As you peruse the racks of a high-end menswear boutique, your eyes are drawn to a selection of exquisitely crafted ties, shirts, and jackets bearing Drake’s label.
The price tags give you pause – Drake’s pieces command a significant premium over other brands.
And you wonder, is Drake’s clothing truly worth the investment or why is the brand so expensive?
In this article, we delve into the world of Drake’s and uncover why the British brand has become synonymous with luxury and taste among the most discerning gentlemen.
Drake’s History of Sartorial Excellence
Drake’s journey began in 1977 when Michael Drake founded the company in London’s East End by producing scarves and shawls for high-end fashion boutiques and traditional tailoring houses.
Michael Drake’s philosophy of producing timeless old-money fashion with relaxed elegance to exacting standards quickly garnered attention from style connoisseurs in the UK.
In 2010, Michael Hill took over as Creative Director, ushering in a new era that saw Drake’s expand from a luxury accessories manufacturer to a full-fledged design house with a distinct aesthetic.
Under Hill’s stewardship, Drake’s has grown to offer a complete wardrobe while maintaining the commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
The expansion has been reflected in Drake’s financial growth, with annual revenue increasing from around $4 million to $15 million under Hill’s leadership.
Over the years, Drake’s has expanded its retail presence to include stores in New York and Seoul, indicating international brand recognition and appeal.
Drake’s Quality Impact on Premium Prices
Drake’s has a comprehensive approach to quality across its product range, explaining why the brand commands such premium prices.
For example, Drake’s remains the largest independent producer of handmade ties in England, a testament to the brand’s dedication to traditional craftsmanship.
Each Drake’s tie undergoes 18 rigorous quality checks, ensuring every piece meets the brand’s exacting standards.
Drake’s shirts are handmade in the company’s factory in Chard, Somerset, using high-quality fabrics such as Oxford cloth, chambray, flannel, poplin, and needlecord.
The shirts feature distinctive details like a rolling collar that lands between a Boston Brahmin and Roman holiday style.
Drake’s knitwear, including items like shawl-collar cardigans, is crafted in Italy and Scotland using premium fibres.
The Games Blazer, a signature Drake’s piece, is designed in-house and made in Italy, exemplifying the brand’s approach to soft tailoring.
Drake’s sources wool for tweed jackets from renowned mills in Donegal, Yorkshire, and Italy, ensuring top-quality materials.
The brand’s commitment to quality extends to accessories, with scarves made in the company’s East London factory and socks produced in Wales.
Drake’s also collaborates with respected footwear brands like Alden and Edward Green, offering curated selections that align with Drake’s aesthetic.
Drake’s unwavering commitment to quality naturally translates to higher production costs, reflected in the final price of Drake’s products.
The Prestige Value of Drake’s Subtle Luxury
Drake’s has a unique aesthetic built by its contemporary take on the Preppy style, in particular, the classic Ivy League look.
Through its unique aesthetic, Drake’s has mastered the art of ‘quiet luxury‘, appealing to those who appreciate quality without ostentatious branding.
Wearing Drake’s signals to those in the know that you value craftsmanship and have the discernment to invest in pieces that stand the test of time.
Drake’s aesthetic, which combines classic British style with a contemporary twist, allows you to project an image of success and sophistication without appearing gauche or nouveau riche.
The brand’s unique position bridges the gap between traditional Savile Row tailoring and more casual, contemporary menswear, offering versatility in your wardrobe choices.
How Wearing Drake’s Influences Perceptions
Donning a Drake’s ensemble makes a statement about your place in the world.
Drake’s association with traditional British style and quality craftsmanship lends an air of authority and respectability to your appearance.
In professional settings, Drake’s clothing subtly communicates your attention to detail and appreciation for the finer things in life.
Among peers, wearing Drake’s sets you apart as someone who values substance over flash, a trait often associated with old money and established success.
Drake’s Clothing Investment Value
While the initial outlay for Drake’s pieces may be substantial, the longevity of Drake’s garments offers excellent value over time.
The superior construction and materials mean Drake’s garments can withstand regular wear, and even improve with age.
Drake’s timeless designs ensure the clothing remains stylish year after year, avoiding the pitfalls of fast fashion trends.
As such, when you factor in the cost per wear over the lifetime of a Drake’s garment, the value proposition becomes much more attractive.
Moreover, a collaboration with Aimé Leon Dore has bolstered Drake’s street credibility and appeal to a younger demographic, potentially increasing long-term value.
Drake’s Clothing Drawbacks
While Drake’s enjoys a stellar reputation, the brand is not without its criticisms and potential drawbacks.
A notable disparity exists between UK and US pricing. for example, the brand’s suede Chore jacket costs £1,295 (about $1685) in the UK and is priced at $1,990 in the USA, a markup of about 20% when accounting for currency conversion.
The brand’s rapid expansion, including new stores in New York and Seoul, has led some to question whether Drake’s can maintain the attention to detail that initially built its reputation.
For example, long-time patrons have noted a perceived decline in the quality of shirts since production moved from the UK to Portugal.
The collar construction and fabric shrinkage have been particular points of contention.
Drake’s jackets, once fully canvassed, now use half-canvas construction. This change, implemented without a corresponding price reduction, has disappointed some customers who expect full canvassing at Drake’s price point.
Moreover, Drake’s sizing can be inconsistent across different product lines. For instance, many customers find the regular fit shirts cut very slim, with even a 16″ collar size feeling tight to some wearers.
Finally, while praised by many, Drake’s aesthetic can be limiting. The brand’s heavy focus on a preppy, Ivy League-inspired look may not appeal to those seeking more diverse style options.
Is Drake’s Worth It? Costs vs Benefits
If you’re seeking to project an image of quiet confidence and refined taste, Drake’s offers a curated selection that can help you achieve your goal.
Drake’s commitment to quality and timeless style means your investment is likely to pay dividends in the long run, both in terms of wear and impression.
For those who understand the power of subtle luxury, Drake’s offers an unparalleled combination of style, quality, and prestige that justifies the premium pricing.
Styling Drake’s to Maximise Your Wardrobe’s Success
To truly leverage the power of Drake’s clothing, consider building a capsule wardrobe around key pieces from the brand.
Invest in versatile items like the Drake’s Games Blazer, a signature piece that embodies the brand’s philosophy of comfort and informal elegance.
Drake’s intentional use of old-money colours is highly regarded in the industry, with Michael Hill’s eye for colour being particularly praised.
The brand’s expertise in colour contributes to Drake’s distinctive aesthetic, allowing you to create eye-catching yet sophisticated ensembles.
Style Like A Pro
Before we say goodbye, here’s one of the best-kept secrets in men’s styling circles, a secret that only a few expert image consultants know or are willing to share:
First and foremost, professional styling requires knowing your unique body shape and seasonal colour palette – paramount factors in choosing perfectly fitting clothes in colours that complement your skin, eyes, and hair.
Only then can a stylist engage in styling by occasion, location, season, and time of day, with garments, footwear, and accessories from stylistically relevant, heritage fashion brands to depict high confidence and success.
Best part? You can find your body shape, seasonal colour palette, and ideal fashion style, in less than 5 minutes, by yourself, for free, thanks to our 3 simple steps, below:
1. Find Your Body Shape
Different garments flatter different silhouettes, so knowing your body shape is the first step in dressing like a confident man.
To find out your unique body shape, take our free body shape quiz for men.
Once you know your unique body shape, take the second free quiz to discover your unique colour palette.
2. Find Your Unique Colour Palette
Remember, the garments that compose your outfits come in various colours and you have to make sure that each hue complements your natural colour.
For that, you have to find out your seasonal colour palette, and you can do it by taking our free seasonal colour quiz for men.
3. Find Your Ideal Fashion Style
By now, you should already know your body shape and unique colour palette; the next step is to discover your ideal personal fashion style.
The fastest and simplest way is to take our free fashion style quiz for men; it includes your ideal style, outfit ideas, relevant fashion brands, and much more.
4. Professional Image Consultancy with The VOU
And if you want to style like a professional, by occasion, location, season, and time of the day, you can always ask our expert image consultants and fashion stylists for help.
Our styling services for men are the most comprehensive and detailed on the market, backed up by leading stylists who will guide you step by step in creating looks that communicate affluence, elegance, and endless accomplishments.
Remember, wearing luxury brands isn’t enough; to look stylish, confident, and successful, you must first know your body shape, colour palette, and ideal personal style, and only then style by occasion, location, season, and time of day.
Contact us today to save headaches, time, and money – it’s time to dress like a confident, successful gentleman of exquisite fashion taste –Â the first styling assessment is on us!