RW and Co. vs. Banana Republic: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

RW and Co. is a Canadian brand that offers modern, versatile office and casual wear at an affordable price, focusing on accessibility and frequent promotions. Banana Republic positions itself as a more premium, global retailer, known for its sophisticated aesthetic, higher-quality materials like silk and cashmere, and a higher price point.

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

RW and Co.: The Modern Canadian Workwear Destination

RW and Co. thrives by providing stylish, professional, and adaptable clothing for the modern Canadian professional. The brand targets men and women who want polished, contemporary looks for the office and beyond without a high-end price tag. It's the go-to choice for building a functional work wardrobe on a budget, offering everything from suiting to smart-casual pieces.

• Product mix: A wide range of men's and women's apparel including suits, blouses, trousers, dresses, knitwear, and accessories designed for a seamless transition from work to weekend.
• Price point: Very accessible, with most items falling between $30 and $150. A tailored blazer can often be found for around $80 during one of their frequent sales.
• Quality: Offers good, functional quality for everyday wear. Fabrics are typically durable and comfortable, like polyester blends and cotton, chosen for balance between cost and performance.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for inclusive sizing that includes extended sizes. Their fit is generally consistent and true to size, with detailed online guides to help customers find the right fit.
• Sales: Constant promotions and seasonal sales are a core part of their strategy, making it easy for budget-conscious shoppers to find a deal.
• Sustainability: The brand is in the early stages of its sustainability journey, starting to incorporate eco-friendly fabrics, but has limited public transparency on its initiatives.

RW and Co. is ideal for shoppers seeking affordable and trendy office-appropriate clothing who value frequent sales and inclusive sizing.

Shop RW and Co.: rw-co.com

Banana Republic: The Sophisticated Global Staple

As a key brand within the Gap Inc. portfolio, Banana Republic offers a more refined and elevated aesthetic. It specializes in versatile, modern apparel for work, travel, and upscale casual occasions, appealing to professionals who seek timeless style. The brand emphasizes quality materials, tailored fits, and classic elegance with a contemporary edge.

• Product mix: Offers tailored suits, blouses, trousers, outerwear, dresses, and accessories with a focus on polished designs for both men and women.
• Price point: Mid-range to premium, reflecting its use of higher-quality materials. A classic blazer typically retails between $120 and $200, though sales can offer significant discounts.
• Quality: A strong emphasis on premium fabrics like silk, cashmere, fine wool, and high-quality cotton. Garments feature a more refined finish and are designed for greater durability and longevity.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a comprehensive range of sizes including petite, tall, and extended options. The fit is consistently tailored, aiming to flatter various body types.
• Sales: Holds major seasonal sales and promotions, but they are less frequent than at RW and Co.
• Sustainability: Has made visible public commitments to sustainability, using responsibly sourced cotton, recycled fabrics, and participating in programs like Fair Trade.

Banana Republic serves customers who are willing to invest more in timeless, sophisticated closet cornerstones made from high-quality fabrics.

Shop Banana Republic: bananarepublic.com

RW and Co. vs. Banana Republic Comparison

Price Comparison

The most significant difference between the two brands is their price. RW and Co. is clearly the more budget-friendly option. With most items priced under $150 and constant sales, it's accessible for anyone building a professional wardrobe from scratch or looking for affordable updates. You can often find a full suit for the price of a single blazer at Banana Republic.

Banana Republic operates in a mid-range to premium space. Prices are justified by higher quality materials and a more design-focused approach. While more expensive, their pieces are often seen as better long-term investments. Shoppers who prioritize value wait for their seasonal sales, where prices become more comparable to RW & Co.'s regular prices.

Quality & Materials

Banana Republic has a distinct edge in fabric quality. They consistently use natural, premium materials like silk, merino wool, cashmere, and linen, which contributes to better feel, drape, and durability. The construction and finishing details, from seams to buttons, are typically more refined.

RW and Co. uses reliable, everyday fabrics like polyester blends and cotton that hold up well to regular wear and are easy to care for. While the quality is solid for the price, the materials don't have the same luxurious feel or longevity as those found at Banana Republic.

Style & Aesthetic

Both brands cater to a professional audience, but with different style perspectives. RW and Co. feels more contemporary and trend-aware. Their collections are clean, modern, and versatile, easily fitting into both a corporate office and a smart-casual weekend. Their style is approachable and safe for a wide audience.

Banana Republic's aesthetic is more classic, sophisticated, and worldly. The designs often feel timeless, with an emphasis on tailored silhouettes and neutral color palettes. It's a brand for someone who wants to convey polished elegance and views their clothing as long-term additions to their wardrobe.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands perform well in this category. They both offer a wide range of sizes that include options beyond the standard small-to-large molds. RW and Co. is praised for its inclusive sizing, which ensures a good fit for many body types.

Banana Republic also offers excellent size diversity with petite, tall, and extended sizing. Their main focus is on a "tailored" fit, which means garments are designed to be more shaping and structured compared to the sometimes more relaxed fits at RW and Co.

Sustainability & Ethics

For shoppers whose purchasing decisions are influenced by environmental and ethical factors, Banana Republic is the stronger choice. The company has made public commitments to reducing its environmental impact, uses sustainable material sources like BCI cotton, and is transparent about its factory partners. Their goals and progress are clearly communicated.

RW and Co. is beginning to integrate sustainable practices but is not as far along in its journey or as transparent about its efforts. Shoppers will find some items made with more eco-friendly materials, but it's not a core pillar of their brand identity just yet.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your personal priorities, budget, and style. Both brands are strong contenders in the workwear space, but they appeal to different shoppers.

Choose RW and Co. if:

• You're building or updating your work wardrobe on a strict budget.
• You enjoy the hunt for a good deal and take advantage of frequent sales.
• You prefer contemporary, trend-forward styles that are versatile for office and casual wear.
• You want a broad selection of approachable, everyday professional attire.

Choose Banana Republic if:

• You prioritize high-quality fabrics like silk, cashmere, and fine wool.
• You are willing to invest more in timeless pieces that will last for years.
• Your personal style is more classic, sophisticated, and polished.
• Sustainability and brand ethics are important factors in your shopping decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is RW and Co. or Banana Republic cheaper?

RW and Co. is significantly cheaper. Its regular prices are lower, and the brand runs frequent sales and promotions, making it the more budget-friendly option for professional and casualwear.

Which brand has better quality?

Banana Republic generally offers better quality due to its focus on premium materials like silk, cashmere, wool, and linen. Their garments tend to have a more refined finish and are designed for greater durability.

How do the sizes fit at RW and Co. and Banana Republic?

Both brands generally fit true to size. They offer inclusive sizing, but Banana Republic provides more specialty fits like petite and tall, with an emphasis on a tailored silhouette.

Is RW and Co. a Canadian company?

Yes, RW and Co. is a Canadian fashion retailer headquartered in Montreal, Quebec. Its physical stores are primarily located across Canada.

Which brand is better for work clothes?

It depends on your needs. RW and Co. is excellent for building a modern, functional work wardrobe on a budget. Banana Republic is better for those looking to invest in high-quality, classic, and sophisticated pieces for a more formal or executive environment.

Does RW and Co. or Banana Republic have better sales?

RW and Co. has more frequent sales and promotions throughout the year. Banana Republic has major seasonal sales events where you can find significant discounts, but they happen less often.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Banana Republic has a stronger and more transparent commitment to sustainability. They have public goals related to water conservation, sustainable materials, and reducing emissions.

Where can I shop for these brands?

RW and Co. has retail stores throughout Canada and an e-commerce website. Banana Republic has a global presence with stores in many countries and a robust online store that ships internationally.