Rhoback vs. Peter Millar: Which brand should you buy? [2026]
Rhoback offers modern, performance-driven activewear with bold designs and a more accessible price point, while Peter Millar is a luxury lifestyle brand focused on classic, understated elegance and premium materials. The core difference lies in their target audience and aesthetic: Rhoback is energetic and athletic for a younger demographic, whereas Peter Millar provides sophisticated, timeless apparel for a customer who values luxury craftsmanship.
Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right performance apparel for your style and budget.
Rhoback: The Modern Performance Brand
Rhoback is a direct-to-consumer brand that has quickly gained popularity among active individuals looking for stylish, high-performance apparel. Their focus is on combining technical, moisture-wicking fabrics with a vibrant, modern aesthetic. The brand is built for people who want clothing that performs on the golf course, at the gym, or during a casual weekend but doesn't look overly technical or dated.
- Product mix: Best known for performance polos with unique prints and colors, as well as a popular lineup of performance quarter-zips, crewnecks, hoodies, and hats.
- Price point: Sits in a premium-but-not-luxury category. Polos typically range from $70 to $90, with quarter-zips and hoodies priced around $100-$120.
- Quality & Materials: Primarily uses technical polyester and spandex blends that are moisture-wicking, offer excellent stretch, and are designed for durability and comfort during activity.
- Fit & Sizing: Wears true to size with an active, modern fit. The clothing is designed to be slightly fitted for an athletic look without feeling tight or restrictive.
- Style: Bold, energetic, and contemporary. Rhoback is known for its bright colors, eye-catching patterns, and the signature Rhodesian Ridgeback dog logo on the collar.
Rhoback is the perfect choice for anyone seeking high-quality performance wear with a youthful, energetic vibe that easily transitions from sporty activities to casual social settings.
Shop Rhoback: rhoback.com
Peter Millar: The Standard in Luxury Sportswear
Peter Millar has established itself as a leader in the luxury lifestyle market, offering apparel that embodies timeless elegance and superior craftsmanship. The brand caters to an affluent customer who appreciates refined, sophisticated clothing for golf, work, and leisure. Their reputation is built on using premium materials, offering impeccable tailored fits, and maintaining a classic, understated aesthetic.
- Product mix: Extensive collection including luxury performance polos, fine-gauge cashmere sweaters, tailored trousers, sport coats, and sophisticated outerwear.
- Price point: Reflects its luxury positioning. Polos generally cost between $125 and $200, while sweaters, pants, and outerwear can range from $200 to over $500.
- Quality & Materials: Utilizes high-end materials like Pima cotton, merino wool, silk, and advanced technical performance fabrics. The fine stitching and attention to detail ensure longevity.
- Fit & Sizing: A true-to-size fit with a focus on tailored silhouettes. While not overly slim, the cut is more classic and structured, providing a polished and refined look.
- Style: Classic, timeless, and sophisticated. Peter Millar favors muted color palettes, subtle patterns, and clean lines that cater to a traditional, elegant sensibility.
Peter Millar is the go-to for shoppers who are willing to invest in exceptionally made, classic pieces that offer versatility from the boardroom to the golf course.
Shop Peter Millar: petermillar.com
Rhoback vs. Peter Millar Comparison
Price Comparison
There is a clear distinction in price between these two brands. Rhoback positions itself as an accessible premium brand, with its bestselling polos priced between $70-$90. This makes it a popular choice for those wanting performance without entering the luxury price tier.
Peter Millar operates firmly in the luxury space. Their performance polos start around $125, nearly double the price of a standard Rhoback polo. This higher price is justified by their use of premium proprietary fabrics, elevated craftsmanship, and a more established luxury brand reputation. Your budget will be the primary driver here: Rhoback offers excellent value for its technical features, while Peter Millar commands a higher price for its luxury materials and timeless design.
Quality & Materials
Both brands deliver exceptional quality, but they prioritize different material attributes. Rhoback focuses on durable, high-stretch, moisture-wicking synthetic blends designed specifically for athletic movement and comfort. The fabrics feel sporty, light, and breathable, holding up well to exertion and frequent washing.
Peter Millar also uses high-performance technical fabrics but often blends them to achieve a more luxurious, soft hand-feel. They also offer a wide array of natural fibers like Pima cotton and merino wool. The construction feels more substantial, with meticulous attention to stitching and finishing details that you'd expect from a luxury garment frequently made in Europe or the USA.
Style & Aesthetic
Style is the most visible difference. Rhoback's aesthetic is undeniably modern and energetic. Their collections are filled with vibrant solids, engaging prints (like florals, geometrics, and aztec patterns), and their distinctive dog logo often placed on the back collar. It appeals to a customer who wants their performance apparel to make a statement and feel youthful.
In contrast, Peter Millar champions a classic, understated style. Their color palette revolves around refined, versatile tones with subtle patterns like stripes and checks. Their designs are meant to be timeless, transitioning flawlessly from a morning tee time to a business-casual lunch or an evening out. It’s for someone who prefers a polished, traditional, and sophisticated look.
Fit & Sizing
Both brands generally run true to size, but the cut serves different body types and style preferences. Rhoback offers a modern, athletic fit. It's designed to skim the body without being tight, allowing for a full range of motion. It provides a clean, contemporary silhouette.
Peter Millar offers a more classic, tailored fit. While they also have more athletic fits in specific collections, their standard polos and shirts provide slightly more room in the body and sleeves for a traditional look. This structured fit can feel more formal and is flattering for a wide range of body types seeking a less athletic-looking silhouette.
Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice comes down to your personal style, performance needs, and budget. Both are great brands, but they serve different customers.
Choose Rhoback if:
- You prefer a bold, modern, and energetic style with vibrant colors and prints.
- You want high-performance apparel specifically for golf, workouts, and an active lifestyle.
- Your budget for a high-quality performance polo is under $100.
- You favor an athletic fit that is trim but comfortable and not restrictive.
Choose Peter Millar if:
- You value a timeless, classic, and understated aesthetic for ultimate versatility.
- You are investing in luxurious materials and superior craftsmanship that lasts for years.
- You need your clothing to seamlessly transition from the golf course to upscale social or business-casual settings.
- You prefer a traditional, tailored fit that offers a refined and polished silhouette.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Peter Millar or Rhoback cheaper?
Rhoback is significantly more affordable. Their performance polos are typically priced between $70 and $90, while polos from Peter Millar start around $125 and go up from there, reflecting its position as a luxury brand.
Which brand is better quality?
Both brands offer excellent quality for their respective markets. Rhoback’s quality is defined by its durable, high-stretch performance fabrics perfect for athletic pursuits. Peter Millar's quality stems from its use of superior luxury materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and long-lasting classic construction. For pure performance-per-dollar, Rhoback is a great value, for premium materials and craftsmanship, Peter Millar is superior.
How does the sizing compare between Rhoback and Peter Millar?
Both generally run true to size. The main difference is the cut. Rhoback provides a modern athletic fit that is slightly more trim. Peter Millar offers a classic, tailored fit that has a bit more room and a more traditional drape.
Is Rhoback a GOLF brand exclusively?
No, while very popular in the golf world, Rhoback designs its apparel for a range of activities. Their 'Crave The Day' motto extends to the gym, running, and casual everyday wear, making them a versatile lifestyle and activewear brand.
Is Peter Millar worth the money?
For those who prioritize luxury materials, impeccable fit, and a timeless, versatile style, Peter Millar is considered well worth the investment. Their garments are crafted to last and remain stylish for many seasons, offering long-term value.
Which brand is better for a younger guy?
While style is subjective, Rhoback generally appeals more to a younger demographic due to its modern athletic fit, bolder designs, vibrant colorways, and more accessible price point.
Can you find Peter Millar and Rhoback on sale?
Yes, both brands have sales. Rhoback offers sales periodically on their website. Peter Millar sales can be found on their site, but are also common at partner retailers like Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, particularly at the end of a season.
Which brand has better quarter-zips?
This depends on preference. Rhoback’s quarter-zips are famed for their comfort and athletic feel, often made from performance materials. Peter Millar’s are often crafted from luxurious fabrics like merino wool or fine technical blends, giving them a more sophisticated, dressier look.
