Tommy Hilfiger: a buying guide

Tommy Hilfiger is the American brand that Tommy Hilfiger launched in New York in 1985, known for its preppy menswear and the red, white and navy flag logo. On a pre-owned Tommy Hilfiger item, the label, the flag, the seams and the fabric show how it has been made and worn.

A short history of Tommy Hilfiger

The first collection appeared in 1985 and was built on preppy American menswear: chinos, button-down shirts and knitwear. The flag logo has been part of the brand since that first collection and has changed little since. Over the years the brand added womenswear and denim lines, including Hilfiger Denim and Tommy Jeans, which carry their own labels. The preppy style is explained in the classic clothing guide.

The brand is known for polo shirts, rugby shirts, crewneck jumpers, sweatshirts and jackets in a palette of navy, red and white. Sub-labels such as Hilfiger Denim are stated in the title of each item, because the label shows which line an item comes from.

What to check on a Tommy Hilfiger item

1. The label. The neck label and the care label should be cleanly sewn in and legible, and the line on the label should match the style of the item.
2. The flag. An embroidered flag should be dense and tight, with straight edges between the colours and no loose threads.
3. The seams and buttons. Seams should be straight and even, and buttons should match and sit firmly.
4. The fabric. Cotton piqué, jersey and fleece should still have body. Slight fading from wear is normal on a pre-owned item, while thin spots at the elbows or the collar are worth noting.

Each item is inspected, authenticated, cleaned and measured before it is added to the store. Each step is described in How leverene works.

Tommy Hilfiger sizing

Sizing differs between the lines and between periods. The measurements are therefore more reliable than the label. Every item is measured at four points: chest, length, shoulders and sleeve. With raglan sleeves there is no shoulder seam, so there are three measurements instead of four. Trousers are measured flat at four points: the waist, the inseam, the hem and the outseam. Items shown on a model state the model's height and usual size instead of the four measurements. The method is explained in the guide to measuring clothing.

How Tommy Hilfiger is worn

A polo shirt or an Oxford shirt with straight chinos and white trainers keeps the preppy look the brand started with. A sweatshirt or rugby shirt with straight jeans gives a more relaxed version. Tommy Hilfiger layers easily, for example a polo shirt under a crewneck jumper or a jacket over a hoodie. The colours combine well with the classic style of brands such as Ralph Lauren and Lacoste.

Caring for Tommy Hilfiger

The care label inside the item has the final say. Cotton is best washed at 30 degrees and inside out, which protects embroidery and prints and limits fading. Air drying is gentler than a tumble dryer, which can shrink cotton. Embroidery and prints are ironed on the reverse at a low setting. More detail by material is in the guide to washing and caring for clothing.

Where to start

Tommy Hilfiger items are collected under Tommy Hilfiger. Related items are under polo and rugby shirts, sweaters and hoodies and the wider classic style. Because every item is pre-owned, most items are available only once.

Frequently asked questions

How can genuine Tommy Hilfiger be recognised?

The flag is densely embroidered with straight edges between the colours, and the labels, seams and buttons are finished to the same standard. Every item at leverene is authenticated through LegitApp before it is added to the store.

Does Tommy Hilfiger run small or large?

That depends on the line and the period. Comparing the stated measurements with a garment that already fits is more reliable than the size on the label.

What is the difference between Tommy Hilfiger and Tommy Jeans?

Tommy Jeans is the denim and casual line of the brand, with its own label. Tommy Hilfiger is the main line, with a more classic, preppy cut.

Can items be returned?

Items can be returned within 30 days.