Why Ivy Style Still Matters in Modern Menswear
Discover why Ivy Style remains a powerful influence in modern menswear and how contemporary brands—including Seoul-based Renacts—are redefining this timeless American aesthetic.
Intro: The Revival of Modern Trad
Aimé Leon Dore has become a cultural icon by blending vintage sportswear with the timeless elegance of Ivy style. In recent years, a new wave of brands has emerged — reviving the values of craftsmanship, subtle luxury, and effortless sophistication. This article introduces Aimé Leon Dore and several brands that share its vision of modern trad menswear.
Aimé Leon Dore – The New York Pioneer
Founded in Queens, New York, by Teddy Santis in 2014, Aimé Leon Dore represents the intersection of heritage and street culture. The brand’s DNA is deeply rooted in New York lifestyle — combining East Coast prep, basketball nostalgia, and downtown cool. Through clean silhouettes, retro palettes, and collaborations with brands like New Balance, Aimé Leon Dore has redefined modern Ivy aesthetics for a younger generation.
Aimé Leon Dore’s Trad Aesthetic
At its core, Aimé Leon Dore embodies the essence of American Trad: tailored blazers, chunky knitwear, oxford shirts, and loafers — reimagined with a relaxed New York edge. Unlike purely nostalgic brands, ALD brings warmth and relatability to classic menswear, proving that Ivy style can thrive in the 21st century. Its visual storytelling — cozy interiors, vintage cars, and earthy color palettes — evokes the feeling of timeless elegance with a modern heartbeat.
The Evolution of Trad Style Today
Trad style once symbolized the Ivy League elite of the 1950s and 60s, but today it represents authenticity and understated taste. Modern menswear brands reinterpret the tradition by prioritizing comfort, sustainability, and individuality — traits perfectly embodied by labels like Aimé Leon Dore. Trad is no longer about conformity; it’s about confidence through subtlety, a quiet statement of refinement that transcends generations.
Ralph Lauren – The Eternal Classic
No discussion of Trad or Ivy style can begin without Ralph Lauren. Since the 1970s, Ralph Lauren has defined aspirational American luxury — effortlessly mixing Ivy League refinement with cinematic storytelling. From navy blazers and cable-knit sweaters to tweed jackets, Ralph Lauren’s vision remains timeless: a dreamlike portrait of American elegance.
J.Press – The Original Ivy Tailor
Founded in 1902 on Yale University’s campus, J.Press is the quintessential Ivy brand. Its sack suits, hook vents, and natural shoulders defined the American Trad silhouette that later influenced brands like Aimé Leon Dore. To this day, J.Press continues to uphold its heritage of precision tailoring and understated class.
Noah – The Rebellious Gentleman
Created by former Supreme creative director Brendon Babenzien, Noah bridges streetwear and Ivy style with integrity and wit. Its collections reinterpret preppy staples with youthful rebellion — rugby shirts, chinos, and nautical influences — while emphasizing ethical production. Noah captures the ideal balance between respect for tradition and the courage to challenge it.
Renacts – Seoul’s Voice of Modern Trad
Renacts represents the evolution of Ivy style in Korea. Rooted in American Trad philosophy, the brand brings Seoul’s perspective to the global stage with clean silhouettes, refined tailoring, and thoughtful material selection. Through its motto “Korea Fabric, Korea Making,” Renacts honors craftsmanship while pushing Ivy style into a new cultural context. Its grey sack suits, corduroy blazers, and polo coats embody the quiet sophistication of modern classic menswear.
Brooks Brothers – The Foundation of Ivy Style
Brooks Brothers is the cornerstone of American menswear heritage. Founded in 1818, it introduced staples like the button-down oxford shirt and the sack suit — essentials that became the backbone of Ivy fashion. Even in the modern age, Brooks Brothers remains a living symbol of timeless craftsmanship and East Coast sophistication.
Drake’s – The British Heart of Modern Ivy
Founded in London in 1977, Drake’s stands as one of the most refined voices in contemporary classic menswear. While rooted in British tailoring traditions, the brand shares Aimé Leon Dore’s philosophy of effortless elegance and emotional storytelling. Its signature ties, soft-shouldered jackets, and brushed cotton shirts embody a relaxed yet intellectual approach to dressing — what many call the “British Ivy” aesthetic. Drake’s has successfully bridged the gap between Savile Row craftsmanship and the laid-back charm of American Trad, making it a key name for anyone exploring the global evolution of Ivy style.
Conclusion – The Future of Trad
Trad style continues to inspire designers around the world — from New York to Seoul, from vintage collectors to a new generation of creators. Aimé Leon Dore stands at the forefront of this movement, reminding us that timeless style is not bound by era or geography. As long as brands like Ralph Lauren, Noah, and Renacts keep the tradition alive, Trad style will remain both relevant and deeply human — an expression of quiet confidence in an ever-changing world.
You May Also Like
Essential Items That Define Ivy Style: A Complete Guide to Classic American Trad
Discover the essential items that define Ivy Style from OCBD shirts and chinos to cable knits, navy blazers and cricket sweaters. Learn how each piece