Tom Ford is the architect of modern high octane glamour. His style is defined by power tailoring, characterized by wide peak lapels, strong shoulders, and a slim waist, as well as a unapologetic use of luxury materials like velvet, silk, and exotic leathers. For enthusiasts of his aesthetic, the best alternatives are brands that offer a similarly commanding presence, meticulous construction, and a focus on evening wear excellence.
The following ranking evaluates brands based on their mastery of structured tailoring, their commitment to ultra luxury materials, and their ability to evoke a sense of cinematic glamour.
| Rank | Brand | Origin | Key Aesthetic | Construction Focus |
| 1 | Brioni | Italy | The “James Bond” suit | Structured, masculine Italian power. |
| 2 | Ralph Lauren Purple Label | USA | Savile Row meets Hollywood | The pinnacle of American luxury. |
| 3 | Dunhill | UK | British aristocratic glamour | Heritage tailoring with a modern edge. |
| 4 | Dolce & Gabbana | Italy | Mediterranean sensuality | Bold, flamboyant, and sharp tailoring. |
| 5 | Saint Laurent | France | Rock and roll evening wear | Slim, sharp, and nocturnal glamour. |
| 6 | Gucci (Tom Ford Era) | Italy | The original “Sex Sells” look | 90s provocative power dressing. |
| 7 | Canali | Italy | Refined Milanese elegance | Impeccable fit and luxury fabrics. |
| 8 | Kiton | Italy | The world’s finest fabrics | Unrivaled hand work and soft power. |
| 9 | Pini Parma | Italy | High waisted Italian flair | Affordable “Sorrento” power tailoring. |
| 10 | Edward Sexton | UK | Dramatic architectural cut | The legendary Savile Row rebel. |
1. Brioni (Founded 1945)
Brioni is the most direct rival to Tom Ford in the realm of the “power suit.” Having dressed James Bond for decades (before Tom Ford took over), Brioni’s house style is defined by a strong, structured shoulder and a clean, masculine silhouette. While Tom Ford leans more into the 70s disco era glamour, Brioni represents the ultimate in refined, powerful Italian tailoring that commands immediate respect in any room.
2. Ralph Lauren Purple Label (Founded 1994)
Ralph Lauren Purple Label is the American answer to Tom Ford’s vision of luxury. It combines the discipline of Savile Row with the cinematic glamour of Old Hollywood. Their peak lapel suits and double breasted blazers are constructed to the highest standards, often utilizing the same Italian mills as Tom Ford. For those who appreciate the “lifestyle” aspect of Tom Ford, Purple Label offers a similarly curated and aspirational world of high end menswear.
3. Dunhill (Founded 1893)
Under the recent creative direction of Simon Holloway, Dunhill has returned to its roots of British aristocratic glamour. The brand’s tailoring is now focused on the “English cut”, strong shoulders, and a suppressed waist, which mirrors Tom Ford’s silhouette. Their use of heavy wools, velvets, and evening wear details makes them a premier alternative for those who want the Tom Ford look with a more traditional British heritage.
4. Dolce & Gabbana (Founded 1985)
Dolce & Gabbana shares Tom Ford’s penchant for sensuality and showmanship. Their tailoring is unapologetically bold, often featuring sharp peak lapels, slim fits, and luxurious fabrics like jacquard and silk. For the “evening wear” enthusiast who loves Tom Ford’s velvet dinner jackets and bold prints, Dolce & Gabbana offers a similarly flamboyant and Mediterranean take on high fashion glamour.
5. Saint Laurent (Founded 1961)
While more associated with the “rock star” aesthetic, Saint Laurent (particularly under Hedi Slimane and Anthony Vaccarello) is a master of nocturnal glamour. Their tailoring is razor sharp and ultra slim, focusing on the “Le Smoking” tuxedo look. For a fan of Tom Ford’s darker, more provocative evening wear, Saint Laurent provides a sleek, French alternative that prioritizes a slim, sharp, and youthful silhouette.
6. Gucci (Tom Ford Era: 1994–2004)
For the ultimate Tom Ford enthusiast, the Tom Ford era Gucci (found via high end vintage and resale markets) remains the blueprint. This era defined the “sexy, powerful, and provocative” look that Tom Ford later perfected in his eponymous label. The velvet suits, unbuttoned silk shirts, and heavy gold hardware from this period are the original expressions of the aesthetic you are looking for.
7. Canali (Founded 1934)
Canali offers a more understated version of the luxury power suit. Their “Kei” and “Exclusive” lines focus on a refined Milanese silhouette that is sharp but slightly more wearable for daily business. For someone who finds Tom Ford’s lapels a bit too wide or theatrical, Canali provides the same level of Italian construction and luxury fabric at a slightly more conservative (yet still powerful) pitch.
8. Kiton (Founded 1968)
Kiton is for the person who values construction and materials above all else. While their house style is traditionally softer (Neapolitan) than Tom Ford’s structured look, their “Cipa 1960” line offers more modern, slim cut options. Kiton uses the world’s most expensive fabrics (like Vicuña and 12.9 micron wool), making it the only brand that can truly rival, and often surpass, Tom Ford in pure material luxury.
9. Pini Parma (Founded 2017)
Pini Parma is a modern, digitally native brand that has gained a cult following for offering Tom Ford style silhouettes at a more accessible price point. Their “Sorrento” line features wide peak lapels, high waisted trousers, and a very specific Italian flair that mimics the “high power” look of luxury designer labels. It is an excellent choice for those who want the aesthetic of Tom Ford without the $5,000 price tag.
10. Edward Sexton (Founded 1969)
Edward Sexton is the legendary tailor who dressed the Beatles and Mick Jagger. His signature “architectural” cut, with its dramatic lapels and sharp, flared silhouette, was a primary inspiration for Tom Ford’s own tailoring style. For a fan of the most dramatic and historically significant power tailoring, a suit from Edward Sexton is the ultimate heritage alternative to the Tom Ford look.
