The legacy of Ralph Lauren is built upon a curated “American Dream” aesthetic, blending Ivy League preppy, English country heritage, and rugged Americana. For enthusiasts of this style, finding alternatives requires a focus on brands that possess their own historical weight (heritage) and a commitment to classic silhouettes, particularly the iconic polo shirt.
The following ranking evaluates brands based on their historical significance, stylistic alignment with the Ralph Lauren “Polo” aesthetic, and the quality of their core menswear offerings.
| Rank | Brand | Founded | Key Style Element | Heritage Focus |
| 1 | Brooks Brothers | 1818 | The Oxford Button Down | The original American clothier. |
| 2 | Lacoste | 1933 | The Piqué Polo Shirt | Inventor of the modern polo shirt. |
| 3 | Gant | 1949 | Ivy League Sportswear | Pioneers of the Yale “Ivy Look.” |
| 4 | J.Press | 1902 | Traditional Ivy Style | Pure, unadulterated collegiate prep. |
| 5 | Sunspel | 1860 | Luxury Basics & Polos | British refined luxury and craftsmanship. |
| 6 | Drake’s | 1977 | Soft Tailoring & Ties | Modern British elegance and “New Prep.” |
| 7 | Barbour | 1894 | Waxed Jackets & Countryside | British outdoor and sporting heritage. |
| 8 | Tommy Hilfiger | 1985 | Modern Americana | High street preppy and lifestyle branding. |
| 9 | Beams Plus | 1999* | Japanese Ivy | Perfectionists of the mid century U.S. look. |
| 10 | Sid Mashburn | 2007 | Southern Classicism | Curated modern heritage and tailoring. |
1. Brooks Brothers (Founded 1818)
As the oldest apparel retailer in the United States, Brooks Brothers is the bedrock of the style Ralph Lauren later popularized. While Ralph Lauren added a cinematic flair to menswear, Brooks Brothers provided the actual uniforms for the American elite, including 40 out of 46 U.S. Presidents. Their contribution to the “Ivy League Look” is unparalleled, having introduced the button down polo collar shirt to the American market after seeing it on English polo players.
2. Lacoste (Founded 1933)
If the polo shirt is the primary draw of Ralph Lauren, Lacoste is its historical predecessor. Founded by tennis legend René Lacoste, the brand invented the cotton piqué polo shirt to replace the restrictive long sleeved “tennis whites” of the era. Lacoste maintains a similar lifestyle driven branding strategy, focusing on a mix of sport, leisure, and high end casual wear that resonates with the same demographic as Ralph Lauren’s “Polo” line.
3. Gant (Founded 1949)
Gant rose to prominence in New Haven, Connecticut, the home of Yale University. The brand was instrumental in defining the mid century Ivy League aesthetic. They are particularly famous for their “perfect” Oxford shirt, which featured a signature collar roll that became a hallmark of preppy style. Today, Gant continues to offer a range of rugby shirts, chinos, and knits that mirror the collegiate cool vibe of Ralph Lauren.
4. J.Press (Founded 1902)
While Ralph Lauren is a lifestyle brand, J.Press is a traditionalist’s institution. Founded on the Yale campus, it has never wavered from its commitment to the “Ivy League Look.” For those who find Ralph Lauren too commercial, J.Press offers the authentic, un ironed, and slightly more conservative version of American prep. Their “Shaggy Dog” sweaters and sack suits are legendary among menswear aficionados.
5. Sunspel (Founded 1860)
For a British take on the refined polo aesthetic, Sunspel is the premier choice. With a heritage dating back to the mid 19th century, Sunspel focuses on luxury fabrics and impeccable fit. Their Riviera Polo, famously worn by Daniel Craig’s James Bond, is a masterclass in understated elegance. While Ralph Lauren often leans into bold logos and branding, Sunspel offers the “Quiet Luxury” version of the same classic style.
6. Drake’s (Founded 1977)
Drake’s of London represents the “New Prep” movement. Originally a tie and scarf maker, they have expanded into a full menswear line that blends Italian soft tailoring with British and American preppy influences. Their lookbooks often feature the same vibrant color palettes and pattern mixing seen in Ralph Lauren’s high end “Purple Label” or “RRL” collections, but with a distinctly modern, artisanal touch.
7. Barbour (Founded 1894)
Ralph Lauren’s “Polo Country” and “RRL” lines owe a significant debt to the functional British heritage of Barbour. Known for their iconic waxed cotton jackets, Barbour represents the rugged, outdoor sporting life of the British gentry. For menswear enthusiasts who appreciate the “field and stream” side of Ralph Lauren, Barbour is the definitive heritage alternative for outerwear and knitwear.
8. Tommy Hilfiger (Founded 1985)
Tommy Hilfiger is perhaps the most direct commercial rival to Ralph Lauren. Founded in the mid 80s, Hilfiger took the preppy DNA of brands like Brooks Brothers and injected it with a more youthful, pop culture oriented energy. While it lacks the century long history of others on this list, its commitment to the “Classic American Cool” aesthetic makes it a staple for those seeking the Ralph Lauren look at a slightly more accessible price point.
9. Beams Plus (Founded 1999)
Though the Beams Plus sub label was founded relatively recently, it is a tribute to the “Golden Era” of American menswear (1945–1965). The Japanese brand is famous for its obsessive attention to detail, often recreating vintage American styles better than the original brands themselves. For a Ralph Lauren fan who values historical accuracy and superior construction, Beams Plus is a “perfectionist’s alternative.”
10. Sid Mashburn (Founded 2007)
Sid Mashburn has quickly become a cornerstone of modern American menswear. Based in Atlanta, the brand blends Southern charm with a deep knowledge of tailoring history. Mashburn’s aesthetic is a curated mix of everything a Ralph Lauren fan loves: the perfect navy blazer, Italian made polos, and rugged denim. It feels like a boutique version of the Ralph Lauren empire, focused on a “mash up” of global style icons.
