Coach (TPR 1.64%) and Ralph Lauren (RL 1.95%) are two of the rare companies that have maintained the durability of their premium brands. Both have weathered booms and busts that crippled other, less adept premium retailers, but which one is a better buy today?

With a cheaper multiple, more growth opportunities, and a wider moat around its brand, Fool.com analyst Austin Smith believes Coach is the investor's choice today. The company has impressive growth prospects in China, and will be able to effectively leverage its sterling brand into new areas like men's fashion and other leather goods.