89% matchAMIRI
Hand-distressed denim and rock leather, higher price
What changes: Luxury pricing and more streetwear-leaning fits
Brand profile
John Varvatos
American menswear label owned by Lion Capital, known for rock-inspired tailoring, distressed leather and boots, with Karl Aberg as creative director.
New York CityOrigin
MenswearFocus
Punk / Grunge / GothStyle
$$$$Price
27 brands like John Varvatos like AMIRI, AllSaints, Schott NYC →
What to know about John Varvatos
Distressed leather anchors the line
The core is washed and distressed leather jackets and boots, priced at the high end, with Star USA sportswear filling in the casual layers underneath.
Rock-and-roll cut, muted palette
Tailoring is slim and suits read closer to a stage wardrobe than a boardroom, in weathered greys, blacks and browns rather than seasonal color.
The founder no longer designs it
John Varvatos left after a 2020 Chapter 11 sale to a Lion Capital affiliate; Karl Aberg, at the label since 1999, took over as creative director in 2024.
How John Varvatos fits
Overall fit
slightly small
John Varvatos is known for a slim, fashion-forward cut that tends to run a touch small, so those with broader builds often size up.
Tip: Consider sizing up if you're between sizes or want anything other than a slim, close fit.
Medium confidence · based on 10 sources
By category
| Category | Runs | Shape | Size advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoodies & sweatshirts | slightly small | trim, close-fitting sweatshirt shape rather than boxy streetwear | Go up a size if you plan to layer anything under it. |
| Trousers & pants | slightly small | slim, low-to-mid rise with a clean taper | Consider one waist size up if you prefer any ease through the seat and thigh. |
| Shirts & overshirts | slightly small | slim, tapered through the torso | Size up if you have a fuller chest or want room to layer. |
| Boots | true to size | medium width with a sleek toe | Order your normal size or go down a half if between; leather boots may need a short break-in. |
| Jeans & denim | true to size | slim to tapered leg | Waist is fairly true to size; expect a slim, tapered leg. |
| Jackets | slightly small | slim, close-cut through shoulders and chest | Leather and outerwear run trim, so size up if layering or between sizes. |
| T-shirts & graphic tees | slightly small | slim, body-skimming | Size up if you prefer a relaxed fit; the standard cut is close to the body. |
Directional fit consensus summarized from public sources with AI — a starting point, not a guarantee. Confirm with the product's own measurements before buying.
If you like John Varvatos
See all 27 brands like John Varvatos →89% match
84% matchAllSaints
Same washed rock basics and bikers at lower prices
What changes: High-street pricing, less tailoring depth
74% matchSchott NYC
The original US-made Perfecto rather than fashion leather
What changes: Pure outerwear specialist, no tailoring or sportswear
72% matchAlexander McQueen
Dark-romantic tailoring with harder edge
What changes: Runway-level luxury pricing and more conceptual
John Varvatos fit questions
Does John Varvatos run big or small?
John Varvatos fits slightly small. Consider sizing up if you're between sizes or want anything other than a slim, close fit. John Varvatos is known for a slim, fashion-forward cut that tends to run a touch small, so those with broader builds often size up.
How does John Varvatos fit?
John Varvatos is known for a slim, fashion-forward cut that tends to run a touch small, so those with broader builds often size up. Overall shape: slim, rock-inspired tailoring.
How do John Varvatos hoodies & sweatshirts fit?
John Varvatos hoodies & sweatshirts fits slightly small. Go up a size if you plan to layer anything under it. Shape: trim, close-fitting sweatshirt shape rather than boxy streetwear.
How do John Varvatos trousers & pants fit?
John Varvatos trousers & pants fits slightly small. Consider one waist size up if you prefer any ease through the seat and thigh. Shape: slim, low-to-mid rise with a clean taper.
How do John Varvatos shirts & overshirts fit?
John Varvatos shirts & overshirts fits slightly small. Size up if you have a fuller chest or want room to layer. Shape: slim, tapered through the torso.
Brand facts
John Varvatos is a New York-based American menswear label founded in 1999 by the Detroit-born designer of the same name, who showed his first collection in 2000. Its rock-and-roll wardrobe centers on slim tailoring, washed and distressed leather jackets, boots and Star USA sportswear in muted, weathered palettes. Private equity firm Lion Capital's Lion/Hendrix affiliate took control through a 2020 Chapter 11 sale and Varvatos left the company. Karl Aberg, with the label since 1999, became creative director in 2024 and returned it to New York Fashion Week.
- Founded
- 1999
- Origin
- New York City, United States
- Made in
- Italy, South Korea, China
- Price
- $$$$
- Focus
- Menswear
- Facts checked
- September 2026
- Styles
- Punk / Grunge / Goth, Quiet luxury, Workwear / Heritage