Thom Browne vs. Tommy Hilfiger: Which brand is better? [2026]

Thom Browne is a high-fashion luxury brand that redefines classic suiting with avant-garde, shrunken silhouettes and meticulous craftsmanship. In contrast, Tommy Hilfiger is an accessible lifestyle brand famous for its classic, preppy, and all-American sportswear that appeals to a much broader audience at a fraction of the cost.

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

Thom Browne: The Icon of Avant-Garde Tailoring

Thom Browne is a luxury fashion house that challenges conventional ideas of tailoring. The brand is known for its highly conceptual runway shows and signature shrunken suit - a slim-fit design with high-hemmed trousers that expose the ankles. The brand appeals to fashion-forward individuals with an appreciation for expert craftsmanship and unique design, who are willing to invest in clothing as art.

• Product mix: Primarily high-end menswear and womenswear, with a focus on expertly tailored suits, shirts, cardigans, and pleated skirts. The line also includes distinctive footwear, bags, and accessories often featuring the brand's signature red, white, and blue grosgrain stripe.
• Price point: Luxury pricing. A simple t-shirt can start around $400, a classic cardigan can be over $1,500, and a tailored wool blazer often exceeds $2,500. Bespoke and runway pieces can cost over $10,000.
• Quality: Exceptional. The brand uses premium materials like Scottish cashmere, fine woolens, and crisp cottons. All pieces are crafted with extreme attention to detail in high-end workshops in Japan, Italy, and the US.
• Sizing/Fit: Specific and unconventional. The brand’s signature fit is slim and shortened ("shrunken"), and pieces often run small compared to standard sizing. It is highly recommended to consult size charts and reviews before purchasing.
• Style/Aesthetic: A unique blend of classic tailoring and conceptual modernism. The look is uniform-like, clean, and preppy but with a subversive, artistic twist that makes it unmistakable.

Thom Browne is the choice for style purists who see clothing as a long-term investment in high-concept design and impeccable quality.

Shop Thom Browne: thombrowne.com

Tommy Hilfiger: The Authority on Classic American Style

Tommy Hilfiger is a global lifestyle brand that personifies an easygoing, classic American aesthetic. It offers approachable, preppy, and sporty styles for everyone - men, women, and children. The brand is celebrated for making timeless fashion accessible, blending traditional designs with modern casual wear for a comfortable and stylish look.

• Product mix: A comprehensive range of products including polo shirts, denim, outerwear, dresses, underwear, fragrance, and home goods. Key categories also include adaptive clothing designed for people with disabilities.
• Price point: Accessible and affordable. T-shirts typically cost between $30-$50, polo shirts are around $70, and a signature blazer will usually be priced between $100 and $200.
• Quality: Reliable and solid for its price point. Tommy Hilfiger uses durable materials like cotton, denim, and functional synthetics designed for everyday comfort and wear.
• Sizing/Fit: Generally runs true to size. The brand offers a wide range of sizes, including Big & Tall options for men and Plus sizes for women, ensuring a consistent and inclusive fit.
• Sales: Holds frequent sales events, especially during holidays, with discounts often ranging from 30-50%. It also has a strong presence in outlet malls, providing even more savings.

Tommy Hilfiger delivers reliable quality and timeless style at a price point that makes it perfect for building an everyday, versatile wardrobe.

Shop Tommy Hilfiger: tommy.com

Thom Browne vs. Tommy Hilfiger Comparison

Price Comparison

The price difference between these two brands is the most significant differentiator. Thom Browne is positioned firmly in the luxury market, competing with brands like Gucci and Prada. You should be prepared for investment-level prices, where core pieces cost thousands of dollars.

Tommy Hilfiger operates in the premium casual and affordable-luxury space alongside brands like Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. Its pricing makes it accessible for daily outfitting and seasonal updates. Frequent sales and widespread availability in discount retailers further increase its value proposition.

Quality & Materials

Thom Browne's quality is undeniable. The focus is on old-world craftsmanship, using the finest materials available and construction techniques that ensure garments last a lifetime. Every detail, from the buttons to the stitching and lining, is considered and perfected.

Tommy Hilfiger provides excellent quality for its price. Garments are made with durable materials designed to withstand regular wear and washing. While it doesn’t use the same level of luxury textiles as Thom Browne, its products are well-made, comfortable, and reliable for mainstream fashion.

Style & Aesthetic

Choosing between the two comes down to aesthetics. Thom Browne offers a highly specific, fashion-forward look rooted in conceptual tailoring. It's for someone who wants to make a quiet yet powerful statement with their clothing and appreciates design that challenges norms.

Tommy Hilfiger's style is quintessentially American - preppy, sporty, and clean. It’s perfect for creating a classic, put-together wardrobe that is never out of style. The aesthetic is versatile, easily transitioning from a casual workday to a weekend brunch.

Fit & Sizing

Fit is critical when considering these brands. Thom Browne's signature sizing is intentionally cropped and slim. It's a key part of the brand's aesthetic identity, and shoppers not accustomed to this style may find it runs very small. Precise measurements are essential for a successful purchase.

Tommy Hilfiger offers a much more conventional, true-to-size fit. With extensive size charts and plus-size offerings, finding your size is straightforward and reliable, making online shopping much simpler.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands have made commitments to responsible practices, but their focus differs. Thom Browne contributes to sustainability through its emphasis on creating high-quality, timeless pieces that do not need to be replaced. The idea is to buy fewer, better things.

Tommy Hilfiger has more public-facing initiatives, with clear goals for reducing its carbon footprint, utilizing sustainable materials like organic cotton, and ensuring ethical labor practices in its supply chain. It's more transparent about its efforts to become a more responsible large-scale manufacturer.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, both brands offer excellence in their respective categories but serve entirely different needs.

Choose Thom Browne if:

• You view fashion as an art form and are looking for investment pieces.
• Your personal style is avant-garde, minimalist, or you love tailored clothing.
• You prioritize flawless craftsmanship and premium materials above all else.
• The budget for a single garment can be over $1,000.

Choose Tommy Hilfiger if:

• You need stylish, reliable, and comfortable clothes for everyday wear.
• Your style is classic, preppy, or sporty.
• You are shopping for a whole family and need a variety of options.
• Value, sales shopping, and affordability are key decision-making factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Thom Browne or Tommy Hilfiger cheaper?

Tommy Hilfiger is significantly cheaper than Thom Browne. A blazer from Tommy Hilfiger might cost $150, whereas a similar garment at Thom Browne would likely be priced over $2,500.

Which brand has better quality?

Thom Browne has objectively superior quality in terms of materials and craftsmanship. It operates in the luxury tier, using premiere textiles and construction methods. However, Tommy Hilfiger offers strong, reliable quality for the affordable-luxury price point it occupies.

What is the main difference in style?

The main difference is that Thom Browne’s style is avant-garde and conceptual, famous for its shrunken tailored suiting. Tommy Hilfiger’s style is classic and preppy American sportswear, focusing on timeless pieces like polo shirts and denim.

How does Thom Browne sizing fit?

Thom Browne is known for its slim, "shrunken" silhouette and generally runs small. Its signature style includes cropped trousers and shortened sleeves. Most shoppers need to size up or review specific product measurements carefully.

Is Tommy Hilfiger considered a luxury brand?

No, Tommy Hilfiger is not a true luxury brand. It is considered an accessible-luxury or premium lifestyle brand, known for its high brand recognition and quality at an affordable price.

Why is Thom Browne so expensive?

Thom Browne's high price point is due to its use of the finest materials (like cashmere and super 120s wool), superior craftsmanship (often handmade in Italy or Japan), unique design, and strong luxury brand positioning.

Which brand is better for everyday wear?

Tommy Hilfiger is the definitive choice for everyday wear. Its focus on comfort, durability, approachable style, and affordable pricing makes it perfectly suited for daily outfitting for work, home, and weekends.

Are both brands sold in department stores?

Tommy Hilfiger has a widespread presence in department stores like Macy's and Nordstrom. Thom Browne is far more exclusive and is only sold in high-end luxury retailers like Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as its own flagship stores.