Most Expensive Clothing Brands Ranked
Stephanie Patterson
Table of Contents
We all love to flash a brand name from time to time to show off that style, class, and quality in our appearance. From the famous Louis Vuitton to the exclusive Armani fashion, there are so many options available, each as pricey as the next.
It’s fair to want the status that top brand names provide, but what exactly are the top brands and why do they matter?
While each brand has their own backstory, a lot of their popularity and price comes down to exclusivity. These brands know how to market using supply and demand. Through a limited stock of items, they push up the price and give customers the experience of being part of an elite crowd.
It’s totally worthwhile to want at least one brand name item in your home, but how does one decide exactly where to shop and what to get? Each brand has their specialties and highlights to consider.
Rather than sending you off for general research, we’re going to narrow things down and take a look at what the most expensive clothing brands have to offer, how to shop with exclusivity, and what pieces are recommended for a timeless appearance and general use.
How to Shop the Most Expensive Clothing Brands:
When it comes to buying from the most expensive clothing brands, it’s not wise to dive right in and empty that wallet. Each top brand comes with their own highlights to take note of so it’s important to do some research and go in knowing exactly what you’re looking to get from the purchase.
Like most brands on the market, each one caters to their own specialties, so take some time to look into what each name offers in their inventory and find an item worth the money.
When it comes to researching and determining which of the most expensive clothing brands to buy from, there’s more to it than simply checking out inventory. In fact, beyond their products, there are endless elements to keep in mind to guide that purchase.
We’ve selected a few of the key topics to be aware of when looking to own a top brand.
Style
We realize that trendy items are always fun to buy, but when it comes to big-ticket items, that’s not the way to go.
Many of the most expensive clothing brands on the market tend to take their own approach to fashion with motifs, themes, and signature styles that truly set them apart from others in the industry. This means while some trendy attire may be available, most brands aim for a timeless appearance.
What’s the difference? Trends fade. Timeless looks are styles that seem to pass every age as acceptable. When spending the big bucks, this is what you want to aim for.
No one wants to spend thousands on something that won’t be considered cool within a few months. Go classic and comfortable for the best buy.
Materials
This isn’t one to worry about as much when it comes to durability. Most of the expensive clothing brands on the market enter high costs in part because of their material choice.
The real thing to consider when it comes to material is both trends and seasons. While fur used to be bigger in the market, it’s since become taboo to use genuine furs in products. Keep things like this in mind when checking into the materials you’re looking to buy. What’s trendy now that may take a turn in the future?
As for seasons, part of this consideration doubles with usage. Think about how often that brand name will be shown. Heavier items made for Fall and Winter won’t be of use for half of the year while bags and lighter attire can be layered and worn year-round.
Functionality
The real star of the show for any of these products is always the logo and name. While they are expensive items, the fact is we have to consider function.
We understand that some will purchase the name just to say they own it and allow it to sit inside and gather dust, but these items were actually designed to be used.
When it comes to owning something from one of the most expensive clothing brands, aim for something that will see the light of day. You want something neutral that will pair well with a variety of outfits for versatility.
Don’t go for something that will be stuck in a closet for all but three months of the year. The money has been spent; the brand is now owned – show it off!
Price
Let’s be honest, for anyone looking to buy one of the most expensive clothing brands out there, it’s just a fact that prices will run high. Part of what you’ll pay comes down to what’s being bought.
Those who just want something of the name to show off to others, aim for some of the lower listings that will provide evidence as to what’s been purchased without breaking the bank.
For those who want to go big – be aware that the price will match the product. Bigger items can go well into the thousands when it comes to these brands.
It’s best to go in with a spending limit and stick to items that fall within those boundaries for the best results (and to avoid going broke).
Resale Value
Sometimes our purchases aren’t meant to last forever in our homes and that’s where resale value comes in.
Anyone who may need the insurance of being able to resell should always be researching the resale value of the brands before picking one to purchase. While most of the most expensive clothing brands offer a solid resale price, some definitely look better than others.
We know that there are endless big-name brands available right now. More names seem to be joining the industry every year. With that being said, this article will be covering our Top 15:
- Louis Vuitton
- Dior
- Versace
- Chanel
- Prada
- Yves Saint Laurent
- Giorgio Armani
- Ralph Lauren
- Gucci
- Dolce & Gabbana
- Burberry
- Marc Jacobs
- Oscar de la Renta
- Salvatore Ferragamo
- Tom Ford
The 15 Most Expensive Clothing Brands
We’ve checked out how to shop with these high-priced brands, but exactly who are they?
Covering their history, specialties, and unique qualities, we’ve thrown together a short list of the Top 15 Most Expensive Clothing Brands in the World. Obviously, this numbering is according to our own opinions, but these names all make an appearance for a reason.
#1 – Louis Vuitton
We’re starting this list of the most expensive clothing brands off with Louis Vuitton himself. In business since the 1800s with their luggage and locks before moving into apparel and accessories, this brand is easily one of the most recognized names when it comes to fashion.
Moving from father to son, this brand has grown in production, maintaining the artisanal quality of each piece with workers trained extensively upon being hired.
Though they began with luggage and bags, this brand has been expanding since the 1900s with trunks and then moving to include bags, accessories, and clothing. When it comes to their fashion, Louis Vuitton has exclusive lines for both men and women.
Sorting their apparel by category of clothing and look, customers are able to check out possible pairings for pieces to figure out how select fashions could be styled.
This brand does ask quite a bit when it comes to pricing, but they provide premium materials handworked by artisans for each limited product.
While customers are technically buying a product, the money being spent is actually paying for durability, professional work, quality material, and the exclusivity of the design.
#2 – Christian Dior
Beginning in 1947 in a post-war world, Christian Dior turned from art to fashion and introduced the world to his “New Look” of apparel. Using yards of fabric on each design, these first dresses were the picture of extravagance with billowing hems and stunning silhouettes.
Worn by the most revered stars of the time, it didn’t take long for this French business to move stateside and grow into the brand name it is today.
From bags to shoes to ready-to-wear attire, this brand covers a range of men’s and women’s fashion. While they have a great selection of men’s wear, the brand has largely been founded on its inclusion of timeless and elegant female looks.
Aiming to define femininity through grace and style, this brand is known to be one of the most expensive female clothing brands for a reason.
So, what separates this brand from the rest? A lot of the originality comes from Dior’s foundational designs featuring bold designs with luxurious use of fabrics to really emphasize figure and fashion into a single unit. Combine that with trained seamstresses and signature stitching motifs – this brand was born to stand out.
#3 – Versace
Born from a love of fashion, Gianni Versace began his business in the 1970s with a fashion line that stood out amongst the rest. Using a mix of previously unused underappreciated materials, Versace made a name with bold and unique fashion right out of the gate.
Within ten years in business, this brand was producing pieces for all-star celebrities to flaunt around town.
After the death of Versace in the 1990s, this business took off with the goal of honoring their founder and his vision when it came to style. Continuing to flourish through the use of color and contrast, this brand has become about combining hard and soft fashions into a unified piece.
Often described as bold and eclectic, this brand is all about personality and flair. Confident colors, unique combinations, and an equal desire to show off the forms of men and women, this brand is all about making the world and owning your actions.
#4 – Chanel
Celebrating their 100th birthday, Chanel No 5 is one of the top scents in the world. It’s no wonder the brand has continued to thrive internationally and secured their spot on this list considering their long lifespan and quality products.
Originally founded by Coco Chanel as a hat and clothing store, the owner took a step forward towards fragrances in 1921 and gained what would become the brand’s most famous product.
Think that’s impressive? The little black dress can also be credited to Chanel after its 1926 introduction as an item that would “allow women to look elegant without breaking the bank.”
Behind fashion classics like the Little Black Dress and Two-Tone Pumps, it’s no wonder this brand has remained at the top for so long. The underlying theme here?
Chanel manages to take avant-garde styles and bring them into the public eye, lasting for decades as a staple of wardrobe.
Original, creative, and not afraid to break boundaries, this brand knows how to play the fashion game.
#5 – Prada
Does anyone here have a Prada jacket? How about a bag? While the brand now offers a range of clothing and shoes, they began in 1913 with an inventory exclusive to travel and luggage accessories.
This remained as the focus of the brand until the 1960s when shoes were brought into the fold with a single loafer design that would lead into their first line of women’s shoes almost a decade later.
After the launch of the menswear and womenswear collections in the 80s and 90s, the brand came into itself as a luxury fashion name sold internationally. While their most popular products still surround their bags and shoes, their clothing crosses boundaries of classy and eccentric.
A juxtaposition in each appearance, Prada seems set to mix trendy with wild to create their own unique styles in both material and appearance.
#6 – Yves Saint Laurent
We first have to point out that Yves Saint Laurent found inspiration from another on this list. Trained as a teen and young adult by Christian Dior, the basis of Yves Saint Laurent’s art and fashion come down to the years spent at the side of a designer already sweeping the industry.
By the time he broke away to create his own brand, Saint Laurent’s style had matured and his business sense had rocketed after years of training with one of the best.
Blending the barriers of men’s and women’s fashion, Saint Laurent brought beautiful blazers, smoking jackets, and trousers into the field of women’s fashion to provide equality in what was being worn.
In addition to form, Saint Laurent also played with fashion, combining great art from Van Gogh, Warhol, and more into designs making fashion a true art form.
From his brilliance with design and form to his part in second-wave feminism, Yves Saint Laurent began a genius thread in fashion that has carried into the brand today. Continuing to play with colors, contrast, and detailing designs, this brand offers fun fashion that isn’t afraid to express itself.
#7 – Giorgio Armani
Speaking of breaking boundaries, we had to take a look at Giorgio Armani’s own push towards the issue of dissolving gendered attire. His career spanned quite a few jumps as he moved from the medical field to the army, finally settling in fashion.
The brand really began to take off with the inclusion of Armani suits in American Gigolo and Miami Vice. With his suits being constantly featured in the public eye through media, the demand suddenly increased, leading to Armani becoming one of the most expensive men’s clothing brands on the market to date.
Mixing materials to soften men’s looks and harden women’s appearances, Armani has focused on class and quality, providing an exclusive experience and look to customers while helping them to look their best.
#8 – Ralph Lauren
One of the only names on the list to start in menswear, Ralph Lauren kicked off in the 1960s starting with a single tie. While working under another company, Lauren decided to bring his own ideas into the industry and launch his own business and collection of ties, expanding to menswear within a year on the market.
The brand turned to include women’s fashion in the early 1970s, keeping with the notion of dressing individuals, not for trendy fashion, but timeless class. Lauren always wanted his pieces to elevate appearance rather than blend in with the latest trend.
Years after launch, Lauren’s clothing continues to be known for its timeless appeal rather than any specific build qualities. While all pieces are made to be durable, the real draw is this brand’s ability to bring buyers back to a traditional time of stylish simplicity.
#9 – Gucci
Another brand that began with travel and trunks, Gucci started off in the midst of a leather shortage that forced creativity. While living through the shortage, Gucci made his name through the introduction of hemp-woven bags.
Strong, stylish, and unique in creation, this brand really took off with Jacqueline Kennedy sporting one of their bags in the 1960s.
Their first fashion-focused store launched in the 1970s leading to the inventory that they possess today. From men and women’s attire to home décor and design, this brand is all about premium material and timeless appearances. Between exclusivity and material, it’s no wonder this brand is up there in price.
#10 – Dolce & Gabbana
Considering they made their start in 1985, it’s impressive to see just how far Dolce & Gabbana has come in the short lifespan so far.
With 35 years under their belt, this brand began with inspiration from films of the 40s and 50s, aiming for that classic beauty of black and white Hollywood when everything was star-studded and the picture of elegance.
In addition to trying to attain that celebrity grace found in the old films, they also carved their niche through the inclusion of styles for the modern woman.
Bringing men’s fashion across the border into women’s apparel, this brand became all about confidence in appearance and apparel for women everywhere.
Now offering a collection of accessories and clothing for men and women, this brand continues to focus on the form and emphasize its striking appearance from all angles. They may have gone modern in values, but that 50s film dream is still central to much of their work.
#11 – Burberry
We love the history behind this one. The real motivation for this brand? Protect the British people from the wild weather that was bound to appear at the worst possible times.
In an attempt to move away from the heavy pieces previously used, the founder Thomas Burberry created a fabric called gabardine which offered a lighter, waterproof option.
Since 1856, this brand has been a part of society, focusing on function first. Who could’ve known that the iconic pattern would make its way to being the oldest luxury brand on the market?
Having served for protection in the war to make its way into aviation, this brand has to be highlighted as its purpose has always outweighed the appearance of it all.
This isn’t one to hide away in the closet. Burberry makes their products to survive the worst of weather with ease.
#12 – Marc Jacobs
Also newer to the scene, Marc Jacobs took on the fashion industry as a teen in the 1970s. Studying the topic as a teenager and attending a school for Art and Design, Jacobs wasted no time in finding his mentor at age 15 to push him forward in his work and creativity.
Jacobs found the money and time to launch his own brand in the 1980s and secured success through his line of grunge-wear that paralleled the interest in grunge rock.
Pulling forth individuality and combative appearances for women, Jacobs has maintained this notion of a wild and free spirit in his apparel throughout the years since his debut.
#13 – Oscar de la Renta
Who doesn’t love a bit of casual comfort, even in times of utter class? Oscar de la Renta entered the scene with the goal of combining European luxury with American comfort to create an ultimate collection that was comfortably classy for those attending big-name events.
Since 1965, this brand has worked to combine vibrance and bold colors with delicate and feminine qualities. Known for their modern take on womenswear, this brand is beloved for their evening attire and female suits, combining hard material with soft edges for a comforting combination appearance.
#14 – Salvatore Ferragamo
Salvatore Ferragamo joined the ranks in the 1920s with a focus on shoes and the possibilities they presented. His store in LA led to popular appearances by socialites and celebrities who adored the quality material and build of each design.
After spending decades in the market, this brand began to branch out in the 1960s into clothing and accessories, later moving into fragrances to round out their selection.
Salvatore Ferragamo’s luxury element comes from their material. Known for their true Italian leather and incredible quality, it’s hard to find pieces by this brand that don’t hold up against the test of time.
Add in their creative takes on designs and it’s no wonder this brand continues to dominate the market.
#15 – Tom Ford
If there’s anyone on this list who truly has been involved in fashion, it’s Tom Ford. Aside from his own brand, the designer has also been credited with reviving Gucci as the creative director as well as leading design at Yves Saint Laurent during the same time period.
After years in the industry, Ford moved away from other brands and established his own in 2005, and he’s never looked back since.
So, how does the brand’s attire stack up? When it comes to detailed stitching and stunning design work, this one is a winner.
Mainly known for men’s fashion, this brand is all about comfortable styles that offer a timeless elegance that works for any number of events. They want to provide an easy option with universal use rather than specified designs.
Which Most Expensive Clothing Brands are Best to Invest in?
While brands are constantly moving on the market, there are a few names that have stayed relatively solid in the listings. When it comes down to popularity, style, and stock, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Burberry are hard to beat.
These designs not only have an incredible selection and are known for their durable designs, but they also have respectable histories behind their foundation.
The best part of these brands is they offer a wide selection of products that cover options for a variety of ages and genders, with many options for universal bags that (if treated well) could be passed down in the family.
When it comes to deciding what most expensive clothing brand to invest in, pay attention to lifespan, durability, market value, and versatility. We adore the other brands on this list, but these three definitely stand out when it comes to being worthy investments.
Which Most Expensive Clothing Brand makes the Best Pieces for Everyday Wear?
As we’ve stated, no one wants to invest in clothes that just take up closet space. The best way to spend the money on these names is to ensure they’ll get used and survive the wear and tear of everyday life. So, when it comes to the most expensive clothing brands on the market, who’s the best for the versatility of everyday fashion?
We’re going with Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, and Ralph Lauren. Our reasons? These brands have quality materials that are made to withstand constant use.
Honestly, out of these options, Burberry takes the top. This brand was made for function first and has stood the test of time in the military, navy, aerial, and many more tough fields.
We will say, the other brands we’ve listed here are great at providing a variety of pieces that come with quality to spare. They also market themselves on the notion of comfortable attire for a range of situations.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to purchasing from one of the most expensive clothing brands on the market, there’s a lot at play. Take the time to research each brand and their unique qualities and signature styles before buying. No one wants to regret a purchase when something doesn’t fit personal fashion.
The good thing about these top brands is that many of them are top quality when it comes to material. Instead of fearing how well something will last, consider how it will be used and the versatility of the piece.
Aim for something that will add to year-round adventures rather than special occasions. Above all else, put personal preference before the latest trends and find something that will bring you timeless joy.
Looking to splurge on something specific? We’ve got you covered:
