10 Ivy League Brands for a Classic & Traditional Preppy Look

Ivy League style is synonymous with a crisp, tailored look built around Oxford shirts, blazers with embroidered crests, chinos, and the ever-classic penny loafers, and a symbol of refined casual wear.

However, given the style’s roots in British athletic traditions and America’s elite Ivy League schools, only a few selected clothing brands genuinely convey the style.

In this article, I’ll introduce 10 of the most representative Ivy League brands that have shaped and continue to represent this enduring style.

1. Brooks Brothers

Best for Tailored Suits, Oxford Shirts, Repp Ties

Specializing in finely tailored suits made from premium wool and high-quality Oxford shirts, Brooks Brothers is the gold standard in formal Ivy League preppy style.

Esteemed individuals, from U.S. Presidents like Abraham Lincoln to John F. Kennedy, have donned Brooks Brothers, solidifying its reputation as a preppy-style leader.

2. G.H.Bass

Best for Weejuns Loafers, Classic Saddle Shoes, Camp Moc Deck Shoes

Founded in Maine, G.H. Bass & Co. has introduced the first penny loafers, also known as Weejuns, which have become a staple of Ivy League preppy style.

Alongside loafers, the brand’s saddle shoes and comfortable camp moc decks are ideal for Ivy League campus strolls and casual events.

3. L.L. Bean

Best for Bean Boots, Rugged Outerwear, Flannel Shirts

L.L. Bean excels in providing durable and practical clothes that capture the outdoorsy essence of the Ivy League preppy lifestyle, like the iconic Bean Boot and rugged outerwear.

The brand’s flannel shirts, cable-knit sweaters, and chinos are ideal for creating that British countryside or New England campus look.

4. Lacoste

Best for Classic Cotton Piqué Polo Shirts and Preppy Tennis Wear

Designed by French tennis legend René Lacoste, Lacoste set a new standard for casual elegance in sportswear with its iconic cotton piqué polo shirts.

Notable individuals like President John F. Kennedy and actor Clint Eastwood have been seen in Lacoste, attesting to its widespread appeal across different style sensibilities.

5. Sperry

Best for Boat Shoes, Nautical-Inspired Footwear, Casual Loafers

Sperry is best known for introducing the quintessential boat shoe to the North-Eastern Ivy League preppy style.

Following Prince Charles’s several appearances in Sperry boat shoes, the brand’s popularity soared, becoming a must-have in preppy footwear.

6. Gant

Best for Button-Down Shirts, Chinos, and Club Blazers

Founded in New Haven, Connecticut, Gant specializes in Ivy League button-down shirts, chinos, and club blazers.

Combining European Preppy style with American practicality, the brand’s shirts have introduced the locker loop and box pleat among American college students.

7. Ralph Lauren

Best for Polo Shirts, Blazers, Cable-Knit Sweaters

A defining voice in American Ivy League preppy style, Ralph Lauren’s Polo line excels in classic, upscale polo shirts, blazers, and cable-knit sweaters.

Public figures from Princess Diana to film director Wes Anderson have showcased Ralph Lauren’s clothing, reinforcing its status as a definitive preppy brand.

8. J.Crew

Best for Slim-fit Chinos, Patterned Blazers, Crewneck Sweaters

J.Crew brings a fresh perspective to preppy style by offering colored slim-fit chinos, British aesthetic blazers, and color-blocking crewneck sweaters.

J.Crew’s natural fabric clothes in structured tailoring, streamlined fits, and contemporary patterns appeal to a younger audience.

9. Tommy Hilfiger

Best for Nautical-Inspired Polo Shirts, Windbreakers, Denim

Thanks to the inspiring use of nautical-inspired patterns, Tommy Hilfiger’s take on classic American preppy clothes has a modern twist appealing to a younger audience.

Various celebrities have sported the brand, from David Bowie to Britney Spears, reflecting its wide-ranging appeal from classic to contemporary.

10. Rowing Blazers

Best for Bold Crewneck Sweaters and Rugby Shirts

Although a newer entrant to the preppy fashion scene, Rowing Blazers has quickly gained a reputation for its rugby shirts and bold crewneck sweaters, paying homage to collegiate aesthetics.

Founded by a former member of the U.S. Rowing Team, Rowing Blazers blends contemporary trends to deliver an authentic Ivy League preppy style that resonates with a younger, fashion-forward crowd.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Heritage is Critical
   Brands like Brooks Brothers and G.H. Bass & Co. have been dressing esteemed Preppies for decades, lending them credibility and quality.
2. Adaptability Matters
   Newer brands like Rowing Blazers and J.Crew give traditional Ivy League style a contemporary twist by infusing current trends without sacrificing the core components.
3. Specialization
   Each brand has hallmark products that define its place in the Ivy League preppy lifestyle. For instance, L.L. Bean is known for its rugged outerwear and Bean Boots, while Lacoste is the go-to brand for classic cotton piqué polo shirts.
4. Global Reach
   Brands like Gant and Lacoste demonstrate how the Ivy League style isn’t solely an American phenomenon but a global one by blending European finesse with American practicality.
5. Versatility
   Ivy League preppy style isn’t confined to just clothing but extends to footwear and accessories, and brands like Sperry and G.H. Bass & Co. prove that shoes are as symbolic as tailored suits or Oxford shirts.