I first found Aime Leon Dore a few years back when I was on the hunt for menswear brands that had a vintage vibe that really spoke to me.
I was immediately drawn to ALD’s cool throwback style that took inspiration from classic Americana and heritage sportswear with a modern twist.
From the moment I saw their tailored track jackets and cricket sweaters made from incredible fabrics, I knew this was a label that would change how I thought about putting together dope everyday fits.
Since getting into ALD, I’ve incorporated way more vintage-inspired pieces with an old school East Coast preppy look into my personal style.
Interestingly, Aime Leon Dore was actually started in 2014 by designer Teddy Santis and takes a lot of inspo from ’90s NYC and skate culture with a grown-up sensibility.
The main things that really define the ALD aesthetic are the attention to using luxe fabrics, the subtle retro details, and how their pieces just got that refined everyday style.
1. Noah
Noah gives me a similar vibe to ALD with their preppy NYC style mixed with some modern and vintage touches.
Their pieces feature a lot of muted earth tones and super soft earthy fabrics, plus varsity-inspired sportswear with a preppy collegiate feel that I love.
They also do great knits and flannels with a worn-in look, and their clothes just have that East Coast chill vibe that reminds me of ALD.
Some of my favorites from Noah include their baseball tees made from vintage deadstock fabric, their rugby shirts with embroidered critters, and their washed chinos that look like you’ve had them for years.
2. Rowing Blazers
Rowing Blazers has a similar tongue-in-cheek take on heritage American style as ALD that really resonates with me.
They definitely have fun with reinventing vintage preppy staples like cricket sweaters, tennis polos, and rowing team uniforms with a super playful vibe.
I love rocking their vintage-inspired rugby shirts and Jack Purcell sneakers when I want to channel that country club look with a sense of humor.
Some of my faves from Rowing Blazers include their cricket sweaters with bold stripes, their cool selection of embroidered club ties, and their striped oxford shirts that instantly give me old money vibes.
3. Drake’s
Drake’s nails that refined, tailored British look with an old world sensibility that I really dig.
They do awesome heritage-inspired accessories and menswear staples like button-downs, knits, and ties that have a super timeless, classic feel.
Rocking one of their patterned silk ties and a Drake’s penny collar shirt is my power move when I want to channel a dapper Mad Men style.
Some of my favorites from Drake’s include their vintage-inspired geometric patterned shirts, their baseball tees made from 1960s deadstock fabric, and their silk polka dot ties that instantly make any fit look suave.
4. Lady White Co.
Lady White Co. has that super laidback Cali vibe that reminds me a lot of ALD’s easygoing everyday style.
They have great pieces like washed chore coats, soft t-shirts, and selvedge denim that are made from quality fabrics but have a totally chill look.
I love rocking their utility pants or one of their super cozy loopwheeled crewnecks when I’m going for that casual West Coast style.
Some of my faves from Lady White Co. include their military chore coats that look perfectly broken-in, their eco-friendly selvedge denim made from natural indigo, and their super soft loopwheeled crewnecks made from organic cotton.
5. Todd Snyder
Todd Snyder is inspired by midcentury American style, so they have a lot of awesome tailored pieces and preppy knits that fit right in with the ALD look I love.
They do sweaters, button-downs, pants, and jackets with a vintage collegiate vibe that reminds me a lot of ALD’s collections.
I especially dig rocking their bomber jackets, chenille varsity cardigans, and indigo chore coats when I want an old school menswear look.
Some of my Todd Snyder go-tos include their fleece half-zip pullovers with collegiate vibes, their midcentury-inspired printed short-sleeve button downs, and their bomber jackets made from plush melton wool.
6. 3sixteen
3sixteen has mastered that contemporary, minimalist take on heritage American workwear that aligns really well with ALD’s modern yet timeless vibe.
They focus on quality fabrics and understated silhouettes with their jeans, work shirts, tees, and knits.
I’m all about rocking their slim black jeans and loopwheeled tees for an easy everyday look.
Some of my 3sixteen essentials include their stonewashed Japanese selvedge denim, their olive utility work shirts that go with everything, and their super soft loopwheeled long sleeve tees.
7. Wallace & Barnes
Wallace & Barnes takes classic military and workwear pieces and gives them a rugged update that really fits with ALD’s aesthetic.
I love their chore coats, fatigue pants, and military-inspired outerwear crafted from sturdy fabrics with that vintage utility vibe.
Throwing on one of their waxed trucker jackets with a chambray or fatigue pant is my go-to for easy heritage style.
Some of my favorite Wallace & Barnes gear includes their M-65 field coats with cool patches, their super durable fatigue cargo pants that can handle anything, and their plaid flannel shirts ready for the outdoors.
8. Alex Mill
Alex Mill focuses on well-made wardrobe staples and basics for everyday wear, and their pared-back style is very in line with the ALD ethos I love.
They elevate simple pieces like tees, button-downs, and chore jackets by using quality fabrics and clean designs.
I’m all about rocking their perfect untucked Oxfords shirts, tailored chinos, and washed denim for easy, timeless style.
Some of my Alex Mill go-tos include their lightweight denim chore coats that are perfect year-round, their super soft Supima cotton tees that feel worn-in from day one, and their tailored chinos that are comfy enough for everyday wear but polished enough for the office.
9. Evan Kinori
Evan Kinori’s minimal Japanese and French-inspired designs made from luxe natural fibers really echo the craftsmanship and material quality I love from ALD.
Their clothes have this super relaxed vibe and their fabrics lend a worn-in, vintage feel even when brand new.
I love rocking their relaxed linen button-ups or easy drawstring pants when I’m going for that laidback artisanal look.
A few of my favorite pieces from Evan Kinori include their linen chore coats that are perfect for summer, their cozy lambswool fisherman sweaters, and their comfy wide-leg sashiko pants inspired by vintage Japanese workwear.
10. LL Bean
No one does heritage New England outdoor style quite like OG prep brand LL Bean with their flannels, fleeces, and duck boots that feel right at home with ALD’s All-American vibe.
Their pieces are built for performance but have that super classic rugged lumberjack look I love to rock in fall and winter.
Throwing on one of their heavy winter flannels and duck boots is my move when I want that authentic outdoorsy cabin-in-the-wood
Some of my cold weather go-tos from LL Bean include their legendary Bean boots that can tackle any conditions, their cozy Norwegian sweater made from warm wool, and their signature chore coat in sturdy field cloth that’s built to last for years.
11. Nanamica
This super cool Japanese label puts a modern minimalist spin on classic American workwear and outdoor gear that really aligns with the ALD vibe.
They elevate staples like chore coats, fisherman sweaters, and fatigue pants using technical fabrics and modern silhouettes.
I love rocking their updated takes on heritage pieces when I want outdoor utility style with a sleek, refined edge.
Some of my favorite Nanamica gear includes their Gore-Tex utility jackets that are weatherproof and incredibly lightweight, their cozy but breathable boiled wool crewnecks, and their cargo pants made from moisture-wicking nylon.
12. Bode
Bode creates these super cool reconstructed vintage pieces from antique fabrics that put an avant-garde spin on traditional Americana in a way that reminds me of ALD.
Their one-of-a-kind shirts, jackets, and knits made from deadstock fabrics have that truly artisanal quality I love.
Rocking one of their upcycled military surplus pieces or embroidered vintage florals is my move when I want that nostalgic yet modern look.
Some of my favorite gems I’ve found from Bode include a patchwork oversized work shirt repaired and embellished with hand embroidery, a quilted hunting vest made from antique handwoven fabrics, and a knit cardigan woven from vintage saris and quilts.
13. Drake’s (of Canada)
This cool Canadian brand (different than the British label) has mastered laidback everyday menswear with that subtle hint of retro flavor that fits right in with the ALD ethos.
They take classic pieces like rugby shirts, khakis, and work jackets and update them with modern design and details.
I’m all about rocking their soft washed denim and fleece-lined barn jackets when the temperatures drop.
Some of my Drake’s go-tos include their washed chinos with a relaxed tapered fit, cozy Portuguese flannel shirts, and their fleece-lined waxed cotton jackets that are super rugged and weather-ready.</p
14. Corridor
This NYC brand shares that same lean tailored sensibility as ALD with their updated take on heritage American workwear.
They focus on quality materials and restrained design on wardrobe essentials like button-downs, trousers, knits and outerwear.
I love rocking their shirts and chinos for elevated yet understated work and weekend style.
A few of my Corridor favorites are their brushed cotton button-downs that feel beautifully broken-in, their midweight velour crewneck sweatshirts that walk the line between polished and casual perfectly, and their relaxed fit chinos cut from rich Italian cotton.
15. Standard Issue
Minimalist brand Standard Issue excels at easy, no-fuss menswear essentials crafted from top-notch fabrics that channel the pared-back luxury vibe I love from ALD.
Their tees, thermals, shirts, and sweatshirts may look basic at first glance but the materials and construction are exceptional.
Their featherweight tees and crews are my everyday go-tos when I want quality fabrics and fits without visible branding.
A few of my Standard Issue favorites are their thermal waffle long underwear that’s so soft and temperature regulating, their classic pigment dyed tees made from custom developed cotton jersey, and their cozy looped cotton hoodies that wear in beautifully over time.
16. Officine Generale
This Parisian label does relaxed European-inspired wardrobe essentials for men with that effortless Gallic polish that’s akin to ALD’s signature everyday luxury.
Their tailored pieces, from slim wool trousers to unstructured blazers, just have that perfect lived-in chic look.
I love rocking their shirts and chinos for work and weekends when I want laidback French style.
A few of my Officine Generale go-to’s are their Japanese chambray shirts that only get better with wear, their washed leather sneakers that become buttery soft and molded to your feet over time, and their slim wool flannel trousers that still feel as comfy as sweats.
17. Afield Out
California brand Afield Out serves up that SoCal preppy sporty look with subtle vintage flair that calls to mind ALD’s effortless All-American style.
They do heritage-inspired fishing, sailing, and surf gear along with greatbasic tees, button-downs, and shorts.
I’m all about rocking their mineral washed hoodies, chinos, and graphic tees for West Coast casual vibes.
Some of my Afield Out staples are their washed cotton hoodies perfect for layering, their lived-in chino shorts cut from broken-in Japanese cotton, and their vintage-feel graphic tees made from garment-dyed Peruvian cotton.
18. Margaret Howell
Understated British label Margaret Howell channels that same timeless, refined ease as ALD through quality fabrics, bespoke detailing, and simple versatile pieces.
Their clothes may look low-key at first glance but the craftsmanship shines in the handfeel of their knits and the perfect drape of their trousers.
I love rocking their oxford button-downs, merino crews, and wool trousers to nail that classically British interpretation of everyday luxury.
A few of my Margaret Howell go-to’s are their melange wool trousers that are somehow both tailored yet slouchy, their oxford cloth button-down shirts made from beautifully brushed, and hand-loomed cotton, and their merino crewneck sweaters with that perfect not-too-fitted feel.
