131 Top Brands for Men: From Affordable to Designer
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Originally Posted On: https://www.marcussherman.com/top-brands-for-men/
Men’s fashion discernment can be quite frustrating. It seems like there are almost unlimited men’s brands offering a wide range of options.
No one ranks fashion brands for men in terms of brand exclusivity, price, or luxury. How are consumers supposed to figure it out? Moreover, which sampling of brands should one consider?
Below, you will find a list of 131 top brands for men. We rank the first 120 brands from affordable to designer (or luxury) brands. We do this using the innovative Jacket Index.
The 11 brands included near the end of this post, but not part of the ranking, are essential players in the male fashion industry but do not produce jackets. We needed to include these brands because every discerning man needs to be aware of them. However, we still show the price of a typical product and rank them from affordable to expensive.
Why the Jacket Index?
We believe that someone only truly owns a brand of clothing if they own a jacket. Many people buy t-shirts, polos, or jeans and stop there. However, a committed brand evangelist will acquire a jacket or coat of the brands they love.
For that reason, we also believe that the fashion brands themselves price their jackets at a point to indicate the value they place on their brand.
The Jackets chosen are the ones shown first on their website, regardless of price. This assumption works on the premise that the brands show off their most iconic, brand-defining jacket first.
We feel the rankings are pretty accurate. If you scroll through them, we are confident you will agree with most of it. Remember, in using an innovative method like this; there will always be some controversy. So surely everyone won’t agree.
Still, we feel it’s accurate, and it presents the discerning male shopper with a comprehensive guide to help him decide which brands are for him.
The Top 120 Fashion Brands for Men Ranked from Affordable to Designer Brands
1. Hanes
The first brand on our list, coming in at the most affordable, is Hanes. Hanes is best known for providing comfortable clothing for the whole family.
John Wesley Hanes founded Hanes in 1900 in Winston, North Carolina. It was initially known as Shamrock Knitting Mills.
Jacket used for ranking: Hanes Men’s Nano Premium Lightweight Quarter-Zip Jacket
Price: $13
2. ASOS
ASOS is primarily a British online retailer, selling more than 850 brands, including both fashion and cosmetics. They also design and market their own fashion line.
ASOS was founded in 2000 in London, UK. The brand today deprecates the origin of its name — AsSeenOnScreen, but the name is still written in all uppercase letters: ASOS.
Jacket used for ranking: ASOS DESIGN ma1 bomber jacket in burgundy
Price: $24
3. Vans
Vans is an American brand providing shoes and apparel for skateboarders.
In 1966 in Anaheim, California, Paul Van Doren, aka “Dutch the Clutch,” his brother James Van Doren, and Gordon Lee launched The Van Doren Rubber Company. It was a shoe retailer.
Today Vans is based in Santa Ana, California, and provides trendy sneakers and clothes aimed at the young skateboard and street crowd.
Jacket used for ranking: Torrey Coaches Jacket
Price: $50
4. H&M
Hennis & Mauritz — aka H&M — is a Swedish multinational designer and retailer of fast-fashion clothing. H&M can be found in more than 60 countries and operates more than 4,000 stores.
H&M is the second-largest clothing retailer in the world after Inditex, which owns Zara. It was founded in 1947 in Sweden by Erling Persson.
H&M is well-known for fast-fashion clothing.
Jacket used for ranking: Patterned Coat
Price: $50
5. Reebok
Reebok is best known for its athletic footwear. In recent times it has also provided the explosively growing CrossFit movement with apparel.
Reebok has its roots in Bolton, England, where Joseph William Foster designed some of the earliest running shoes with spikes in 1895. He founded the company J.W. Foster in 1900.
Many years later, in 1958, two of his grandsons Joe and Jeff Foster, founded the company Reebok. They continued building the legacy of their grandfather.
One of the founders won a South African dictionary in a race as a child. They used a word from this dictionary to name their brand. ‘Reebok’ is the Afrikaans word for an African antelope — the grey rhebok.
Jacket used for ranking: Classic Advance Track Jacket
Price: $60
6. Under Armour
Under Armour specializes in men’s workout clothes.
Kevin Plank founded the company in 1996. He was a former captain of the University of Maryland Football Team, and he started the business from his grandmother’s basement.
It’s a story of humble beginnings turning into a phenomenal success. Kevin started out driving around with a trunk full of apparel. Today the company’s market capitalization is over $10 billion.
Jacket used for ranking: UA Sportstyle Wind
Price: $60
7. Converse
Converse is an American brand specializing in shoes. They produce skating shoes as well as lifestyle fashion.
They are best known for the Chuck Taylor All Star Sneaker, which walks the streets of nearly every city in the world.
Marquis Mills Converse founded the Converse Rubber Shoe Company in February 1908. They only started manufacturing athletic shoes in 1915.
Jacket used for ranking: Star Chevron Embroidered Pullover
Price: $60
8. Zara
This Spanish apparel retailer is the biggest brand in the Inditex Group, and Inditex is the world’s largest clothing retailer.
Amancio Ortega founded Zara in 1975. He opened a shop named Zorba after Zorba the Greek, only to discover later that a bar by that name already existed.
He then had the already manufactured storefront letters slightly rearranged and changed to form the name, Zara.
Zara specializes in fast-fashion across a wide range of products.
Jacket used for ranking: Contrast Tie-Dye Denim Jacket
Price: $61
9. Levi’s
Levi’s is well-known across the globe for their denim jeans.
Levi Straus was a German immigrant who moved to San Francisco, California. He opened a dry goods business as a second branch of his brother’s New York shop.
Over time his products grew into one of the “Big Three” denim brands. The company headquarters is still in San Francisco today.
Jacket used for ranking: Trucker Jacket
Price: $63
10. Columbia
Columbia designs and manufactures quality outdoor clothing.
The company started as a hat distributor owned by Paul and Mary Lamfrom. Gertrude Boyle, the current chairperson, is their daughter. Paul and Mary purchased the hat distributor in Portland after fleeing Nazi Germany in 1937.
Jacket used for ranking: Men’s Ascender Softshell Jacket
Price: $70
11. Champion
Champion is an American manufacturer of athletic apparel. The red, white, and blue logo is well recognized all over the world.
It started as the “Knickerbocker Knitting Company” in 1919, launched by the Feinbloom brothers. The company soon began producing uniforms for the Michigan Wolverines. In the 1930s, it was renamed as Champion Knitting Mills Inc.
Jacket used for ranking: Champion Men’s Life Track Jacket
Price: $75
12. Uniqlo
Uniqlo is a Japanese company involved in the design, manufacture, and sale of casual wear.
Ogori Shoji — a Japanese company, founded in Ube in 1949 — opened a unisex casual wear shop in Naka-Ku, called “Unique Clothing Warehouse” in 1984. The name was meant to be Unique Clothing, but due to an error, it was registered as Unique Qlothing.
The name was later shortened to Uniqlo.
Jacket used for ranking: Men U Pile-Lined Trucker Jacket
Price: $80
13. American Eagle
American Eagle Outfitters is a lifestyle clothing retailer.
Two brothers, Jerry and Mark Silverman, founded the company in 1977. Its headquarters is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The brand is known for an outdoor-oriented style of clothing.
Jacket used for ranking: AE Dark Wash Denim Jacket
Price: $80
14. Quiksilver
At number 14 on our list of top fashion brands for men, we have the Australian surfwear company, Quiksilver. Just hearing the name Quiksilver conjures up images of boardshorts and bikinis.
Alan Green and John Law of Torquay, Australia, founded the company in 1969. Alan’s wife Barbara suggested the name Quiksilver after she encountered the word quicksilver in a novel.
Today, the company operates out of Huntington Beach, California.
Jacket used for ranking: Neo Inca Hooded Flannel Anorak
Price: $80
15. Fila
Fila is an Italian manufacturer of sporting goods. The brand needs little introduction. Fila was prominent in the ’90s with its Disruptor sneaker. This sneaker is making a comeback in 2018 / 2019.
Giansevero Fila founded the brand in 1911, in Biella, Piedmont, Italy. It initially made underwear and other clothes for the people of the Italian Alps.
After striking an endorsement deal with Björn Borg, a former Swedish World No. 1 tennis player, it moved into sportswear in the 1970s and began its ascent to becoming a recognized brand.
Jacket used for ranking: Katya Wind Jacket
Price: $85
16. Timberland
Timberland manufactures and sells outdoor wear, with a particular focus on footwear. They are best known for their quality leather boots — specifically for their yellow nubuck boot.
Nathan Swartz bought The Abington Shoe Company in the ’50s. The company’s name changed to The Timberland Company in the ’70s as a result of the popularity of its yellow, outdoors, waterproof boots.
Jacket used for ranking: Men’s Mount Clay Waterproof Jacket
Price: $90
17. Everlane
Everlane is a primarily online clothing retailer. It specializes in modern essentials. Some of the items they sell are offered at different price points, allowing the customers to decide what they pay.
Michael Preysman and Jesse Farmer founded the company in 2010.
Jacket used for ranking: The ReNew Reversible Fleece Jacket
Price: $98
18. Mott & Bow
Mott & Bow was founded on the quest to provide customers premium denim jeans at a reasonable price. As the 18th most affordable on our list, they seem to live up to their mission.
Alejandro Chahin, the founder, started his more than 30 years of experience with denim in a family-owned denim manufacturing facility in Honduras. He has mastered every process involved in crafting quality denim from a very young age.
Jacket used for ranking: Light Merino Wool Crew – Lucas
Price: $99
19. Adidas
If you are alive on planet earth in 2019, you have seen the Adidas logo. Probably, you have seen it thousands of times. So no introduction is necessary here.
This multi-national corporation was founded and retains its headquarters in Germany. They design and manufacture sports shoes, clothing, and accessories for young and old. They also proudly sponsor top sports stars and teams.
Adolf ‘Adi’ Dassler founded Adidas after splitting away from a business he was involved in with his brother. He started making sports shoes after WWI in his mother’s laundry room.
As you will read further below, his brother launched Puma after the split.
Jacket used for ranking: VRCT Jacket
Price: $100
20. Kappa
Kappa is an Italian sportswear brand. It’s Northern Italian roots are visible in its streetwear designs. It holds dear the values of quality, humanity, and authenticity, as is reflected by its Omini logo.
It became Kappa only in 1967 but started making socks as early as 1916 in Turin, Italy.
Jacket used for ranking: Authentic La Beris Full-Zip Hoodie
Price: $100
21. Standard Issue Tees
Standard Issue Tees are famous for plain t-shirts that are not exactly plain. Of course, t-shirts are still the staple of most men’s wardrobes.
These t-shirts are made with heavy-weight cotton, and they last! They’re all manufactured in the United States. You can order one, or a pack of three.
Oh, and they are certified sweatshop-free.
Jacket used for ranking: JSP Corporate Hoody
Price: $110
22. Rhone Apparel
Rhone specializes in men’s workout clothes. They engineer high-performance fitness apparel.
Rhone’s activewear incorporates innovative anti-stink technology.
Their products can be purchased online with fast shipping and free returns or exchanges.
Jacket used for ranking: Sideline Pullover
Price: $118
23. J.Crew
J.Crew is a multi-brand retailer. Their offering for men includes outerwear, swimwear, bags, sweaters, denim, suiting, and shoes.
Mitchell Cinader and Saul Charles started a company called Popular Merchandise in 1947. They experienced rapid growth in the ’80s due to catalog marketing and sales.
In 1983, they changed their name to J.Crew.
Jacket used for ranking: Box quilted vest with eco-friendly Primaloft
Price: $120
24. Oakley
Oakley is known for its sports performance sunglasses. They are not used only by sports stars. Thousands of men all around the world swear by Oakley.
In addition to sunglasses, Oakley manufactures sports visors, ski goggles, apparel, and other accessories.
In 1975, James Jannard started Oakley in his garage with $300 of startup capital. He named his brand after his dog, Oakley Anne.
Jacket used for ranking: Hot Springs Thermal Fleece FZ
Price: $120
25. Ellesse
Ellesse is an Italian sports apparel brand. Today it focuses on everyday clothing and streetwear and offers you comfort and style.
Leonardo Servadio founded Ellesse in Perugia in 1959. The name Ellesse stems from his initials — L.S.
Jacket used for ranking: Mont 2 half-zip jacket anthracite
Price: $120
26. Public Rec
Public Rec is a casual wear brand. It manufactures technical leisure apparel. Their slogan says that they make “leisurewear for everywhere.”
In a short time, they have become well-known for iconic products such as the All Day Every Day Pant, The Crosstown Bomber (used for ranking), and the Go-To Tee.
Zach Goldstein founded Public Rec, which is a modern-day startup. He used Kickstarter to launch and fund the All Day Every Day Pant and sold more than 2,000 pairs to bring in $180,000.
Jacket used for ranking: Crosstown Bomber
Price: $128
27. Patagonia
Patagonia is an outdoor clothing brand. Their well-known logo depicts the outline of Mount Fitz Roy, which borders Chile and Argentina.
They offer a fantastic range of well-manufactured, eco-friendly clothes. They have always been a favorite amongst outdoor enthusiasts, but they are fast turning into one of the more popular outdoor brands in the world.
Yvon Chouinard, a rock climber, opened the first Patagonia store in 1973. However, he manufactured and sold mountain climbing gear since 1957.
Jacket used for ranking: M’s Torrentshell Jacket
Price: $129
28. Guess
Guess is known for innovative denim. It’s an American clothing manufacturer and retailer.
Some Guess jeans feature a signature zipper on each ankle.
Guess has its origins as a book of styles, by Georges Marciano. It later developed into the brand we trust for denim and other casual wear today. They have 484 shops around the world.
Jacket used for ranking: Denim Jacket
Price: $130
29. New Balance
New Balance is an American Multinational Corporation. It manufactures sports footwear and apparel. They claim their footwear “goes the distance with you.”
New Balance was founded in 1906 by William J. Riley — an Irish immigrant. He manufactured arch supports designed to improve shoe fit. The “New Balance” offered by his arch supports was based on the chicken’s three-pronged foot.
Jacket used for ranking: NYC Marathon Windcheater Jacket
Price: $130
30. Billabong
Billabong manufactures surf and snow technical clothing and gear. They are known as a surf company, but they also provide watches, backpacks, skateboard, and snowboard products under other brand-names.
In 1973, Gordon Merchant launched the company on the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia. He manufactured boardshorts at his home and sold it to surf shops. Soon, surfers raved about the durability of his boardshorts, due to his triple-stitching technique.
Jacket used for ranking: Barlow Sherpa Jacket
Price: $130
31. Calvin Klein
Despite manufacturing many different fashion items, Calvin Klein is undeniably best known for its underwear.
Calvin Klein is a luxury fashion house. It was founded by Calvin Klein as a coat shop in New York City in 1968.
Jacket used for ranking: Regular Fit Denim Bomber Jacket
Price: $138
32. Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch is an American retailer. It specializes in casual wear.
Abercrombie Co was founded way back in 1892, by David T Abercrombie. It started as an outfitter for the elite outdoorsman. A wealthy lawyer, Ezra Fitch, bought a substantial share of the company in 1900. In 1904 the company incorporated and was renamed to Abercrombie & Fitch.
Jacket used for ranking: Sherpa-Lined Trucker Jacket
Price: $140
33. Puma
Puma designs and manufactures athletic footwear, in addition to other apparel and accessories. They are perhaps best known for sports shoes doubling up as trendy casual shoes.
Interestingly, Puma was founded by Rudolph Dassler — the brother of Adolf ‘Adi’ Dassler, the founder of Adidas. They were in business together for many years but split up in 1948. Puma was first called Ruda (based on Rudolph Dassler) but soon settled on Puma.
Jacket used for ranking: PUMA x KARL LAGERFELD Men’s Track Jacket
Price: $140
34. Outerknown
Outerknown is a sustainable lifestyle clothing brand created by pro-surfer Kelly Slater and well-known designer John Moore.
They set out in 2015 to create a brand that made an authentic connection between style and sustainability.
Jacket used for ranking: Viento Reversible Vest
Price: $145
35. Lee
Lee is an American manufacturer of denim jeans. It’s considered one of the ‘Big Three’ denim manufacturers, together with Levi’s and Wrangler.
Henry David Lee founded the brand in 1889, initially producing dungarees and jackets. In the early nineteen hundreds, Lee experienced robust growth through the introduction of Union-All work jumpsuits and overalls. They introduced the zipper fly in the ’20s.
During the second half of the 20th century, Lee’s focus shifted from workwear to casual wear.
Jacket used for ranking: Lee European Collection – Men’s Sherpa Rider Jacket – Vintage Worn
Price: $146
36. Tommy John
Tommy John claims to have fixed men’s underwear.
Tommy John was founded by the husband and wife team, Tom and Erin. They risked it all on their quest to bring the world more comfortable underwear.
They offer a 20% discount to military personnel and first responders, and also to teachers and students in the US.
Jacket used for ranking: Go Anywhere® French Terry Hoodie.
Price: $148
37. Banana Republic
Banana Republic is an American clothing retailer. They focus versatile contemporary classics, with a style that endures.
Mel and Patricia Ziegler founded the company in 1978. Their jobs forced them to travel but brought them in contact with exciting new clothes. Eventually, they opened a store in Northern California and produced a hand-drawn catalog with stories.
Jacket used for ranking: Corduroy Trucker Jacket
Price: $149
38. Frank And Oak
Frank and Oak provide low environmental-impact fashion. They pride themselves in using methods that minimize the impact on our planet.
The result is stunning clothing that can you can wear without any guilty feelings.
Ethan Song and Hicham Ratnani founded Frank And Oak in 2012, on principles of quality essentials and personalized experience.
Jacket used for ranking: Sherpa-Lined Denim Jacket in Indigo
Price: $149
39. Hollister
Hollister is a lifestyle brand subsidiary of Abercrombie & Fitch. They focus on casual wear.
They initially targeted 14- to 18-year-olds, at a lower price point than Abercrombie & Fitch. Southern California inspires their casual wear.
The first Hollister store opened in June 2000.
Jacket used for ranking: Faux-Fur-Lined Parka
Price: $160
40. Fred Perry
Fred Perry is well-known for its laurel logo. It appears on the left front of their tennis shirts.
The brand is named for Frederick John Perry, a former World No. 1 tennis player. He founded the brand in 1952.
Fred Perry has been popular with various generations of British subcultures ever since its launch.
Jacket used for ranking: Made in Japan Track Jacket
Price: $175
41. Goodlife
Goodlife believes that a man makes his clothes. They want their products to enable men to enjoy the good life (hence, then name).
The founder, Chris Molnar, watched his father realize the American dream as an immigrant. His father launched Hugo Boss in North America.
Jacket used for ranking: Felt Fleece Shirt Jacket
Price: $185
42. Bonobos
Bonobos claims to provide better-fitting and better-looking men’s clothing. It seems like consumers agree. Twelve years since launch, their fitted chinos are famous.
The company is an e-commerce driven apparel retailer that designs and markets men’s clothing.
The company was founded by designer Brian Spaly and his housemate Andy Dunn, in 2007. Dunn used money from his 401(k) to fund the launch.
Jacket used for ranking: The Quilted Bomber
Price: $198
43. G-Star Raw
G-Star Raw is a Dutch designer fashion brand. The brand’s specialty is raw denim — and untreated and unwashed denim. Their designs take inspiration from vintage military apparel.
The brand was founded in Amsterdam by Jos van Tilburg in 1989.
Jacket used for ranking: Bolt Zip Bomber
Price: $210
44. Reigning Champ
Reigning Champ is a premium athletic wear designer and manufacturer. They are all about simplicity and respecting the details.
The brand uses heavyweight fleece as one of its signature materials. They create top quality basics, such as t-shirts, hoodies, caps, shorts, sweatpants, and tank tops in heavyweight fleece, cotton, and merino wool.
Craig Atkinson founded the brand in 2007.
Jacket used for ranking: Running Jacket
Price: $220
45. Carhartt WIP
Carhartt Work in Progress (WIP) designs a comprehensive collection of clothing with a focus on comfort and durability.
Carhartt Inc is a US apparel company founded in 1889. In 1989, 100 years after it was launched, two German designers specializing in denim — Edwin and Salomee Faeh — asked to represent Carhartt in Europe. A few years later, they were granted permission to design their own lines using the name Carhartt Work in Progress (WIP).
Jacket used for ranking: Clash Parka
Price: $225
46. Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Hilfiger is an American premium clothing company, focusing on the cool American style. Hilfiger, the designer, is perhaps best known for his red, white, and blue flag logo and his iconic styles. The brand claims to deliver a modern twist on the traditional.
Tommy Hilfiger founded the company in 1985. The brand announced its entrance into the market with a controversial, high-profile marketing campaign.
The launch campaign included a giant George Lois billboard in Times Square. Calvin Klein got into a screaming match with Lois over the advertisement in a restaurant.
Jacket used for ranking: Lewis Hamilton Denim Jacket
Price: $230
47. Taylor Stitch
Taylor Stitch is all about sustainable fashion. They produce clothing that will last longer, create a smaller carbon footprint, and is manufactured using much less water. The brand is a pioneer for finding a better way to create fashion.
Three friends — Mike, Mike, and Barrett — started Taylor Stitch in San Francisco in 2008 after struggling to find a well-fitting shirt.
In a further effort to be responsible and do sustainable business, the brand recently announced a new initiative called Restitch. It is a buyback program that offers used clothing a second life and keeps it from being discarded and polluting our planet.
Jacket used for ranking: The Coit Jacket
Price: $238
48. Superdry
Superdry says that it uses vintage Americana styling with Japanese inspired graphics. The brand is best known for its colorful boardshorts and golf shirts.
Superdry is a trendy brand, and some go so far as to say that in London, you’re never more than six feet away from a piece of Superdry clothing.
Superdry was founded by Ian Hibbs, Julian Dunkerton and James Holder in 2003. The first store opened in Covent Garden in London in 2004.
Jacket used for ranking: Everest Bomber Jacket
Price: $240
49. Lacoste
Lacoste is best known for its green crocodile logo on quality sporting apparel.
The brand delivers classic, modern clothing that is inspired by French elegance and sport.
René Lacoste and André Gillier founded La Chemise Lacoste in 1933. René had designed a revolutionary tennis shirt with a crocodile logo. The company started by producing these shirts.
Jacket used for ranking: Hooded Sports Jacket
Price: $246
50. The North Face
The North Face is well known for its supreme quality activewear and outdoor sports gear.
They believe exploration produces a bond with the outdoors, and they are on a mission to create the gear needed to enable it. The North Face is named for the most unforgiving, coldest side of a mountain.
Douglas and Susie Tompkins founded The North Face in San Francisco as a climbing equipment retail store in 1966. Kenneth “Hap” Klopp acquired it two years later.
Jacket used for ranking: Men’s 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
Price: $249
51. Nautica
Nautica is a worldwide leader in lifestyle fashion. They are considered a semi-premium American apparel brand.
The name in Italian means seamanship and is based on the Greek word for Naval. The brand inspires and equips people to experience the pleasure of water.
David Chu and a partner founded the brand in 1983. In 1984, it was sold to State-o-Main.
Jacket used for ranking: Limited Edition Competition Spinnaker Jacket
Price: $249
52. Perry Ellis
Perry Ellis focuses on apparel for the modern man. They produce suits, dress shirts, designer denim, fragrances, and underwear.
The brand was founded by and named after designer Perry Ellis, who opened a showroom on New York’s Seventh Avenue in 1978.
Perry earned eight Coty American Fashion Critics’ Awards.
Jacket used for ranking: Utility Jacket
Price: $250
53. Massimo Dutti
Despite sounding like an Italian fashion house, Massimo Dutti is a Spanish clothing brand that provides high street clothing.
Armando Lasauca founded Massimo Dutti in 1985 in Barcelona, Spain. The brand forms part of the Inditex group — the largest clothing retailer in the world — together with Zara. It’s the classic chic brand of the group.
Jacket used for ranking: Extralight Black Down Jacket
Price: $250
54. Handvaerk
Handvaerk is a specialist label that creates modern essentials. The name derives from the Danish word for ‘craft.’ They focus on creating everyday, essential items with high quality.
It is a young brand, founded by Esteban Saba and Petra Brichnacova — a husband and wife team — in 2013 in New York.
Jacket used for ranking: Alpaca + Cotton Bomber
Price: $275
55. Saturdays NYC
The new York-based clothing brand Saturdays NYC is fast making a name for itself as one of the hottest lifestyle brands around.
Colin Tunstall, Morgan Collett, and Josh Rosen opened a store in 2009, combining their love of surf culture with interests in coffee, music, and design.
Their Soho store is a favorite hang-out with its stylish menswear collections, artist exhibitions, and a coffee shop. You’ll even see some surfboards.
Jacket used for ranking: William Moleskin Parka
Price: $325
56. Ralph Lauren Collection
Ralph Lauren’s focus is on the latest trends and runway looks.
The brand is part of the Ralph Lauren Collection that also includes Polo Ralph Lauren, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Club Monaco, Chaps, and Denim and Supply Ralph Lauren.
The Ralph Lauren Corporation started with men’s ties in 1967. His first full collection was called Polo due to a love of sports.
Jacket used for ranking: Camo Ripstop Overshirt
Price: $328
57. Michael Kors
Michael Kors is a brand best known for its designer bags. Its products and clothing are popular because of their stunning designs and aesthetics.
Designer Michael Kors was born Karl Anderson Jr. He was interested in fashion from a young age, possibly due to his mother being a model.
Michael designed Michelle Obama’s dress for her first official portrait.
Jacket used for ranking: Painted Quilted Puffer Jacket
Price: $328
58. Supreme
Supreme is a shop and brand that focuses on skateboarding and hip hop supplies and clothing. It caters to the youth market.
James Jebbia founded the brand in 1994, but he holds no title within the company. The first store opened on Lafayette Street, Manhattan. The unique interior design was done with skaters in mind. The apparel was arranged around the perimeter of the store, leaving an open central space allowing skaters to skate into the store and feel at home.
Jacket used for ranking: Delta Logo Varsity Jacket
Price: $338
59. Barbour
Barbour, famous for its iconic wax cotton jacket, is a British luxury and lifestyle brand.
Scotsman John Barbour founded J. Barbour and Sons Ltd in 1894 in South Shields, England. He was an importer of oil-cloth.
His grandson Duncan loved motorcycles and took the brand in that direction. During his tenure, Barbour became known for their waxed cotton motorcycling jackets and suits.
Jacket used for ranking: Barbour Icons International Wax Jacket
Price: $348
60. Gap Inc
Gap is a global clothing and accessories retailer. Traditionally Gap’s focus was on affordable and simple basics for the whole family. Nowadays, they are giving some mixed signals.
They are number 60 on our list here, and that is slap bang in the middle — not really what you would call affordable.
The Gap Inc. was founded in 1969 by Don Fischer.
Jacket used for ranking: Suede Shirt Jacket
Price: $368
61. Rag & Bone
Rag & Bone claims to offer an effortless urban style with expert craftsmanship.
In 2002, Nathan Bogle and Marcus Wainwright founded Raw & Bone. They launched their Men’s clothing line two years later.
They distinguish themselves by combining modern, directional design with British heritage.
Jacket used for ranking: Definitive Jean Jacket
Price: $374
62. Oliver Sweeney
Oliver Sweeney is a UK based brand offering men’s designer shoes and boots.
As a 16-year-old, Oliver Sweeney ran off to London to become a shoemaker in 1969. He learned his craft from some of the best shoemakers of the time and then went into business for himself.
Subsequently, he has become one of the most recognized maverick shoemakers of his generation.
Jacket used for ranking: Trescowe Stone Heavy Weight Cotton Mac
Price: $380
63. Indochino
Indochino is best known for their suits. It’s a men’s clothing retailer that produces and ships made-to-measure suits, jackets, vests, shirts, and chinos out of Dalian, China.
26-year-old Heikal Gani and 22-year-old Kyle Vucko founded Indochino while they were both students at the University of Victoria. They had trouble sourcing a reasonably priced suit that was made-to-measure and then founded a company that would do just that. They launched their website in 2007.
Indochino was featured as one of America’s Most Promising Startups by BusinessWeek in 2011.
Jacket used for ranking: Heartford Camel Overcoat
Price: $395
64. Sunspel
Sunspel is a British garment manufacturer and retailer, specializing in British luxury staples.
A Sunspel t-shirt is more than just that in their eyes. They make everything with care and attention and pour their best into everyday items.
Thomas Hill opened a textile factory in 1960 in Newdigate, Nottingham. That was the birth of the Sunspel brand.
Jacket used for ranking: Men’s Wide Wale
Price: $424
65. Diesel
Diesel is known for sexy denim and their hip slogans. Their clothing and accessories have been branded with statements like For successful Living and Only the Brave throughout the years, making them a popular choice with the younger generations and sub-cultures.
Diesel is an Italian retail clothing company.
In 1976 Renzo Rossi started working for Motex, owned by Adriano Goldschmied. Two years later, he acquired 40% stock in the company. The company changed its name to Diesel and started manufacturing jeans.
In 1985, Rossi bought the remainder of the company.
Jacket used for ranking: Long coat with detachable hood
Price: $448
66. Nike
Nike’s slogan of “Just Do It” is one of the best-known phrases in the world. Nike creates and sells athletic gear with a strong focus on footwear.
Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman and founded Nike in 1964 under another name — it renamed to Nike in 1971.
The brand is named for the Greek goddess of victory.
Jacket used for ranking: Nike Classic x Sport
Price: $450
67. Helly Hansen
Helly Hansen is a Norwegian manufacturer of ocean and mountain gear. It features a striking red logo, which reminds a little of that of their competitor The North Face.
Helly Juell Hansen worked at sea from the age of 14. He and his wife Maren Margarethe got into the gear trade in 1877. Helly was aged 35 at the time.
They started producing oilskin jackets, trousers, sou’westers, and tarpaulins and sold thousands in their first five years. The company started exporting its products after winning a diploma of excellence at the Paris Expo.
Jacket used for ranking: Alpha 3.0 Jacket
Price: $450
68. ATM
ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo is a fashion brand offering a full lifestyle collection of sportswear.
ATM focuses on using the finest fabrics to ensure that their garments are of the best quality and offer luxurious comfort. Their pieces are simple, but customers fall in love with the high quality.
Designer Anthony Thomas Melillo launched ATM in 2012.
Jacket used for ranking: Boxy Jacket
Price: $475
69. Thursday Boot Co.
Thursday Boot Co. specializes in high-quality, durable boots at great prices. Thursday Boots are constructed for both work and play. The company claims that these boots have the durability you expect from work boots, and the sophistication you expect from designer shoes.
You get all that at a very reasonable price point.
Thursday is another modern-day fashion brand that was exploded onto the scene using the crowd-funding service Kickstarter. Nolan Walsch and Connor Wilson, who met while students at Columbia University’s business school, launched the brand in 2014.
Jacket used for ranking: Motorcycle Jacket
Price: $489
70. Buck Mason
Buck Mason is an LA-based menswear brand that offers modern American classics. It conducts business both online and offline.
Erik Allen and Sasha Koehn founded Buck Mason in 2013 in Los Angeles, California. The brand produces t-shirts, jeans, and chinos, as well as some branded accessories.
Tom Brady wore a Buck Mason t-shirt during his 2016 Man of the Year photoshoot.
Jacket used for ranking: Bruiser Moto Jacket
Price: $495
71. SuitSupply
SuitSupply has been ranked as the no. 1 suit by the Wall Street Journal. They offer a fashionable collection of men’s suits.
They consider themselves a market-defining brand, and their wares have earned them strong international growth.
Fokke de Jong founded the company in 2000 in Amsterdam.
One way they add a personal touch is by having an onsite tailor that performs alterations while you wait, providing you with a perfect fit.
Jacket used for ranking: Havana Blue Check Jacket
Price: $499
72. Comme Des Garçons
Comme Des Garçons is French for “like boys.” This Japanese brand provides a unique fashion that is funky and radical and helps customers transcend gender stereotypes.
Rei Kawakubo is the founder and heads up the label. Their two primary locations are Tokyo and Paris, where they participate in the Paris Men’s Fashion Week.
Jacket used for ranking: Tricot Comme des Garçons
Price: $545
73. Versace
Versace is an Italian, luxury fashion company. This brand is only listed at number 73 on our list, but we are starting to get into designer territory now.
Gianni Versace used Medusa as his brand’s logo since she had the power to make people fall in love with her without any way back. He hoped his company would have the same effect on customers. It sure has. Versace is known for its design innovation, having bright colors and flashy prints.
Gianni Versace founded the fashion brand in 1978. Sadly the design maestro was assassinated in 1997.
Jacket used for ranking: Baroque Print Beach Jacket
Price: $625
74. Hugo Boss
Hugo Boss (aka BOSS) is a German luxury fashion house. It specializes in classic business attire and casual athleisurewear.
Hugo Boss founded the brand in 1924. In the ’30s, with the rise of the Nazi Party, Hugo started supplying Nazi uniforms. He would eventually provide the wartime government with uniforms for amongst other organizations the SS.
After the war, Hugo Boss shifted its focus from uniforms to men’s suits.
Jacket used for ranking: Blouson-style bomber jacket in virgin-wool flannel
Price: $645
75. John Elliott + Co
John Elliott is the man who started the high-end sweatpants revolution. The brand specializes in sports apparel. It focuses on standout basics and has a healthy online fanbase.
The line was founded by designer John Elliott and business brain Aaron Lavee in 2012. These two were friends since high school.
GQ Magazine named John Elliott + Co as one of the “Best New Menswear Designers of America” in 2018.
Jacket used for ranking: High Shrunk Nylon Parachute Jacket
Price: $648
76. Todd Snyder
Todd Snyder is in the business of producing effortless everyday luxuries for the modern gentleman. GC calls him the man who taught men to love clothes, and the most influential menswear designer of his generation.
Todd Snyder has been involved in design collaborations with top brands such as New Balance, Timex, and Champion.
The brand was founded by the man in 2011 in New York City.
Jacket used for ranking: Wool Cruiser Jacket in Olive
Price: $698
77. Kenzo
Kenzo is a French luxury fashion house. The brand’s designs show Japanese influences while adhering to the culture of Paris.
The Japanese designer Kenzo Takada founded Kenzo in 1970. Kenzo moved from Japan to Paris in 1964.
Jacket used for ranking: Varsity “Tiger Mountain’ Jacket
Price: $752
78. Costume National
Costume National designs rebellious, quasi-gothic, rock-esque clothing. Their fragrances are also well-known.
Ennio Capasa and his brother Carlo Capasa founded the company in 1986 in Milan. Enio worked as an assistant to Yohji Yamamoto before this.
Jacket used for ranking: Synthetic M-65
Price: $783
79. Aether Apparel
Aether Apparel specializes in technologically advanced fabrics used in the construction of apparel fit for urban or outdoor adventures.
Palmer West and Jonah Smith launched Aether in 2009. They were businessmen, yet they both wanted to wear outerwear that supported who they were without making them look like construction workers.
The line was born out of a need for men’s fashion that didn’t look out of place in the city but was tough enough to endure the great outdoors.
Jacket used for ranking: Barrow Jacket
Price: $795
80. A Bathing Ape
A Bathing Ape is a Japanese fashion line specializing in lifestyle and streetwear. It is considered expensive by some consumers.
A Bathing Ape was founded by Nigo (Tomoaki Nagao) in 1993. He left the brand in 2013.
Jacket used for ranking: Tiger embroidered reversible bomber jacket
Price: $809
81. Helmut Lang
Helmut Lang offers minimalist styles, with clean lines. Their collections are anti-embellishment.
Austrian fashion designer Helmut Lang created the eponymous label in 1986. He started as a fashion autodidact at the age of 23.
Helmut’s minimalist approach was also apparent in his web page in the early 2000s. Unknowing visitors would have been excused for thinking the page was still under construction. The home page was almost blank, with only a few links to his ready-to-wear collections, accessories, perfumes, store information, and press images.
Jacket used for ranking: Tuxedo Jacket
Price: $895
82. Prada
Prada is an Italian, luxury fashion house. It is best known for its leather handbags.
Mario and Martino Prada started the company in 1913, as a leather goods shop called Fratelli Prada, in Milan, Italy. Mario prevented female family members from being part of the business. Ironically his daughter took over the company since his son showed no interest.
Luisa Prada ran the business for almost 20 years until her daughter Miuccia Prada eventually took over in 1978.
Jacket used for ranking: Shell Puffer Jacket
Price: $960
83. Burberry
Burberry is a venerable British brand well-known for its cashmere scarves, trench coats, and iconic check. It specializes in British identity outerwear pieces.
Thomas Burberry founded the brand in 1856. Burberry developed its own fabric called Gabardine. It’s one of a kind fabric that is completely waterproof and breathable. It is produced exclusively for Burberry.
Jacket used for ranking: Monogram Fleece Jacquard Jacket
Price: $960
84. Moncler
Moncler has developed a reputation for creating down jackets. They also produce sportswear. The brand is an Italian apparel and lifestyle company.
André Vincent and René Ramillon founded Moncler in 1952.
The name Moncler derives from the abbreviation of Monestier-de-Clermont, a town near Grenoble, France.
Jacket used for ranking: MAYA
Price: $1 039
85. Paul Smith
Paul Smith is known for its high fashion and formalwear.
Sir Paul Smith CBE RDI founded his eponymous fashion company in 1970. It has since expanded into over 70 countries,
In 1991, Paul was made a Royal Designer for Industry. Queen Elizabeth II knighted him in 2000.
Jacket used for ranking: Men’s Tailored-Fit Navy Blazer
Price: $1 040
86. Stone Island
Stone Island says they apply research and technology to material. It is an Italian high-end men’s apparel brand known for its innovative fabrics.
In 1974, Massimo Osti founded his label, then called C.P. Company. Stone Island was initially a distribution line of this label. Stone Island specialized in dyeing techniques and the surface treatment of fabrics.
Jacket used for ranking: 42434 Tank Shield Wool_Stretch Multi Layer Fusion Technology
Price: $1 105
87. Aimé Leon Dore
Aimé Leon Dore is a lifestyle fashion brand in Queens, New York. It is known for its simple yet powerful designs.
Teddy Santis founded the men’s fashion label in 2014.
Ever since its inception, Aimé Leon Dore has collaborated on collections. In 2015 it collaborated with Puma on a redesigned version of Puma’s classic State sneaker. In 2017, it worked with KITH on a variety of lifestyle pieces.
Jacket used for ranking: Donegal Tweed Shawl Coat
Price: $1 150
88. Cartier
Cartier is a French luxury goods conglomerate. It designs, manufactures, and distributes fine jewelry and watches.
Louis-François Cartier founded the brand in Paris in 1847. The brand remained under family control until 1964.
Jacket used for ranking: Must De Cartier Bag, Portfolio
Price: $1 190
89. Mr. Porter
Mr. Porter is a multi-brand online retailer of designer fashion, but it also produces its own label. Mr. Porter has been the source for many distinguished gentlemen of versatile, tailored style.
Mr. Porter houses the best inventory from classic to new-age streetwear. It’s the go-to place for discerning gentlemen, but make sure you have deep pockets.
Mr. Porter was established in 2011 by the YOOX Net-a-Porter Group.
Jacket used for ranking: Shearling Trimmed Leather Bomber Jacket
Price: $1 250
90. Thom Browne
Thom Browne specializes in suits and formalwear. The brand’s signature is a line of grey suits. The designs were inspired by Thom’s father, who wore a grey suit to work every day.
Thom Browne founded the eponymous brand and remains head of design for the New York City-based brand. Browne debuted his womenswear collection in 2014.
Thom Browne makes good use of two colors — grey and navy—to put together masterful collections.
Jacket used for ranking: 4 Bar Donegal Tweed Sport Coat
Price: $1 490
91. Dsquared2
Dsquared2 offers an alternate concept to luxury. The brand is known for its sexy and provocative styles, and it represents Italian tailoring with sophisticated, chic glamour.
Dean and Dan Catenacci, identical twin brothers, founded Dsquared2 in 1995. In the early 2000s, Madonna commissioned the twins to design over 150 pieces for her.
Jacket used for ranking: Virgin Wool 80s Blazer
Price: $1 570
92. Alyx
Alyx is a brand built on the concept of high-quality materials mixed with underground culture. It’s a luxury label with strong ties to the streets and a start-up attitude.
Matthew Williams founded Alyx in 2015. Alyx is named for his daughter.
Williams has done extensive research into garment construction and fashion philosophy. Today Williams lives and works in Ferrara, Italy.
Jacket used for ranking: Spider Plaid Denim Jacket
Price: $1 602
93. Valentino
Valentino has a super edgy style. It is an Italian clothing company that earned a reputation for its red dresses. The shade of red used would later become known as Valentino Red.
The brand was founded in 1960 when Garavani opened a fashion house on Via Condotti in Rome, Italy. He had the backing of his father and his father’s associate Giancarlo Giammetti.
Jacket used for ranking: Moncler VLogo Lacquered Nylon Padded Jacket
Price: $1 733
94. Balmain
This luxury French fashion house is known for its luxurious decorative fabrics and luxe trims. It operates 16 mono-brand shops.
Pierre Balmain founded Balmain shortly after the end of WWII. In the period that followed, he became the “king of French fashion.” Some of the stars he outfitted include Ava Gardner, Brigitte Bardot, the Nicaraguan first lady Hope Portocarrero, and Queen Sirikit of Thailand.
Jacket used for ranking: Faded black denim jacket with Balmain logo
Price: $1 750
95. Neil Barrett
The Neil Barret brand is built around minimalist menswear.
The eponymous brand was founded in 1999 and debuted on the runway in 2000 at Pitti Uomo.
Neil Barrett delivers distinctive and innovative designs at the bleeding edge of progressive menswear. It offers a modern interpretation of some timeless staples.
Jacket used for ranking: Oversize Eco Fur Coat
Price: $1 915
96. Dior Homme
Dior Men or Dior Homme is the menswear division of the French clothing retailer Christian Dior. Dior Homme introduced a slim silhouette, which has since been followed by many in the fashion industry.
Dior Homme uses a bee logo visible on the top-right of polo shorts and bottom-right of knitwear.
Christian Dior founded the House of Diorin 1946. However, the current Dior corporation states 1947 as their launch year.
Jacket used for ranking: Jacket
Price: $1 950
97. Fendi
Fendi is known for designs incorporating fur and leather. It is an Italian, luxury fashion house.
It produces fur, leather goods, ready-to-wear, fragrances, shoes, timepieces, eyewear, and accessories.
Adele and Edoardo Fendi founded Fendi in 1925 in Rome.
Jacket used for ranking: Black wool blazer
Price: $1 980
98. Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen is known for punky streetwear and strong graphic effects.
The brand’s founder, Lee Alexander McQueen CBE, was a British fashion designer. He sharpened his skills as chief designer at Givenchy from 1996 to 2001 before founding the Alexander McQueen label in 1992.
Jacket used for ranking: Highlight Glen Plaid Jacket
Price: $2 055
99. Maison Margiela
Maison Margiela features deconstructive and avant-garde designs with unconventional materials.
The French luxury fashion house is headquartered in Paris. Belgian designer Martin Margiela founded it in 1988.
It produces artisanal collections and ready-to-wear.
Jacket used for ranking: Fitted Wool Coat
Price: $2 250
100. Allen Edmonds
Allen Edmonds is an upscale shoe manufacturer. They are best known for their perennial best-seller, the Park Avenue leather shoe.
The brand was established in Belgium, Wisconsin, in 1922.
Allen Edmonds built a strong following while providing shoes to the US Army during WWII. Many of the soldiers remained loyal to the brand after the war.
Jacket used for ranking: Shearling Hip Coat
Price: $2 295
101. Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent is a luxury fashion house. The house is known for its modern and iconic pieces.
Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé, founded Saint Laurent in 1961 in Paris, France.
Yves Saint Laurent passed away in 2008.
Jacket used for ranking: Saint Laurent Teddy In Wool
Price: $2 550
102. SERAC
SERAC offers Italian craftmanship in outerwear without pretensions.
Award-winning Industrial Designer, Tore Mortvedt, established SERAC in 2016. Mordvedt is from Begen, Norway, which is known for its wet and harsh climate. Skiing and a love for the outdoors drew him to outerwear.
Jacket used for ranking: T1 Down Parkas
Price: $2 562
103. Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta is an Italian high fashion and luxury goods brand best known for its Knot, Cabat, and Veneta bags. These bags exemplify the brand’s instantly recognizable intrecciato weaving technique.
Michele Taddei and Renzo Zengiaro founded Bottega Veneta in 1966 in Vicenza, Veneto.
Jacket used for ranking: Coat
Price: $2 725
104. Balenciaga
Balenciaga is a luxury fashion house, which specializes in general luxury fashion.
The house was founded in Spain by Cristóbal Balenciaga. He was forced to flee from Spain, where he worked with royalty and aristocracy, by the Spanish Civil War.
Subsequently, he opened his Paris couture house in 1937. He emulated his earlier success in Paris. Customers disregarded their safety during WWII to travel to Paris to buy his garments.
Jacket used for ranking: Pinched Parka Black
Price: $2 796
105. DKNY
DKNY is a New York-based fashion house. It is best known for designing simple, elegant, and comfortable clothing.
Donna Karan founded the brand in 1984. She gained fame through collections offering businesswomen an alternative to more traditional business suits.
Jacket used for ranking: Baseball Jacket
Price: $3 038
106. Off White
Off White is a luxury fashion label known for outside the box fashion.
American creative designer, Virgil Abloh, founded the brand in Milan, Italy, in 2012.
It makes use of a design principle where items are labeled using quotation marks — for instance, a black dress with the words “Little Black Dress” on it.
Jacket used for ranking: Industrial Trench
Price: $3 117
107. Ermenegildo Zegna
Ermenegildo Zegna is the world’s largest menswear brand. The Italian luxury fashion house is best known for its excellent quality suit fabrics.
Ermenegildo Zegna founded the eponymous brand in 1910, in Trivero, Piedmont.
It comes in at number 107 on the ranked list for a $3,300 down vest, but prices for this brand can be as high as $22,000 for a suit.
Jacket used for ranking: 14MILMIL14 Down Vest
Price: $3 295
108. Brioni
Brioni is an Italian couture menswear house. It is best known for its made-to-measure suits.
Nazareno Fonticoli — a tailor — and Gaetano Savini — an entrepreneur — founded Brioni in Rome, in 1945. The house quickly earned attention from business leaders, heads of state, and high-profile movie personalities.
Jacket used for ranking: Essential’ Navy Blue Ravello Jacket
Price: $3 325
109. Loro Piana
The Italian clothing company, Loro Piana, specializes in high-end, luxury wool and cashmere products. They are known for quality and textile innovation, with some people saying they produce the finest wool in the world.
The company was a family run business for many years, but in 2013 the Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy Group (LVMH) acquired 80% of the company for €2 billion.
Jacket used for ranking: Hooded Empire Seamless
Price: $3 395
110. Gucci
Gucci is an Italian luxury brand. It produces fashion and leather goods and is best known for its extravagant style and luxury textiles.
Guccio Gucci founded Gucci in Florence, Tuscany, in 1921.
Jackie Kennedy was a big fan of Gucci’s classic ‘Fifties Constance’ bag. She was photographed with the bag numerous times, and this prompted Gucci to change its name to the Jackie O bag.
Jacket used for ranking: Velvet jacket
Price: $3 400
111. Salvatore Ferragamo
We now get into the top ten brands that are considered most ‘designer’ according to the Jacket Index.
Salvatore Ferragamo is a high-end luxury goods retailer.
The eponymous brand’s founder Salvatore Ferragamo was an Italian shoe designer. He became known as the “shoemaker to the stars.” Back in the late 1920s, he was creating stunning shoes for some of Hollywood’s most famous feet.
Jacket used for ranking: Coat With Leather Details
Price: $3 900
112. Givenchy
Givenchy is a French perfume and luxury fashion house. It produces general luxury fashion.
Designer Hubert de Givenchy founded the House of Givenchy in 1952. He was famous for his “Little black dress,” and styling Jacky Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn.
The Givenchy brand is one of the original top-designer brands. It is still a leader in the fashion industry today.
Jacket used for ranking: Hooded jacket
Price: $3 990
113. Brunello Cucinelli
Brunello Cucinelli is a luxury Italian fashion brand. It is well-known for its moral values, being a “humanistic enterprise.” It also claims that it uses craftmanship to lend dignity to the owner and the artisan.
Brunello Cucinelli sells clothing and accessories in North America, Europe, and East Asia.
Brunello Cucinelli started the fashion house in 1979. He specializes in cashmere garments and personally travels every year in the mountains of Mongolia to buy cashmere directly from the producers.
Jacket used for ranking: Jacket-Style Outerwear
Price: $4 306
114. Berluti
Berluti is a subsidiary brand of LVMH. It manufactures menswear. It has become known for its use of leather in the production of boots and shoes.
In addition to footwear, it manufactures bespoke garments, wallets, belts, and bags.
Italian Alessandro Berluti founded the brand in 1895. Olga Squeri, who was also known as Olga Berluti, later headed up the company.
Jacket used for ranking: Corduroy-Trimmed Suede Trucker Jacket
Price: $4 600
115. Tom Ford
Tom Ford’s customers are “international, cultured, well-traveled, and possessing disposable income.” With the brand being this close to the designer side of the fashion brand list, the disposable income part sure makes sense.
Tom Ford is a fashion designer from the US, who was Creative Director at Gucci and later also Saint Laurent. He parted ways with the group in 2004 and launched a line named after himself.
Some of the men he has dressed include Daniel Craig, Johnny Depp, Will Smith, Tom Hanks, Ryan Gosling, Hugh Jackman, Henry Cavill, and Jon Hamm.
Jacket used for ranking: Silver Jacquard Atticus Cocktail Jacket
Price: $4 950
116. Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney is an English designer. Her menswear has a unique urban look and is known for a sporty feel and soft tailored shapes.
Her parents are former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, and American photographer and animal rights activist Linda McCartney.
Stella launched her brand in 2001. Like her mother, she cares about animal rights, and her label was one of the first to join the sustainable business movement.
Jacket used for ranking: Arthur Coat
Price: $4 995
117. Hermès
Hermès is a French high-fashion luxury goods brand. It specializes in leather and produces lifestyle accessories, perfumery, jewelry, watches, and ready-to-wear. Today they are best known for their handbags.
In 1837, Thierry Hermès opened a harness workshop in Paris. He created high-end bridles and harnesses for the carriage trade. His work won him numerous awards.
His son, Charles-Émile Hermès, took over in 1880 and moved the shop to 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. It remains there today. Charles-Émile introduced saddlery and started selling his products retail.
Jacket used for ranking: Quilted Parka
Price: $5 500
118. Giorgio Armani
Giorgio Armani owns and operates several labels. The brand is an Italian luxury fashion house.
Giorgio Armani founded the eponymous brand in 1975. Armani is considered the most successful designer to come out of Italy.
Giorgio Armani is best known for his crisp, clean and tailored menswear.
Jacket used for ranking: Spanish reversible shearling jacket with fleece lining
Price: $5 595
119. Dolce & Gabbana
This Italian luxury fashion house is best known for its distinctly Italian collection of suits.
Italian designers Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce founded the brand in 1982. They met in Milan in 1980, working for the same fashion house.
The pair was a couple for many years but ended their relationship in 2003. However, they still work together at D&G.
Jacket used for ranking: Jacquard Casino-Fit Tuxedo Smoking Jacket
Price: $6 480
120. Louis Vuitton
The brand with the most expensive jacket on our list is Louis Vuitton. The brand is best known for its luggage and leather.
Louis Vuitton Malletier, known as Louis Vuitton or LV, is a French luxury retail company founded and fashion house.
Louis Vuitton founded the eponymous brand in 1954. Its LV monogram appears on almost all its products, ranging from luxury luggage and leather goods to ready-to-wear, watches, jewelry, accessories, shoes, sunglasses, and books.
Jacket used for ranking: Monogram Boyhood Puffer Jacket
Price: $9 200
Quite a weighty list, yes — we know! It’s a handy collection that you can return to often.
We hope you enjoyed that and found some sense in the ranking methodology.
However, we aren’t done yet. Some brands could not be ranked using our innovative jacket index, yet they just had to be included. These brands are remarkable and deserve mention.
Top 11 Lifestyle Mens Brands
121. BirchboxMan
Birchbox Man operates as an online monthly subscription service. Every month, it sends male subscribers a box of five grooming products, including skincare items, fragrances, and other cosmetics.
Two fellow graduates from Harvard Business School, Katia Beauchamp, and Hayley Barna, established Birchbox in September 2010. BirchboxMan was established in 2012.
Example of product: Monthly Grooming Box
Price: $10
122. Harry’s
Harry’s is another grooming startup. It provides shaving kits for guys who like to keep it simple. It uses a cucumber and aloe-based shave gel for a refreshing shave and offers $2 blade refills.
It offers quality shaving products at a price below low-quality retail options.
Andy Katz-Mayfield and Jeff Raider co-founded Harry’s in 2013 out of frustration with overpriced and overdesigned razors.
Example of product: Shave sets
Price: $25
123. Bombas Socks
Bombas operates a one-to-one business model. Bombas supplies the needy with a pair of socks for each pair of socks that they sell, and are well-known for their high-quality socks.
Randy Goldberg and David Heath founded the startup in 2013. Before this, they spent two years researching and developing the perfect pair of socks.
Socks suitable for office wear include advanced features such as performance footbeds and honeycomb support systems, making them the most comfortable socks you’ll wear.
Example of product: Pair of wool socks
Price: $18
124. Woodies
Woodies specializes in perfect-fitting men’s dress clothes. The service uses your measurements to create custom clothing just for you.
Using a direct-to-customer model, they provide clothing at about 50% of the price you’d pay elsewhere.
The startup was launched in 2014 by Jacob Wood.
Example of product: Dress shirt
Price: $115
125. Filippo Loreti
Similar to Woodies above, this premium watch brand is on a mission to make quality watches more affordable by cutting out the middlemen.
They are also the most crowdfunded watch company ever, following a highly-successful 2015 Kickstarter campaign.
Their watches do not stand back one inch from more expensive manufacturers and feature crisp, clear designs with a sophisticated use of color.
Example of product: Venice Moonphase Rose Gold
Price: $170
126. Greats
Greats produce luxury sneakers. Luxury footwear typically comes at a hefty price, but they are changing that.
Ryan Babenzien and footwear designer Jon Buscemi founded the startup in 2014. Their direct-to-consumer business model allows them to offer products at a lower price.
Classic designs inspire their sneakers, and they only use luxury materials. The sneakers feature a classy-yet-sporty look.
Example of product: Royale Sneakers
Price: $180
127. Moral Code
Moral Code is another startup with a direct-to-consumer approach. Once again, this means quality products at lower prices.
They specialize in high-end footwear, but also provide a range of other leather products.
Mark Kohlenberg and Laura Engerman, two veteran footwear professionals with over 50 years of experience, founded the startup.
Example of product: Boots
Price: $248
128. Montblanc
Montblanc is a German manufacturer. They specialize in luxury writing instruments and watches, but also produce leather goods, jewelry, and eyewear.
The Montblanc “snow peak” logo has become a sign of distinction for many stylish gentlemen.
Example of product: Meisterstück Platinum-Coated Classique Ballpoint Pen
Price: $269
129. Stuart & Lau
Stuart & Lau provides bags and briefcases for “a life lived in motion.” Stuart & Lau was founded in 2015.
Matthew Stuart and Jimmy Lau, one from New York and one from Hong Kong, grew frustrated with briefcases. They came up with a better design, and that was the start of it.
Example of product: Cary Briefcase
Price: $295
130. Wolf & Shepherd
Wolf & Shepherd is a dress shoe company for men. They design Italian leather dress shoes using the technology of premium running shoes. The result is a shoe that looks stylish but is as comfortable as your Saucony runners — literally.
Justin Schneider founded Wolf & Shepherd in 2014, in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Justin was a track and field athlete for Notre Dame and used what he learned to enter the footwear trade to make a real difference.
W&S shoes feature a memory foam insole, a padded tongue and ankle collar, and luxurious leather exteriors.
Example of product: Italian Leather Dress Shoes
Price: $354
131. Rolex
Now we get to our last brand, and the most expensive luxury item featured in this article.
Rolex is a well-known Swiss luxury watch manufacturer. Their watches have been worn by the uber-wealthy and the famous for more than a century.
Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis founded Wilsdorf and Davis in 1905, in London, England. Wilsdorf and Davis changed its name to Rolex Watch Co. Ltd. in 1915.
Example of product: Yacht-Master 42
Price: $23 806
That’s a wrap!
There is no longer any need to feel confused when you’re considering which brands rank where on the scale between affordability and sheer luxury. Now you have the list!
Which of these brands speak to you most?
There are artisans behind each of them, crafting perfection for you. So be sure to identify your ‘region’ on the ranking list and choose which brands you will support.
Go out there and purchase yourself something amazing that is perfect for you. Something that expresses your unique style and elevates your appearance. Then wear it proudly!