Founded in 1985, Tommy Hilfiger B.V., more popularly known as Tommy Hilfiger, is a clothing brand by American fashion designer of the same name. The company is widely known for manufacturing apparel. Thus, it also sells footwear, accessories, fragrances, and home furnishings.
The company is a subsidiary of PVH Corp. since 2010, while founder Tommy Hilfiger remains the company’s principal designer, leading the design teams and overseeing the entire creative process. The brand is known for its classic American style and preppy aesthetic. The brand’s merchandise is sold in department stores and over 2,000 free-standing retail stores in 100 countries.
And since its inception, the Tommy Hilfiger brand has been associated with the upper echelons of the fashion industry. However, some experts are unsure whether it is a luxury brand or not. Here we will explore this question in more detail.
Is Tommy Hilfiger A Luxury Brand?
While it is true that Tommy Hilfiger is versatile—offering products from affordable ones to the high-end—in reality, the brand is not considered a luxury but a premium brand. One of the main reasons is for its products to be widely accessible. The company’s mass-market appeal means that its products are not as exclusive as those of true luxury brands.
Here are the reasons why Tommy Hilfiger is not considered a luxury brand.
1. The Products’ Affordability
Tommy Hilfiger as a premium brand is already a step below luxury. And one of the main reasons for this is the affordability of its products. While there are some high-end and expensive items in its collections, most of its products fall into the mid-range price category, making them accessible to a wider audience.
For example, the brand is widely popular for its menswear, and you can buy a basic shirt from Tommy Hilfiger for as low as approximately $30 in a regular price. Additionally, the brand always offers discounts, and the same product would usually cost only anywhere from $16 to $22, depending on the sale occasion.
This only proves that the products are not really exorbitantly priced, to begin with, which is in contrast to luxury brands that would never offer such big discounts on their items since they are meant to be aspirational and exclusive.
2. The Brand’s Mass-Market Appeal
Another reason why Tommy Hilfiger is not a luxury brand is its mass-market appeal. The company’s products are widely available and can be found in many department stores and retailers around the world. This is in contrast to true luxury brands that often have more exclusive distribution channels.
The brand’s wide availability also means that it does not have the same level of exclusivity as luxury brands. This is one of the key characteristics of a luxury brand, which Tommy Hilfiger does not have. In short, the majority of department or apparel stores would carry and sell Tommy Hilfiger products, while there are only a handful of retailers that would sell luxury brands.
3. The Brand Is Not As Established As Other Luxury Brands
Tommy Hilfiger is a relatively young brand, having been founded in 1985. This is in contrast to other luxury brands that have centuries-old histories. Furthermore, the brand is not as established as a luxury brand to begin with. Also, it does not have the same level of recognition and prestige make it one.
In general, luxury brands have a long history and are more established than premium or high-end brands. Tommy Hilfiger, on the other hand, was first introduced as a collection line before the company was established its name as a standalone fashion label.
4. The Designs Of The Products
The majority of Tommy Hilfiger’s designs are more sustainable rather than timeless as the products are meant for everyday use. While the brand has some classic pieces, most of its designs are more trend-focused. This is in contrast to luxury brands that often have more timeless and classic designs as their products are meant to be investment pieces.
Moreover, the brand’s designs are not really that innovative or unique as compared to other luxury brands. The company usually takes inspiration from classic styles and designs and then puts its own spin on them. And while the products may be well-made and of good quality, they are not really that different from other mid-range or high-end brands.
5. The Materials Used For The Products
The materials used for Tommy Hilfiger’s products are not from the finest materials available. For instance, the brand’s clothing items are mostly made from cotton and other synthetic materials. And while these materials are of good quality, they are not like cashmere, silk, and leather that coveys prestige and sophitication.
6. The Use Of Discounts And Sales
While Tommy Hilfiger products are not really that expensive, to begin with, the brand still offers discounts and sales on its items. This is in contrast to luxury brands that rarely offer such promotions as they want their products to be seen as aspirational and exclusive.
There’s a continuous sales and promotions on its website offering up to 50% off on selected items which further cements the idea that Tommy Hilfiger is not a luxury brand.
7. The Production Process
Tommy Hilfiger products are mostly produced in countries like China and Vietnam. This is in contrast to luxury brands that often have their products made in-house or from countries like Italy or France. Meanwhile, the production process of Tommy Hilfiger’s products is not as intricate or exclusive as that of other luxury brands when it comes to crafstmanship.
Furthermore, many of its items are mass-produced in factories. This is again in contrast to luxury brands that often have their products handmade by expert artisans. Consequently, the production process of Tommy Hilfiger’s products is not really that different from other mid-range or high-end brands.
Does Tommy Hilfiger Hold Value?
In general, the majority of Tommy Hilfiger products don’t hold a high value if it will all lead to the discussion of reselling the items in the future. This is in contrast to luxury brands whose products often appreciate value over time.
While some of Tommy Hilfiger’s classic pieces may hold value, the brand’s more trend-focused designs are likely to go out of style quickly. As a result, they will not be worth as much in the future. So, from the moment a person bought a Tommy Hilfiger product and used it a few times the prices and value start to depreciate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tommy Hilfiger made?
Tommy Hilfiger products are mostly made in countries like China and Vietnam. These countries are widely known for low or below average production cost, giving companies the chance to mass-produce their products.
How do you know if Tommy Hilfiger is fake?
The best way to identify a fake Tommy Hilfiger is by checking the price, the logo, uneven stitching, and the cheap-looking materials of the product.
An original Tommy Hilfiger product would never be sold at a very low price. If the item is too cheap than the official retail price, then it is likely to be fake.
