Drake's built its name on small-batch London tailoring and accessories before expanding into knitwear, and the pricing reflects that heritage-house positioning: a piqué cotton polo made in Portugal is $225, and a knitted linen-cotton polo reaches $495. This is a collector's brand more than a value comparison.
| Brand | Price | Construction | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drake's | $225-$495 | London heritage house, small runs | Collectors and connoisseurs, not a value comparison |
| Squalo Roma | $70-$105 | Cuban/open collar, fine-gauge knit, Mediterranean cut | Everyday warm-weather wear at an accessible price |
What Drake's is actually selling
Small production runs, London design, and a reputation built over decades in tailoring and neckwear before knitwear. The $225-$495 range is priced for scarcity and heritage as much as for the cotton or linen itself, which is a legitimate thing to pay for if the brand story matters, and a hard thing to justify on fabric alone.
Where Squalo Roma fits against Drake's
Well below Drake's on price, without the heritage-brand story or the small-batch scarcity. Squalo Roma's knit polos ($70-$105) cover the same cotton-and-linen-knit territory for a buyer who wants the fabric and construction without paying for the collector's premium. If the Drake's name and story is the point, this is not a substitute; if the polo itself is the point, it is.
Shop the polos above
Frequently asked questions
Is Drake's worth the price?
For the heritage-house story and small-batch production, that is a real thing some buyers value. On fabric and construction alone at $225-$495, it is a premium over comparable pieces at a fraction of the price.
Where are Drake's polos made?
The piqué cotton polo is made in Portugal, per the brand's own product listing.
Is there a lower-priced alternative to Drake's polos?
Squalo Roma's knit polos run $70-$105 in comparable cotton and linen-blend knits, without the heritage-brand premium.