The terms “stealth wealth” and “quiet luxury” have been percolating for the past year, thanks in part to TV shows featuring ultra-rich characters, like Succession. In general, the terms are interchangeable and refer to an understated aesthetic of high-quality garments and accessories in classic cuts and neutral colors.
Quiet luxury “leans into classic, tailored silhouettes typically in neutral shades like black, white, beige, gray and navy,” writes Fiona Ward for Glamour. Bottom line, she adds, it’s “just a classic, minimal way of dressing using well-made pieces that never bow to the trend cycle or go out of style.” It’s about investment pieces meant for the long haul, rather than chasing the latest trends in color, materials and silhouettes.
In many ways, promo’s corporate apparel niche – with its emphasis on providing versatile and durable garments that blend in with a variety of styles and situations – is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the quiet luxury trend.
For starters, corporate colorways tend to be a more muted, neutral palette, says Michelle Chen, president of California-based supplier FOSSA Apparel.
“We tend to stay more conservative year after year, and when you’re talking about your navies, grays, black, natural neutral tones, earthy tones, these are colors that are evergreen,” she says. “They’re never going to go away, especially in the corporate market. A lot of these colorways are what I have in my wardrobe as my daily staple, basic items.”
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A related trend is monochrome dressing. Head-to-toe black is nothing new, and it’s a standard uniform for plenty of industries from salons to film sets, but earthy neutrals like brown and cream have become popular as well – and these are colors that play well with others, too, whether you’re going for a pop of color or a minimalist monochrome look.
“You do see a lot more head-to-toe color now,” says Vicki Ostrom, trend analyst/futurist with supplier SanMar (No. 1 of the PPAI 100) and founder of Trendependent, adding that hashtags like #neutralaesthetic, #neutraloutfit and #monochromeoutfit have garnered hundreds of millions of views on TikTok. She’s also happy to see that the palette of colors considered “neutral” has expanded in recent years.
“Earth tones have absolutely become so important, especially that terracotta kind of color, browns like nutshells, and those really beautiful, warm, orangey browns,” Ostrom says. “But then you also have a lot in the world of clay and sand, desert colors like that. And then greens – the olives, the leaf tones, pretty much any color or shade of green. There’s something for everybody.”
Subtle decoration and branding is also a must for the stealth wealth vibe, with tone-on-tone embroidery, custom inner labels and other clever but low-key touches that let the wearer know whose brand they bear without feeling like a walking billboard.
As Thomaï Serdari, professor of marketing and director of the fashion and luxury program at NYU’s Stern School of Business, told CNBC, “the complete lack of logos and anything too conspicuous,” is a hallmark of the quiet luxury trend, adding that subtle detailing recognizable to the end user “becomes a differentiator for those in the know.”
Those stealthy details create a sense that the garment has been thoughtfully produced, which helps create a personal experience for the wearer. Subtle branding also adds to the longevity of a garment and builds brand loyalty, especially with a high-quality piece that the recipient is more likely to keep and wear for years to come.
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“Stealth wealth gets at that minimal outlook, that no-branding look that keeps the piece more simple and clean-looking,” says Ostrom. “We are definitely seeing that in corporate logo branding, with that more tonal vibe going on in the way that you do your brand embroidery, or whatever kind of decoration method you have. It just looks more elevated. It looks more elegant, and that’s resonating with people.”
Choosing key pieces that last, versus following the latest trends, also supports sustainability. These are what Chen describes as “elevated basics” – classic garments with “a look that will stand the test of time” and the quality to endure.
Here are a few promo apparel and accessory options that fit into the quiet luxury trend:
Quality and craftsmanship meet timeless design in this Brooks Brothers Washable Merino V-Neck Sweater, built for layering. Made from extra-fine Merino wool, this machine washable sweater feels as luxurious as it looks, and it makes a versatile addition to any outfit. Both men’s and women’s come in sizes XS-4X and four colors (navy blazer and Windsor gray heather shown).
SanMar / PPAI 110788, S16
Go for classic workplace style with this Van Heusen Ultra Wrinkle Free Shirt, made of a cotton/recycled polyester blend with elastane for stretch and wrinkle prevention. Men’s shirts feature a left chest pocket, and ladies’ shirts have princess seam tailoring for a flattering fit. Both come in sizes S-3X and four colors (blue frost and white shown).
S&S Activewear / PPAI 256121, S12
Cold office? Try a Devon & Jones Ladies’ Perfect Fit Draped Open Blazer for a stylish and professional added layer. Made of a poly/spandex blend for moisture-wicking performance, it features a draped open front for easy layering and a longer length for everyday activity and movement. Sizes XS-3X, black only.
alphabroder / PPAI 156993, S16
For a more casual workplace or leisure time, matching sweats remain popular. Pair the Unisex Fleece Quarter Zip with Unisex Fleece Sweatpants for a polished athleisure look. The soft cotton/poly blend provides weightless warmth features and a comfortable relaxed fit with just the right amount of weight to keep cozy. Available sizes XS-3X and black, navy or heather gray (shown).
Next Level Apparel / PPAI 272027, S3
With hybrid work and digital nomads, a great bag is a must-have. This Herschel Tech Gibson Messenger Bag can accommodate up to a 15-inch laptop. It features two main compartments outfitted with a variety of organizers, along with reinforced carrying handles, a trolley sleeve and a removable, padded, adjustable shoulder strap. Comes in black or gray (aka Raven Crosshatch, shown).
PCNA / PPAI 113079, S15
The Greg Norman Micro Pique Spinner Print Polo is a soft and lightweight moisture-wicking golf shirt that features a tonal all-over golf print pattern for a touch of sophistication. The women’s cut features a mandarin collar and curved hem bottom. Both come in black and sizes S-3X.
Vantage Apparel / PPAI 113235, S10
The Casa Sweater Fleece Pullover offers a classic layer for work or play, with a front kangaroo pocket and woven fabric accents on the collar, placket and pocket openings. Available in men’s sizes S-5X, women’s XS-3X and heather navy (shown), heather stone (shown) and heather obsidian.
Fossa Apparel / PPAI 330885, S1
The 20-oz. Canvas Atlas Gym Bag makes a great bag for the gym or an overnight stay. The exterior can show two different custom logos – one on the handle ribbons and another debossed on the leather patch (as well as the included dust bag). Available in khaki or navy (shown) canvas with black or tan (shown) vegan leather trim.
The Barrington Group / PPAI 191084, S3
Blazers are trending this year, but they are “100% a wardrobe basic, must-have, go-to” all the time, writes Lauren Eggertsen for WhoWhatWear. The Russel Suit Coat, made of a poly/wool/spandex blend offers a tailored fit with a comfortable stretch and multiple pockets. Machine washable or dry clean. Available in navy (shown), charcoal or black, men’s sizes 36S-46S, 36R-58R and 36L-58L and ladies’ 0-32R and 4-18T.
Edwards Garment / PPAI 198530, S11
Tote your essentials in this sleek and functional Origami Daily Backpack, designed to carry up to a 16-inch laptop and more in its multiple interior compartments, dual side water bottle pockets and quick-access front V pocket with zippered phone slot. The back panel, straps and top handle are padded for comfort, and the trolley strap makes it easy to secure on rolling luggage. Dust bag included.
Lux & Nyx / PPAI 821817, S1
No stealth wealth list would be complete without a direct nod to Succession, whose characters sported wildly expensive luxury baseball caps. This Cashmere Baseball Cap, crafted from 100% Mongolian cashmere, offers an ultra-luxe look and comfortable fit. It comes in four colors (camel shown) and sizes XS/S or M/L.
Last Brand dba Quince / PPAI 822528, S2
