season after season and hold up well to regular use.

Which brand is better for a work bag?

For a daily work bag, Tory Burch is typically the better choice. Styles like the Perry Tote are professional, durable, spacious, and made from high-quality leather designed to withstand daily use. Marc Jacobs' "The Tote Bag" is very popular but has a more casual, trend-forward feel.