Preppy clothing brands like Southern Tide and Vineyard Vines are hallmarks of fraternity life and country clubs. Both offer polos, Pullovers, hats, and other apparel with their signature logos.
But which coastal inspired brand should you join? Let’s dive into the pros, cons, and key differences between Southern Tide and Vineyard Vines.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Southern Tide | Vineyard Vines |
| Price | More affordable | Premium pricing |
| Style | Classic, heritage | Trendy, bold prints |
| Quality | Excellent | Excellent |
| Size Range | Up to XXL | Extended sizes up to 4XL |
| Variety | Basics and accessories | Huge assortment |
| In-Store Availability | Online only | 100+ retail locations |
| Brand Values | Ocean conservation | Community impact |
| Popularity | Niche following | Mass appeal |
Overview of Southern Tide and Vineyard Vines
First, here’s a quick rundown of each brand:
Southern Tide
- Founded in 2006 in Greenville, SC
- Known for skipjack logo and preppy, coastal vibe
- Sells men’s and women’s apparel, mainly polos, sweaters, and tees
- Also offers accessories like hats, bags, belts, and more
Vineyard Vines
- Founded in 1998 on Martha’s Vineyard, MA
- Known for smiling pink whale logo
- Sells apparel and accessories for men, women, and kids
- Categories include polos, dresses, swimsuits, ties, wallets, etc.
Also Read: Comparison Between JiffyShirts And ShirtSpace.
Key Differences Between Southern Tide And Vineyard Vines
Now let’s see how Southern Tide and Vineyard Vines stack up across different factors.
- Price
In terms of everyday prices, Vineyard Vines tends to be more expensive. For example:
- A classic men’s polo is $85 at Vineyard Vines, $55 at Southern Tide
- Men’s caps are $35 Vs.. $25
- Ties are $75 Vs.. $60
Vineyard Vines positions itself as a premium, luxury prep brand. Southern Tide goes more middle-of-the-road.
However, both offer sales around the holidays that let you stock up at 40-60% off. Sign up for email lists and watch for seasonal promos.
For regular prices, Southern Tide is generally more budget-friendly. But Vineyard Vines isn’t drastically pricier for the quality.
- Style and Design
The aesthetic of these two brands is pretty similar – think coastal country club vibes. But there are some style differences:
Southern Tide
- Relaxed, classic fit on most apparel
- Prominent skipjack logo on chest of shirts
- Solid colors and stripes; very few prints
- More masculine aesthetic; minimal women’s apparel
Vineyard Vines
- Slimmer, modern fit on many styles
- Whale logo often displayed smaller on sleeve or back of shirts
- Lots of bold prints and patterns
- Wide selection for women and kids beyond menswear
Vineyard Vines has a broader product range with more colors, prints, and silhouettes. Southern Tide keeps it simple and classic.
For variety, Vineyard Vines has an edge. But Southern Tide nails heritage preppy style.
- Quality and Comfort
Shoppers praise both brands for their soft, comfortable fabrics.
The pique and jersey cotton polos are light and breathable. Oxford button-downs have a substantial feel. Knit sweaters and pullovers hold up well over multiple seasons.
Some Vineyard Vines apparel runs slim and tight. Check sizing charts to get the right relaxed fit. Southern Tide fits more generously out of the box.
In terms of durability, customers note occasional shrinking issues with both after washes. Stick to cold water and low heat drying to preserve the shape and quality.
When it comes to materials and craftsmanship, Southern Tide and Vineyard Vines are on par. Both deliver classics worth the investment.
- Size Range
One advantage of Vineyard Vines is the broad size range on many items. For men, they offer polos, shirts, and pants in sizes XS-4XL. Lots of styles go up to size 18 or 20 for women.
Meanwhile, Southern Tide tops out at XXL or size 16 for women’s.
Those needing extended sizes have more options with Vineyard Vines. Southern Tide runs more limited.
- Variety of Products
As mentioned above, Vineyard Vines sells far more than just polo shirts and hats. They have categories for:
- Women’s dresses, skirts, and swimsuits
- Girls and boys clothing
- Formalwear like suits, blazers, and ties
- Home goods like pillows, blankets, and towels
- Pet accessories like beds, toys, and bandanas
The product selection is very extensive. You can deck out the whole family in Vineyard Vines attire.
Southern Tide sticks to the basics: shirts, pants, shorts, hats, and belts for men and women. Don’t expect to find pet tees or little girls’ sundresses here.
Vineyard Vines is the clear winner for versatile preppy products.
- In-Store Availability
Vineyard Vines operates over 100 retail stores across the country, mainly in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions.
Southern Tide is primarily an ecommerce brand with no brick-and-mortar locations. They rely on their website and partnerships with retailers like Nordstrom.
If you like trying clothes on in person, Vineyard Vines provides that experience. You can also take advantage of in-store sales and exclusives.
For in-person shopping, Vineyard Vines has the advantage. Southern Tide requires online ordering.
Watch this review video:
- Brand Values
Here’s a quick look at what each brand stands for:
Southern Tide
- They sponsor conservation initiatives that protect coastal areas
- Donate proceeds to marine science education programs
- Source cotton sustainably and reduce textile waste
Vineyard Vines
- Support wildlife conservation through partnerships
- Donate products to charities supporting youth, families, and education
- Use some recycled fabrics and aim for sustainability
Both brands give back and care about responsible sourcing. Southern Tide emphasizes ocean conservation, while Vineyard Vines focuses on community impact.
Ethically speaking, it’s a draw. Southern Tide and Vineyard Vines are on the same page.
- Popularity and Status
There’s no denying that Vineyard Vines has a devoted following, especially among college students on the East Coast. The smiling whale logo carries a cool cachet.
Southern Tide just doesn’t have the same brand recognition and cultural clout yet. The skipjack logo flies under the radar outside of Southern fraternity chapters.
So Vineyard Vines is undoubtedly the reigning preppy status symbol for the mainstream. But Southern Tide still has a loyal niche following.
Also Read: Comparison Between Hylete And Ten Thousand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Still trying to pick between Southern Tide and Vineyard Vines? Here are some answers to common questions.
No, Southern Tide and Vineyard Vines are different preppy clothing brands. They have similar coastal inspired aesthetics but differ in products, prices, brand recognition and other factors. Vineyard Vines is more established and premium-priced with a wider selection. Southern Tide is more budget-friendly with a focus on classic heritage apparel.
Yes, Southern Tide clothing earns positive reviews for its materials, construction, comfort and durability. Their polos, knits, and other apparel hold up well over multiple seasons and washes. The fabrics have a nice weight and feel substantial, while remaining soft and breathable. Overall quality compares to luxury brands but at a lower price point.
Vineyard Vines has gained cultural cachet among the preppy crowd due to its fun, pop logo (the smiling pink whale), wide range of apparel and accessories, specialty items like pet and kids products, and effective marketing of an aspirational New England lifestyle. College students especially latch onto Vineyard Vines as a status symbol. The devotion of a celebrity following provides additional exposure and hype.
Vineyard Vines markets itself as an upscale, luxury lifestyle brand with a preppy coastal aesthetic. Their products aim to reflect classic East Coast country club style with a bold, youthful twist. The brand values tradition while experimenting with fresh colors, prints and silhouettes each season. Vineyard Vines also provides a sense of social belonging through its immediately recognizable iconography.
The Verdict
Which preppy apparel brand comes out on top? Here are the key takeaways:
- Southern Tide wins on price and classic style
- Vineyard Vines excels in variety, fit options, and popularity
- Both earn points for quality, brand values, and coastal style
- Vineyard Vines has better in-store retail presence
The choice often comes down to budget and preferences.
Southern Tide is perfect for purists wanting timeless, high-quality staples. Vineyard Vines satisfies those who love loud prints, specialty products, and showing off their brand loyalty.
Either way, you really can’t go wrong with these two pillars of prep. Just pick which vibe suits you best.
