The fashion industry is overflowing with outstanding brands that have withstood the test of time. While there are others in the industry, Calvin Klein and Michael Kors are two of the most popular. These companies are known for creating the most fashionable designs with their outfits often worn by celebrities, politicians, and sports stars. Despite these similarities, there are key differences between the two fashion designers.
If you’re going to buy a new outfit, it would be wise to learn more about both fashion companies. Once you’ve done that, you’ll have a better idea of which company will match your needs best. Should you buy clothes from Michael Kors or Calvin Klein? Read the guide below before deciding.
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More about Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein is a popular fashion house that was launched by Calvin Richard Klein. The Jewish businessman was born in the Bronx on November 19, 1942. His father immigrated to New York and married Flore who was born in the United States to immigrant parents. As a child, Klein attended Isobel Rooney Middle School 80 or MS 80. Eventually, he would attend the Manhattan High School of Art and Design as well as the Fashion Institute of Technology.
He did not graduate from the latter institute. Klein got his big break when he became the protégé of Baron de Gunzburg. Klein became a popular figure among the elite in New York when he launched his first line of jeans. In the 1980s, the company was famous for selling denim clothes and designer underwear. Today, Calvin Klein is bigger than ever. It is a subsidiary of PVH which acquired it for $700 million.
In 2015, it was estimated that the company might’ve employed as many as 5,000 workers. Modern consumers can purchase all types of Calvin Klein merchandise, including fragrances, t-shirts, pants, underwear, and more. The fashion house is respected because it produces the hottest designs and always delivers high-quality products.
More About Michael Kors
American fashion designer, Michael David Kors, laughed his first designer label geared toward women in 1981 at the department store, Bergdorf Goodman. Nine years later, KORS Michael Kors was launched as a licensee, which was later stalled due to a Chapter 11 filing.
It wasn’t until 1997 that the financially strapped brand was launched as a cheaper fashion line. A long line of Hollywood elite has dressed in Michael Kors attire. Everyone from former First Lady Michelle Obama to actress Reese Witherspoon, and stand-up comedian, Tiffany Haddish have been seen in Michael Kors gowns.
Michael Kors hires less than 15,000 workers.
Similarities
Although Michael Kors and Calvin Klein are similar fashion houses, several things set them apart. Both have operations in New York. Michael Kors has operations offices in New York while its executive officers are in London. Clothes from these companies can be purchased around the world. Today, Michael Kors is owned by Capri Holdings Limited so both companies are subsidiaries.
Another thing to remember is that these companies sell similar products. When you visit a clothing store, you can purchase shirts, pants, socks, and other clothes from either brand. It is also interesting to note that the founders of these companies are Jews from New York. Kors was born on Long Island. While his father was Swedish, his mother was is Jewish.
As for Klein, he was born to a Jewish family in the Bronx on November 19, 1942.
Manufactured In China
The Michael Kors fashion line, footwear, apparel, jewelry, and handbags are manufactured in China. The company has a warehouse based in Guangzhou, China which employs hundreds of Chinese workers.
The Calvin Klein fashion line, footwear, apparel, handbags, jewelry, watches, and footwear are manufactured in China, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and India. The majority of the brand’s products are produced by Chinese workers.
Michael Kors has stores in Puerto Rico, the United States, Ukraine, Venezuela, UAE, and the United Kingdom. Calvin Klein stores are located in several US states, China, Canada, Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Japan, and New Zealand.
What Do They Make?
These companies cater to large swathes of the population. To achieve this goal, Michael Kors and Calvin Klein produce clothes for men, women, and children. In fact, Calvin Klein even makes gender-inclusive outfits. In this category, customers will find tops, bottoms, jeans, and jackets. These companies also make fragrances, shoes, underwear, bags, and more. No matter what you’re looking for, there is a good chance that these companies will fulfill your needs.
Designer Handbags
One of Michael Kors and Calvin Klein’s biggest seller is their handbags. Women’s designer bags from both brands include shoulder bags, bucket bags, crossbody bags, totes, backpacks, belt bags, satchels, mini-bags, duffle bags, travel bags, and wallets.
The price varies between $20 and $600. Women of all ages are drawn to both designers’ handbags. Even young girls can be seen wearing their backpacks, clutches, and mini-bags.
Differences Between Calvin Klein And Michael Kors
Despite having some similarities, these companies are unique in various ways. They’re different in terms of size, value, and workforce. They also have different techniques and designs. More about these key differences will be explored in more depth below.
Workforce
Calvin Klein and Michael Kors are major fashion houses that employ many employees. It is hard to know exactly how many workers are employed by each subsidiary since they’re owned by bigger companies. Michael Kors is owned by Capri Holdings Limited which employs nearly 15,000 people. As for Calvin Klein, the company may employ as many as 5,000 individuals.
However, its owner, Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation, has more than 21,500 workers. Regardless, these fashion houses have a lot of workers.
Average Price
When purchasing outfits, many consumers worry about the prices so they’ll stick with cheaper brands. Although this may be required, it is essential to realize that you often get what you pay for. Which company is going to offer cheaper clothing? Ultimately, there isn’t much of a difference in this category. It usually depends on the type of item you’re buying and the model, but it is common for the prices to be similar.
Calvin Klein and Michael Kors are not the most expensive fashion houses. They offer certain high-end items, but many of their products are affordable enough for average consumers. They’ll cost more than the bags and clothes that are available at big box stores, but the items sold by these companies are not as expensive as Louis Vuitton. As for perfumes, Calvin Klein’s products are significantly cheaper than what you’ll find elsewhere.
Prestige
How prestigious are these companies? Are they classified as luxury brands? In some regards, these companies create high-quality clothes that could qualify as luxury brands. However, neither company can be considered a luxury brand. Michael Kors is more of a mid-end brand because the products are so affordable.
Clavin Klein can’t compete with high-end brands such as Channel or Louis Vuitton. It is not a luxury brand. Nevertheless, it should be explained that these companies make great clothes for the price. They do not cater to the wealthiest members of society. Instead, both companies try to make sure that their clothes and prices are suitable for the average consumer.
Overall Quality
It is pertinent to buy outfits that are going to last. Otherwise, you’ll end up throwing your money away. Can you confidently purchase Calvin Klein clothes? What about Michael Kors? Are the company’s outfits going to last? For typical consumers, the quality of these clothes is going to be fine. Despite not being luxury brands, Calvin Klein and Michael Kors have outfits of similar quality. These companies manufacture their clothes in China.
Once you’ve purchased a shirt or pair of pants from either company, you can guarantee that the piece will last. The overall quality will be great for the price you’ve paid.
Which Is Better?
Many consumers have limited money so they have to choose wisely when purchasing new outfits. When they visit a local clothing store, they’ll find that their options are plentiful. Most average clothing retailers carry Calvin Klein and Michael Kors clothing because the outfits are affordable. Despite the low cost, these companies are known for producing outfits that are suitable for everyday use. They’re tough enough to withstand the test of time even when they’re worn to work.
Which is better? Ultimately, this is a difficult question to answer. These companies manufacture their products in China with a similar level of quality. The average price is similar too. Michael Kors and Calvin Klein design similar clothing that is typically best for formal occasions. It is up to the consumer to find out which brand they like most. However, it is always possible to mix and match.
For instance, someone could buy a pair of Calvin Klein pants with a Michael Kors shirt.
Summary – Calvin Klein VS Michael Kors
Calvin Klein and Michael Kors are both subsidiaries of large clothing companies. Calvin Klein is a subsidiary of Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation (PVH Corp.) while Capri Holdings owns Michael Kors.
Both brands have an extensive line of fashion accessories, footwear, handbags, men’s bags, watches, fragrances, jewelry, shoes, card cases, bedding, sunglasses, outwear, and sunglasses.
Calvin Klein and Michael Kors have a kids’ clothing line.