If you’re searching for brands like Drakes, you’re probably drawn to relaxed tailoring, Oxford shirts, knitted ties, Shetland jumpers and clothes that look considered without looking too polished. Founded in East London in 1977, Drake’s has become a reference point for this British approach to classic menswear.
But Drake’s isn’t the only name worth knowing. From American Ivy and Japanese Americana to London tailoring and French craftsmanship, the nine brands below each approach classic menswear from a different direction.
9 Best Brands Like Drakes to Know in 2026
| Brand | Best for |
|---|---|
| Anglo-Italian | Restrained English and Italian tailoring |
| J. Press | Authentic American Ivy style |
| BEAMS PLUS | Japanese take on Americana |
| Natalino | Understated, relaxed classics |
| De Bonne Facture | Craft-led French minimalism |
| O’Connell’s | Traditional American menswear |
| Universal Works | Relaxed British workwear |
| Percival | Contemporary London menswear |
| Informale | Mediterranean-leaning relaxed tailoring |
Why Drake’s Remains the Benchmark
From Scarves and Ties to a Full Wardrobe
Drake’s was founded by Michael Drake in East London in 1977, initially producing scarves, shawls and plaids. The company soon expanded into handmade ties and handkerchiefs, building a reputation with boutiques and department stores around the world.
Today, under creative director Michael Hill, Drake’s makes everything from soft tailoring and Oxford shirts to Scottish knitwear, denim, outerwear and accessories. Its real signature, though, is how those pieces come together. British tailoring sits alongside American Ivy, and traditional fabrics mix freely with workwear and casual clothing.
In doing so, Drake’s has helped make classic menswear feel relevant to a younger generation. A tweed jacket might appear with faded denim, or a striped tie alongside a chore jacket or rugby shirt. The result is smart without being stiff, and traditional without feeling dated.
The brand also collaborates with like-minded labels, including a 2026 collection with BEAMS F. But Drake’s is part of a much broader revival of Ivy, heritage and relaxed tailoring, and plenty of brands like Drakes in London, Tokyo and New York are reworking the same traditions in their own way.
1. Anglo-Italian — One of the Best Brands Like Drakes for Tailoring
Perhaps the closest alternative, Anglo-Italian was founded in 2017 by Jake Grantham and Alex Pirounis and is based in Marylebone, London. The brand combines English and Italian tailoring traditions across suits, jackets, trousers, shirts, knitwear, footwear and accessories.
Like Drake’s, Anglo-Italian makes tailoring that isn’t confined to formal occasions. Its look, however, is more restrained and more focused on tailoring, with less of the colour, pattern and Ivy eccentricity associated with Drake’s. If you love Drake’s but want something quieter and more sartorial, start here.
2. J. Press — The Best Drake’s Alternative for Authentic Ivy Style
Anyone drawn to the Ivy League side of Drake’s should know J. Press. Founded in New Haven in 1902, the American outfitter has deep roots in collegiate style and remains closely associated with Oxford shirts, sack jackets, chinos, Shetland knitwear and traditional neckwear.
Drake’s often borrows from the same American wardrobe; J. Press offers it closer to the source. Where Drake’s gives Ivy a British reinterpretation, J. Press is the original. If button-down collars, loafers, chinos and Shetland jumpers are your favourite part of the Drake’s look, J. Press is worth a close look.
3. BEAMS PLUS — The Best Brand Like Drake’s for Japanese Americana
BEAMS PLUS offers a Japanese interpretation of classic American clothing. Launched in 1999, the label draws on mid-century American Ivy, military uniforms, sportswear and workwear, filtered through Japanese menswear’s close attention to detail.
There is plenty of crossover with Drake’s in chinos, Oxford shirts, blazers, knitwear and relaxed layering. BEAMS PLUS, though, leans much further into military clothing, sportswear and vintage Americana. If you like Drake’s but would happily swap the knitted tie for a fatigue jacket, BEAMS PLUS is a good fit.
4. Natalino — The Best Drake’s Alternative for Understated Menswear
For the quieter side of classic menswear, Natalino is another London name worth knowing. The independent brand focuses on relaxed tailoring and everyday staples, including pleated trousers, knitwear, shirts and outerwear, made with specialist manufacturers in Britain, Italy, Portugal and Japan.
Like Drake’s, Natalino understands that traditional menswear doesn’t have to mean formal dressing. The difference is restraint: Natalino’s look is cleaner and more minimal, with less bold pattern and colour. If you like Drake’s relaxed tailoring but prefer a less conspicuous wardrobe, Natalino is a convincing alternative.
5. De Bonne Facture — The Best Brand Like Drake’s for French Craftsmanship
De Bonne Facture approaches classic menswear from France. Founded in 2013 by Déborah Neuberg, the label puts considerable emphasis on natural materials, specialist workshops and the provenance of each garment. The result is an understated wardrobe of knitwear, trousers, overshirts, tailoring and outerwear.
Both brands value texture, traditional production and clothes that gain character with wear. Where they differ is tone: De Bonne Facture is quieter and more minimal. If you appreciate the quality and fabrics behind Drake’s but want a more restrained take, De Bonne Facture is well worth exploring.
6. O’Connell’s — The Best Drake’s Alternative for American Trad
Drake’s interest in American menswear goes beyond Ivy League campuses. O’Connell’s represents the more traditional side of the American wardrobe, with Shetland sweaters, Oxford shirts, chinos, tailoring and other pieces that have barely changed with fashion.
The similarities with Drake’s are easy to spot, particularly in the fabrics, the knitwear and a preference for clothes that improve with age. O’Connell’s, however, is considerably more conservative. If you like the American elements of Drake’s but want them without the stylistic remixing, this is the place to go.
7. Universal Works — The Best Brand Like Drake’s for Casual Workwear
If you gravitate towards the casual half of the Drake’s wardrobe, Universal Works offers another British route into relaxed menswear. Founded by David Keyte in Nottingham in 2009, the label is known for chore jackets, overshirts, relaxed trousers and practical everyday layers.
It shares Drake’s appreciation for texture, layering and clothes that don’t need to look pristine. The main difference is that workwear, not tailoring, sits at the centre. If you like how Drake’s mixes smart and casual but rarely wear a tie, Universal Works makes a lot of sense.
8. Percival — The Best Drake’s Alternative for Contemporary London Style
Percival brings the list back to London. Founded in East London in 2010, the brand updates familiar menswear staples through fabric, fit and detailing, with knitted polos, overshirts, jackets and contemporary tailoring at the core of its collections.
Percival shares Drake’s interest in making traditional menswear approachable, but its outlook is more playful and trend-aware. The clothes feel younger and less tied to Ivy or tailoring conventions. If you like Drake’s but want a more contemporary London feel, Percival is an obvious next stop.
9. Informale — The Best Brand Like Drake’s for Relaxed Summer Tailoring
Finally, Informale takes relaxed classic menswear somewhere sunnier. Launched in Melbourne in 2018 by Steve Calder, the label focuses on easy tailoring and warm-weather staples: linen shirts, relaxed trousers, polos and softly constructed jackets.
The link with Drake’s is the idea that tailoring should be comfortable and easy to wear rather than rigid. Informale’s difference is its Mediterranean leaning, swapping much of Drake’s British and Ivy character for lighter fabrics and a warm-weather attitude. If you wear Drake’s in autumn but want the same ease on holiday, Informale is worth knowing.
How to Style Brands Like Drakes
Finding brands like Drakes is only part of it. Much of the Drake’s look comes from how the clothes are put together, and the same principles work across the labels above.
- Mix your textures: Combine brushed wool, Oxford cotton, suede, denim and Shetland knitwear to give simple outfits more depth.
- Relax the tailoring: Pair an unstructured jacket with denim, chinos or pleated trousers rather than matching suit trousers.
- Keep the tie: Try a knitted or patterned tie with denim, loafers and an Oxford shirt rather than saving it for formal occasions.
- Avoid perfection: An open collar, worn-in denim or a slightly rumpled Oxford shirt stops traditional menswear looking too studied.
The Verdict: Which Brands Like Drakes Are Worth Knowing?
Few brands like Drakes combine tailoring, Ivy, workwear, colour and accessories in quite the same way, but you don’t need to build a wardrobe from one label. Anglo-Italian offers a more restrained take on tailoring, J. Press delivers American Ivy at its source, BEAMS PLUS takes Americana in a Japanese direction, and Universal Works makes a strong case for keeping things casual.
What connects them is good fabric, careful making and clothes meant to last beyond a season. None of them copies Drake’s; they simply share its approach to classic menswear.
