20 Best Old Money Brands for a Quiet Luxury Look

The term ‘old money fashion’ has become incredibly popular, often used interchangeably with ‘stealth wealth’ or ‘quiet luxury’.

This style speaks to clothing favoured by those with generational wealth, prioritising exceptional quality and subtle craftsmanship over prominent logos.

It embodies the philosophy that true affluence does not need to shout its presence through obvious branding.

While this aesthetic carries historical connotations, it represents a desirable style goal for many men seeking enduring elegance.

You should focus on the core elements that unite this look, regardless of your background or current circumstances.

This aesthetic is built upon classic shapes, clean, uninterrupted lines, and a reserved approach to visible branding.

Minimalism must always triumph over maximalism in this sphere of dressing.

You will find that neutral colour palettes dominate, underpinned by superior fabrics and meticulous construction techniques.

Versatility is another crucial component, ensuring that your wardrobe pieces transition seamlessly between different settings.

The old money look encompasses several regional interpretations, from the relaxed tailoring of the European Riviera to the formal country attire of the British landed gentry.

In the United States, this style is heavily influenced by Ivy League tradition and the preppy sensibilities of the East Coast.

You can incorporate aspects of all these influences into a cohesive, personal style framework.

Achieving this look practically involves investing wisely in essential garments that offer longevity and inherent quality.

This guide focuses on specific old money fashion brands for men that consistently deliver on the promise of quiet luxury, offering actionable entry points for building your own timeless wardrobe.

The Cornerstones American Prep And Sportswear

The American interpretation of old money style is deeply rooted in collegiate wear and sporting heritage, offering accessible yet refined options.

These brands excel at providing the high-quality basics that form the backbone of any sophisticated casual wardrobe.

1. Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren is arguably the foundational brand for American prep style, having shaped modern menswear significantly.

The brand successfully mixes Americana, collegiate cool, and sportswear into a highly wearable format.

It serves as an excellent starting point for acquiring essential old money pieces because of its consistent quality in basics.

You can reliably find high-quality polo shirts here, often priced around £95 for their signature Pima cotton versions.

Their knitwear selection, particularly merino wool crewnecks, offers excellent value and timeless design, frequently costing approximately £150.

Look towards the Purple Label for the absolute pinnacle of their offering, although the Polo line provides the most practical entry point for most men.

A classic Oxford cloth button-down shirt from Ralph Lauren, usually around £110, is a necessary component for layering under knitwear or blazers.

2. Brooks Brothers

Brooks Brothers holds the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously operating clothing retailers in the United States, established in 1818.

This brand is the originator of much of the classic East Coast preppy uniform, including sharp suiting and their famous Supima cotton button-down shirts.

Their commitment to classic American tailoring ensures that their pieces remain relevant year after year.

The non-iron dress shirts are highly regarded for their durability and ease of care, typically costing between £90 and £120 depending on the fabric weight.

When purchasing suits, opting for their traditional fit offers a more conservative silhouette that aligns perfectly with the old money ethos.

You should explore their range of repp ties, which offer intricate, traditional patterns without resorting to overt branding.

3. J.Crew

J.Crew offers a significantly more accessible price point while still delivering on the core tenets of American casual elegance.

This is one of the best places to acquire wardrobe staples without the premium branding tax associated with higher-tier labels.

They provide versatile, understated preppy pieces perfectly suited for building a foundational wardrobe on a sensible budget.

For instance, their classic cotton pique polo shirts often retail for around £50, offering superb value compared to competitors.

You can find excellent quality lambswool sweaters here for approximately £85, perfect for layering during cooler months.

While the quality is not always equivalent to the true luxury tier, the style payoff for the price is undeniable for basics.

4. Tommy Hilfiger

Emerging in the 1980s, Tommy Hilfiger cemented its place by championing an all-American, sporty, preppy aesthetic.

It draws clear inspiration from sailing and collegiate life, mirroring the casual side of the Ralph Lauren offering.

This is a reliable source for casual staples such as quality sweatshirts and well-cut T-shirts, often priced very competitively.

You can find high-quality cotton hoodies or crewneck sweatshirts here for under £100, providing relaxed comfort with a clean appearance.

Focus on their less logo-heavy items to maintain the quiet luxury feel, favouring solid colours or subtle nautical detailing.

The Pinnacle Of Italian Understatement And Fabric Mastery

Italian houses associated with quiet luxury often focus almost exclusively on the feel and drape of the material itself, making them the ultimate choice for stealth wealth.

These brands are where the world’s wealthiest individuals source their most understated, yet expensive, casual wear.

5. Loro Piana

When discussing quiet luxury, Loro Piana is almost always mentioned as the benchmark for understated excellence.

This Italian powerhouse is famous for using the finest cashmere and vicuña, resulting in garments that whisper luxury rather than shouting it.

Their pieces are characterised by exquisite construction and an almost invisible level of branding, appealing directly to those who understand material quality.

Be prepared for significant investment, as even their basic cashmere sweaters can command prices near £800.

A simple Loro Piana polo shirt, made from exceptionally fine jersey, might cost upwards of £550, showcasing their fabric focus.

Acquiring a piece from Loro Piana signals an understanding of true material value beyond mere fashion trends.

6. Brunello Cucinelli

Brunello Cucinelli occupies a similar sphere to Loro Piana, renowned for its luxurious cashmere knitwear and soft Italian tailoring.

It is a favoured choice among high-net-worth individuals looking for elevated, comfortable casual attire.

The brand’s dedication to exquisite fit and the softness of its materials justifies its high positioning in the market.

You should expect to pay substantially for their signature pieces, such as a plain, perfectly cut T-shirt which can easily exceed £500.

Their fine-gauge merino or cashmere cardigans often retail upwards of £1,200, representing a significant investment in everyday luxury.

Look for their neutral-coloured suede jackets for an effortlessly elegant outerwear option that remains subtle.

7. Zegna

Founded in 1910, Zegna has built a massive reputation on high-end Italian tailoring, providing impeccable suits to discerning clients globally.

Beyond formalwear, Zegna offers upscale casual pieces that embody relaxed Italian sophistication.

Their casual collection includes luxurious linen shirts, often priced around £350, and premium suede driving shoes or loafers.

You can find elegant, lightweight outerwear perfect for transitional weather, such as a fine wool blazer that drapes beautifully, perhaps costing £1,800.

Zegna’s commitment to sourcing and processing high-quality wool ensures their tailoring remains a benchmark for classic style.

8. Luca Faloni

Luca Faloni offers a superb gateway into Italian luxury knitwear, often at a more attainable price point than the ultra-high-end Italian houses.

This brand specialises in crafting exceptional pieces using traditional Italian techniques and some of the finest available cashmere.

You can purchase a high-quality, medium-gauge cashmere rollneck sweater here for roughly £350.

Their knitted polo shirts provide an elevated alternative to standard cotton versions, often priced around £220.

By focusing on direct-to-consumer models, Luca Faloni manages to deliver premium fabric quality without the extreme mark-ups of some heritage competitors.

British Heritage And Countryside Refinement

The British contribution to old money style revolves around durable country wear, impeccable shirtmaking, and world-class footwear manufacturing.

These brands are intrinsically linked to British tradition, from Royal Warrants to centuries of established craftsmanship.

9. Barbour

For outerwear that truly defines British country style, Barbour is indispensable, boasting a history spanning over a century.

The brand is famously favoured by the British Royal Family for its durable, waxed cotton coats and jackets.

A classic Barbour Bedale or Beaufort jacket, which is designed to last decades with proper care, typically costs between £250 and £350.

These jackets are the epitome of practical luxury, improving in character as they age and acquire wear marks.

You should consider having your Barbour jacket re-waxed every few years to maintain its water resistance and appearance, a service that keeps the garment in rotation indefinitely.

10. Burberry

Burberry remains a stalwart of sartorial elegance, deeply rooted in British heritage since its founding in 1856.

While known for its iconic trench coat and signature check, the brand offers a broad spectrum of refined clothing.

A classic, single-breasted trench coat is a significant investment, often priced around £1,500, but it is a piece that defines timeless outerwear.

For a more subtle nod to the brand, look at their high-quality knitwear or tailored trousers, which avoid overt branding.

Owning a genuine Burberry piece signifies an appreciation for established quality and British manufacturing history.

11. Turnbull & Asser

Situated on Jermyn Street, the historic centre of London shirtmaking, Turnbull & Asser is the definitive choice for discerning gentlemen’s shirting.

Their client list has historically included royalty, politicians, and cultural icons, setting a high bar for quality.

A bespoke or even a high-quality ready-to-wear shirt from Turnbull & Asser is a statement of commitment to superior craftsmanship, often starting around £250.

Their silk ties are equally renowned, offering rich colours and impeccable construction that feel substantial in the hand.

You should invest in their classic white or light blue twill shirts as essential elements for business or formal casual wear.

Footwear Perfection From Northamptonshire

The English town of Northamptonshire remains the centre of traditional, high-quality men’s shoemaking, producing footwear built to last generations.

These Goodyear-welted shoes offer repairability and enduring style that fast fashion can never replicate.

12. Crockett & Jones

Crockett & Jones is a highly respected, 150-year-old British shoemaker renowned for traditional dress shoes built to exacting standards.

They utilise only the finest natural materials sourced from reputable European tanneries, maintaining a Royal Warrant for their quality.

A pair of their classic leather Oxfords or Derby shoes, such as the Coniston boot, will typically cost between £450 and £550.

These shoes are an investment in longevity, as they can be fully resoled and refurbished repeatedly by skilled cobblers.

You should favour their classic lasts and conservative colourways such as dark brown or black for maximum versatility.

13. Church’s

Church’s is another venerable name in the Northamptonshire footwear landscape, historically synonymous with quality even after its acquisition by Prada.

Their traditional dress shoes continue to be crafted in their historic factory using time-honoured construction methods.

The classic Church’s brogues, such as the Grafton model, are highly sought after for their robust yet elegant appearance, priced around £500 to £600.

While some purists debate modern changes, the fundamental quality and classic aesthetic remain firmly in the old money camp.

14. Trickers

Trickers holds the unique distinction of being Britain’s oldest established footwear brand, originally focusing on country boots for the landed gentry.

They are perhaps most famous for their heavy-duty brogue boots, originally designed for rugged use in the British countryside.

These boots, often favoured for country pursuits, are built incredibly tough and usually cost around £400 to £500.

If you seek a sturdy, traditional boot that carries genuine heritage, Trickers provides an authentic choice, often seen on figures like King Charles.

Refined Tailoring And Parisian Elegance

The French and Italian high-fashion houses that fit this aesthetic offer impeccable tailoring and a sense of established, effortless glamour.

These are the brands that define luxury when subtlety is the ultimate goal.

15. Dior Men

Established in 1946, Dior has long been a cornerstone of Parisian fashion, celebrated for meticulous craftsmanship and a refined aesthetic.

While the brand produces modern collections, their core tailoring remains impeccable and understated, adhering to old money principles.

Their impeccably tailored wool suits represent the height of formal elegance, though prices reflect their status, often starting well over £3,000.

You can sometimes find exceptional value in their older, less logo-driven casual pieces on the secondhand market, which rewards diligent searching.

Focus on their classic silhouettes in muted colours such as charcoal grey or navy for timeless appeal.

16. Brioni

This Roman house, founded in 1945, holds a distinguished place in luxury menswear, synonymous with flawlessly tailored Italian suits.

Brioni is renowned for its obsessive attention to detail and the use of exceptionally fine materials throughout its range.

Their commitment blends tradition with a contemporary understanding of fit, resulting in garments that look elegant yet feel comfortable.

While a full Brioni suit is a significant investment, often exceeding £5,000, the quality of the construction and fabric is benchmark level.

Their casual offerings, such as unstructured jackets made from fine wool or cashmere, maintain this high standard of elegance.

17. Hermès

With a history stretching back nearly two centuries, the Parisian house of Hermès began by servicing the needs of nobility with high-end equestrian leather goods.

Today, their clothing, leather accessories, and footwear carry an almost unmatched aura of established wealth and taste.

If you are looking for premium leather accessories that scream quiet luxury, such as belts or wallets, Hermès is a primary destination.

Their clothing often features subtle detailing and supreme quality, such as their cashmere sweaters or elegant silk shirts.

While the entry price for many items is high, their dedication to enduring quality ensures pieces remain relevant for decades.

18. Gucci (The Classic Side)

It is important to look past Gucci’s more contemporary, logo-heavy output to find its old money relevance.

The foundation of the label, particularly its classic tailoring and iconic footwear, remains firmly aligned with timeless elegance.

You should focus exclusively on evergreen pieces such as their famous horsebit loafers, which are available in excellent leather for around £550.

Their traditional tailoring, often featuring classic patterns like subtle checks or pinstripes, retains an air of Italian sophistication.

By deliberately avoiding modern graphic prints, you can leverage Gucci’s heritage quality in an understated manner.

19. The Row

The Row, launched by the Olsen twins in 2006, represents the modern extreme of quiet luxury in menswear, albeit with very high prices.

The aesthetic is defined by extreme elegance, flawless drape, and an almost uncompromising emphasis on raw material quality.

This label is for the man who demands perfection in fit and fabrication without any external signifiers of status.

Be warned that acquiring even a simple cashmere T-shirt or a fine wool cardigan from The Row requires a substantial financial commitment, often starting around £600 for knitwear.

Their success demonstrates the strong market appetite for minimalist design executed at the highest possible level.

Practical Application Building Your Quiet Wardrobe

You do not need to bankrupt yourself to adopt the principles of old money style; strategic purchasing is key.

Start by defining your wardrobe gaps based on quality and versatility rather than fleeting trends.

Prioritise essential pieces that will see the most wear, such as outerwear, footwear, and knitwear.

For example, purchasing one excellent Barbour jacket at £300 is infinitely better for this aesthetic than buying three synthetic, logo-heavy jackets at £100 each.

Focus on natural fibres such as wool, cashmere, silk, and high-quality cotton, as these materials age gracefully.

Learn the basic care requirements for these fabrics to maximise the lifespan of your investments.

When shopping for shirts, look at Turnbull & Asser for aspiration but consider Brooks Brothers or even J.Crew for high-quality, everyday Oxford shirts.

Footwear requires diligence; save up for a Goodyear-welted pair from Crockett & Jones rather than purchasing numerous cheaply made, glued-sole shoes.

Master the art of subtle colour coordination, sticking primarily to navy, cream, off-white, camel, forest green, and various shades of grey.

Avoid anything overtly flashy, overly distressed, or heavily branded at all costs.

The goal is to look impeccably put-together, comfortable, and effortlessly refined, suggesting quality that transcends seasonal fashion cycles.

Remember that tailoring is crucial; even affordable clothing looks expensive when it fits your frame perfectly.

Seek out a good local tailor to adjust off-the-rack purchases for a bespoke feel without the bespoke price tag.

By choosing old money fashion brands for men known for heritage, quality construction, and restrained design, you build a wardrobe that whispers success rather than shouting for attention.