The Rise and Fall of Brooks Brothers | WSJ

Brooks Brothers -- the self-proclaimed oldest clothier in the U.S. -- filed for bankruptcy in July. Analysts say the suit dealer wasn’t able to keep up with modern men who often wanted styles that were cheaper and more functional.
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#WSJ #BrooksBrothers #RiseAndFall

[@Rob_-dv6ei]

Even though the quality for Brooks Brothers has dropped it’s still so depressing to me that people just don’t appreciate suits anymore. A good fitting suit can be as comfortable as a tracksuit and you look far better than everyone else. Granted, they’re expensive - but if they’re good quality and looked after then it could potentially be a one time purchase.

[@louiscyfer6944]

i have never heard of brooks brothers, and i have never owned a suit. muscular guys look stupid in a suit, even if custom made. suits are for guys with dad bods, they are an equalizer. if you have a built physique, why cover it up with a suit. i have never worn a suit, a shirt, a tie, not to perform classical music on stage, not to my wedding. not necessary.

[@Rob_-dv6ei]

@@louiscyfer6944 if you’re muscular then why do you have to have all those muscles on display the whole time? Unless you’re incredibly vain, a suit is great for muscular, slim or fat people because it evens all discrepancies. I appreciate that not everyone likes suits, that’s ok, and in the workplace their relevance is fading. But this is allowing those who are enthusiasts in style to truly express themselves in their clothing. Also, if you’ve never worn a suit before how can you judge that you already hate them? When a man wears a comfortable, well fitting suit it’s like no other feeling - granted, if you go into Poundland and grab the nearest one-size-fits-all neon polyester suit, you’ll hate it. But when carefully trying to find a nice bargain for a sturdy ready-to-wear suit from a second hand shop, taking each fabric, colour and pattern into consideration you feel great!

[@Sikpoop101]

I still purchase suits

[@theundisputed3671]

@@Sikpoop101 What brand do you recommend? I’m looking for one, my first one.

[@robd7934]

I'm a muscular guy and I love suits. For me it's harder to fit into a suit due to the v shape of my upper body. This is because dress shirts and suit jackets are always cut square for dad bods and skinny dudes. That said, a high quality well fitted suit looks great on any man especially a fit muscular guy.

[@billykobilca6321]

I miss apparel that lasts a long time, quality in material. Screw the price...your buying timeless quality.

[@Bunny-ch2ul]

@Joe Al I buy tons of Brooks and nothing I have is from Bangladesh. That's something I always check for because it's a huge red flag as far as sweatshop labor. (Having said that, I tend to stick to the Golden Fleece line.)

[@nda6228]

Exactly I rather buy one shirt for $100 that’ll live for half a decade instead of buying 4 $25 ones that’ll be done after 10 washes.

[@TheBworggah]

This is the same way I shop for attire. Cheap is expensive in the end. I have Brooks Brothers attire & Johnston & Murphy shoes that I've had for 5-10 years and are still in perfect condition. I also have hand me downs from my dad. Same brands... Still looking great!!

[@Bunny-ch2ul]

@Joe Al Brooks Brothers manufactures all over. I have sweaters that were made in Scotland or Italy. I have ties, jackets and shirts that were made in the US. (Although I think they stopped all US shirt production a couple months ago.) They also do some production in China, but that's really not bad in this day and age. Most large scale Chinese manufacturing is no longer done in sweatshops. Some customers are very upset that Brooks no longer does the bulk of their manufacturing in the US, but that doesn't really bother me. (More to the point, that's pretty unrealistic at their price point, and with the volume they sell. They've said multiple times that they'd like to do more American manufacturing, but the workforce just isn't there, and it's difficult to do some shirts in the US and some in China.) They make a genuine effort to produce ethically.

[@riconthemove]

And the idea that in far east are not able to make good products is a false myth unfortunately

[@mjhout]

I worked for Brooks Brothers for several years, and have worn their garments for more than a decade now (and I’m only 25). I hope that this new owner can turn things around and the brand can remain a reliable source for quality menswear (and womenswear) for generations to come.

[@Mistybrooks84]

]©}}}©}kzllgkvl Penthouse in netflix.k we trust. Every new dollarxmwl interest. Bill. Clinton. Clothingwl

[@treblegames84]

I can say that the women’s section has expanded greatly, and I am very happy to say I finally open my first Brooks suit

[@lukespector5550]

Research clothing manufacturers in India who work for the American labels. There & Pakistan is what I believe this company may resort to.

[@somguynamedpaul]

Prices have gone up but quality has gone down

[@sidjain999]

now they have shifted all their production to China , Vietnam and Indonesia and their quality has gone down , prices up and up

[@FlutterMouse]

@M Detlef in Washington DC, they do, we probably are the sole city keeping Brooks Brothers open..😆

[@amdl270]

Exactly! I went there last November for my boyfriend to get him nice sweaters and polos and a coat. Guess what? They all had insanely high % of polyester, nylon, etc. They felt so cheap. Getting a polo at walmart would be better value than getting one there. In addition the salesman was rude af. Treated me like I wasn't worth being a customer. He's the one selling plastic clothes but hey... let's treat the her like some lowlife.

[@FlutterMouse]

@M Detlef oh I don't shop there. But all the wonks do...

[@Reg44T]

That's the problem, not the virus!

[@markmariniello6152]

When I started working for the company most of the clothing was made in England, The US, Italy, and Canada. Now it's like any other retailer: China, Indonesia, India, etc. Quality doesn't match the price increase.

[@teriagins5695]

Correcting inaccuracies in this snapshot: Brooks Brothers suffered under Marks & Spencer ownership in the 1990s. AFter 2001, when Claudio Del Vecchio (Italian born and living in America for years) bought the company, he went about revamping the quality of every item. I covered this company at every turn for the Wall Street Journal all those years and I followed his painstaking revival of Brooks Brothers. As the company expanded outside of the U.S. it became best known for its core products: dress shirts and casual shirts-, with a variety of new fits. BB Shirts are confected in the highest quality Supima cotton-- as are its sweaters, outerwear and many other garments. BB suits are also superb, but have not been core merchandise for the brand for a long time. BB no iron shirts are an industry standard-- men swear by them. The bankrupcty stems from over expansion into freestanding stores. Needs to shrink its retail footprint to become a mainly on-line player, starring its signature shirts.

[@pedicabfilms8791]

that's what I bought from them a female polo shirt loved the stitched crest.

[@BeckVMH]

@teri agins... Thank you for your insight.

[@zackmb]

👏👏👏 Thank you for sharing. Great insight!

[@JoaoSilva-yh4dg]

based

[@thadlm2698]

@teri agins A very interesting and unique perspective. Thanks for sharing!

[@ThatBronxgirl7]

I live in DC so most of the men I see going to work are in suits. Love a man in a good suit! Casual and relaxed clothes are great around the house but once you step out in public, You'd think people would want to shine.

[@michaelhoppe3436]

Interesting perspective. I live in California and seeing someone in a suit indicates they’re likely on the way to a funeral. Otherwise, suits are just out of place. Even when attending a wedding, jeans and a button up are the norm.

[@BeckVMH]

Thank you Regina. I agree. Just my opinion and will probably offend some, but I think people have just become lazy in their approach to dress, men and women. They like what’s convenient and they just don’t care what others think.

[@lindagarrido4353]

I agree. Nothing like a well dressed person to brighten up my day. That's what I love about Milan and Paris. Everyone so well put together and elegant. Just sitting in a cafe watching people is a treat. After lockdown in NYC it was so depressing to see everyone continue to wear leggings and sweats! And btw, leggings must the THE most uncomfortable and sweaty, smelly thing to wear in the summer!

[@marktwine1833]

I agree Regina. I've made this comment to my wife. Men and women both generally dress so sloppy now. Its not expensive either to present yourself in a reasonable manner.

[@amancalledhawk5575]

@@michaelhoppe3436 its the same in the south. a polo shirt and khakis is all you need

[@RadicalEdwardStudios]

Let's also not forget the whole "nobody has any money" problem, which plagues all retail, but particularly anything "high end". Wage stagnation is really rough for this kind of thing.

[@ColoringKaria]

Depends how high end. Middle high end like brooks brothers yes. High high end like Hermès. No, they are doing fine. I think we are going to see more and more “accessible” high end brands disappear like brooks brothers disappear.

[@brynleytalbot778]

CraftingKaria But oddly in the UK Mike Ashley of SportsDirect fame is focusing on brands and the higher end believing it's the future. His Flannels stores are miles away from the others in the group. Thousand pound suits with good tailoring are something else when worn and it's quite possible this sector will fare well. However run of the mill office wear may have run its course given the homeworkers revolution. Hawes and Curtis, a UK outfitter, has an ace up its sleeve with flamboyant shirts that take true guts to wear and state the wearer is confident and assured. What's really looking dubious is the diffusion brands made in cheap labour countries that present bad value for buyers seeking quality. If buyers of high end become educated in tailoring then some brands will face oblivion as the illusion of buying quality with a brand fades. A lack of money will hopefully result in a move toward genuine quality rather than cheap buy now throw tomorrow with some blatant branding. Burberry comes to mind as a brand that's resorted to cheap manufacturing and high image but low quality. It's going to be interesting to see who survives.

[@hb7030]

@@ColoringKaria Yes, this is right. Luxury brands are actually doing really well. Don't forget people, wage stagnation does not affect top earners, who have actually seen their wages go up faster than at any other time.

[@johnryman1366]

Most relevant issue, who's spending?

[@monikabennett]

If you look at middle class spending, clothing spend has gone down proportionally to internet phone and subscription services going.

[@ruzzelladrian907]

I cannot accept that Brooks Brothers is falling. 😭

[@aaronv4805]

I think it’ll survive and make a comeback one way or another

[@marquamfurniture]

@@aaronv4805 I doubt it. The world has moved on. BB tried to move on but the name and image were a curse. The old guard hated the 'make-over' and younger men were finding their style elsewhere.

[@RoniForeva]

Me neither it’s such a staple in American Fashion

[@phillyguy2157]

What are you guys talking about Brooks Brothers being too expensive. If a guy today can pay $450 to over $500 for a pair of Air Jordan sneakers he can invest in a nice suit or some classic clothing.

[@sidjain999]

Thing is that the era of Classic Clothing has gone past us It's more of Athleisure which is trending now

[@r6854]

Sure, but the type of guy who bought a Brooks Brothers suit is not the same guy who pays $500 for a pair of Air Jordans.

[@SmithMrCorona]

There is a big difference in the reasons and the people who plunk down 500 bucks for a pair of sneakers, and those who buy suits. The sneakerhead buys them as a collectable, and maybe as an "investment". the market is completely different.

[@phillyguy2157]

@@SmithMrCorona These are not collectors or sneaker heads that buy those air Jordan retro 1 for $500. They just want the sneakers and not for an investment. Its a cultural change. Young guys just don't wear shoes or dress up. Guys are walking around in public with Nike shower shoes , sweat socks and funky looking shorts and wrinkled t shirts.... Just bums

[@SmithMrCorona]

@@phillyguy2157 I think your idea of dressing up will differ from others. A new pair of expensive sneakers would count as such for many, while others would prefer a suit.

[@gssmith1986]

When I left the Navy in 1991, I got a brooks brothers suit at the brooks brothers in New Orleans...an experience worth taking. I looked & felt like a million bucks. I think I got outta there for a measly $400, which was a lot of $$$ for discharged Seabee. The suit looked great, made me look better, and I was happy. I had a job in nothing flat...and it made my career: I won't attribute the suit to the interview/jobs, but I think it had a part. I've got enough money to go to Saville Row now, but I don't wear this level of fashion anymore. I actually wish people dressed up more.

[@irinakrugler9158]

Brooks Brothers is another iconic American clothing store that has fallen down. They stopped manufacturing clothes in the US and moved their production elsewhere. Thus there's no quality control to match their prices. Still I'm very sad to learn that they filled for bankruptcy. These days it's very hard to buy a man's suit. There're either super expensive shops or trashy stores. People working in the office still have to wear a suit. Relaxed look can only be worn by big time executives from Silicon Valley or self-made millionaires.

[@andresinsurriaga876]

Very sad news. When I was in 7th grade I told my mother I would only wear a cap if it was from Brooks Bros. She took me downtown and the actress Helen Hayes was shopping there at the same time we were.

[@fashionsenseforthewiseands2023]

I still dig Brooks Bros. They have some fantastic sales coupled with a timeless style.

[@TheBworggah]

I still love my Brooks Brothers attire. The quality is comparable to no other. Hopefully they survive this whole CoVid19 ordeal.

[@aaronv4805]

kenneth bworggah it really is

[@Sikpoop101]

Sham they closed the store in SF, but now I go to another store.

[@lesliecuff2079]

Nah…you can get the same quality from Lands End.

[@emerybayblues]

Casual Fridays turned casual Monday through Friday, decline of quality but keeping the same high prices, shifting manufacturing to Asia. Selling the company again and again. Coronavirus was just the nail in the coffin.

[@trkyrk]

I guess they forgot to mention that Brooks Brothers earliest (and very profitable) markets was supplying "plantation clothing" to plantation owners

[@xadam2dudex]

Oh Brooks Bros is out of business ?? One problem is there aren't as many people that wear suits to work .. The U.S. is a low pay service economy ..

[@jumpshot1369]

A good quality suit is so much more tasteful than casual wear. Very disappointing that this is not appreciated anymore. Plaid is just as tacky as tie tied.

[@NKumar029]

So sad, brooks brothers' cologne was my favorite. Unfortunately, it's been discontinued and I haven't found something even close to it.

[@phillipmarlowe0525]

Agreed. Loved their signature cologne. Absolutely used 1818 as my personal signature cologne.

[@trenauldo]

An unfortunate development. Always loved their chinos, polos, and button-down shirts. You just toss them in the washer and dryer, and they come out looking like you ironed them. Saved me tons of time, and that to me was worth the somewhat higher price.

[@johnbusher6375]

The non-iron shirts didn't hold up well and even though they were "all cotton" they were treated with chemicals. Similar quality shirts could be gotten at Costco.

[@fredflintstone2234]

Omg. They were able to do that thanks to toxic chemicals coating the fabrics.

[@michelleritter7712]

as a young man of 15 i stood on fifth ave nyc & dreamed of owning a broo'ks bros suit. they set the standard of dress for 20th century men.my how times have changed i still love getting dressed up in my custom made suit & shirts with all the perks,details . convince me that a well dressed man doesnt get respect.zuckerberg may be a very rich nerd ,but he sure needs a lesson in how to dress when talking to an audience. shame so many sheep want to dress & look just like him. most men have no clue what size they are ,what bums!

[@lindagarrido4353]

Amen to that!

[@louiscyfer6944]

suits are silly. i need a size 64 jacket and size 32 pants. when you don't look like all the sheep who need shoulder pads to look like they have some shoulders, covering your body up with a suit is criminal.

[@frankv7068]

It’s true lol, I realized times have changed when I went for an interview in 3 piece suit and tie, to a professional health care position two years ago, and the lady joked how I was overdressed

[@BeckVMH]

Go figure. I really can’t understand the trend.

[@animerocks2468]

Three piece is definitely overdressed. Just wear the usual suit and tie.

[@BeckVMH]

Granted, the vest can be excessive but I gather any suit was perceived as overdressed.

[@ElePranaityte]

The lady needs to be fired.

[@ElePranaityte]

@Dojocho sexist man should be fired!

[@animalmother4]

Brooks Brothers quality has plummeted in the last 10 years and often times their clothing falls apart after a year of use. That's what happens when you outsource 'quality' clothing to China.

[@animerocks2468]

China is perfectly capable of creating quality clothes. There's a reason why my bank's execs get their suits and shirts done in Hong Kong. The issue with Brooks is that they relied on selling their brand and decided to cheap out on quality hoping it wouldn't drastically affect sales. It worked. Recently people have been buying Brooks for the name and not for the quality.

[@arsaeterna4285]

I find it strange that anyone would move from a suit to casual I feel like it's just people who never knew the pleasure of silky wool floating on their bodies

[@markmaugle4599]

I thought that it was interesting that people just want to be comfortable. A well made and properly fitted suit is comfortable, but not inexpensive.

[@MarioCortez11]

I would add approachable

[@johnbusher6375]

I agree totally Mark. Though don't see how the tight suit of today could be comfortable.

[@brynleytalbot778]

A properly fitted suit makes the wearer stand taller due to the construction. The Italians have kept this posture form but added a softer construction elsewhere. Due to this they are absurdly comfortable and light like a second skin. But, as you say, starting at around a thousand pounds, so not inexpensive, but an absolute dream experience to wear.

[@36424567254]

the thing is, they are so expensive that people buy cheap terrible quality alternative, find them uncomfortable, and probably never step up to the real thing believing the price is not worth it. And honestly, for some, maybe it isn't. Not very many people have the luxury to buy custom clothes...And even if they did, maybe they'd rather spend it on a vacation.

[@goldwinger5434]

Ive the same thing for decades. I'm amused and aggravated by men who say, "I feel like a tie is choking me." Really? Try getting a shirt that fits properly. The same goes for suits and trousers. Get clothes that fit. Buy a suit and have a tailor fit it to you. Buy trousers and have them fitted. Proper fit makes a world of difference.

[@Hotspur62]

I love their OCBD shirts and stocked up when I heard about the bankruptcy.

[@jeffcaminero7576]

I’ve only owned two shirts from them and they’ve lasted almost 20 years looking brand new. I plan on changing my wardrobe to a more business casual/professional selection and I definitely plan on getting more quality products from their store

[@davidwelty9763]

Much of the US is hot and humid. I’m surprised suits have lasted into the 21st century.

[@myronvenero9371]

Also employers are skimping on cooling and ventilation.

[@MeIn321]

Exactly

[@mccandless1]

I'm from the U.K and have to say, I love BB and what they do.

[@zhizunbao333]

i like the brand but it seems a little overpriced. Price goes much higher with quality a little better.

[@lizaluk]

This brand and their content is priceless to great esteem, must lift back to it's prime indeed.

[@UserInterface00]

They overpriced themselves. Whoever was in charge of pricing thought they could be like Apple and charge whatever and people will buy. That’s not the case anymore.

[@phillyguy2157]

I don't agree with you . You have to pay for good quality clothing. When I graduated from high school I stopped wearing sneakers when I entered college. I dressed in Polo Ralph Lauren button down shirts, Polo Ralph Lauren brogue lace up shoes etc. Back in the 1980s when Perry Ellis introduced his menswear collection his Oxford cloth shirts were $80 and his wool trousers were $160 to $200. I bought some on sale. And let's not forget when Giorgio Armani hit America his clothing was even more expensive. And of course I was a Brooks Brothers fan. I loved the Brooks Brothers classic oxfords shirts and wool trousers. Men today especially young men in this generation dress like bums in their sloppy gym shorts and funky sweat socks in locker room shower shoes! This generation destroyed mens fashion!! I remember guys in my generation collected GQ magazine. Guys today don't read or even pick up a book so they'll never look at a fashion magazine because their heads are glued to their cell phone. Brooks Brothers is not too expensive. If a guy can pay $450 for a pair of Air Jordan's he can also invest in a nice suit!!

[@hydrolifetech7911]

@@phillyguy2157 stop with the younger generation bashing. If humans went by your definition of fashion, we will still be wearing sack clothes like medieval Europeans. Poeple nowadays prefer function over form and will happily ditch uncomfortable wear for a more comfortable one

[@nda6228]

Overpriced? I don’t agree. I remember buying their shirts as early as for my graduation from high school, paid around $110 for a very high quality shirt (still sits in my closet 6 years later). Recently I bought some simple trousers from them from one of their outlets, got it for a steal price of 60/70$. Overall solid 9/10 in terms of quality. Much much better than Polo & Ralph (considering their prices are similar)

[@hydrolifetech7911]

@Selim Sultan Akbar akhi, class is a social construct

[@lu_re7198]

Their issue isn’t pricing. It was probably their inability to adapt to changes in demand. Their quality is far superior to that of similarly priced (successful) new designers COS, Rag & Bone, Michael-Michael Kors and Theory. Many of my favorite classic fall skirts, jackets, silk scarves are from BB. Their fabrics are lovely and the craftsmanship is equal to that of many high end designers.

[@orlanskimer]

Im one of the employees being laid off due to store closings. Ask me anything

[@r6854]

I stopped buying Brooks Brothers when I went to get a shirt and it said made in China on the label.

[@K4R3N]

The thumbnail store is downtown Chicago, I used to shop there sometimes since it was next to my office

[@EqualsThreeable]

All men should have at least one good suit, all women should have at least one good dress, or vice versa, we don’t discriminate.

[@c.c.s.1102]

If they stick to the runway they'll be gold. Burberry managed to pull through the same slump, now they're "cool."

[@brynleytalbot778]

Burberry is absolute junk and likely to be a loser if quality of manufacture becomes a buying prerequisite. I'm unsure "cool" will be a survival tactic in a market where money is limited. In recessions, or a depression, quality and durability will win.

[@timma_thy]

The problem is that they shifted production overseas but didn't change prices. I can stomach a $100 shirt of its made in the US, but I can't for a Malaysian made one. I have some vintage US made BB that just gets better and better. I hope they go back to their roots.

[@faisalali1887]

Brooks Brothers won't cut it

[@charleshamilton9274]

I love Brooks Brothers. Now that I am retired and rarely wear suits, I mainly purchase sweaters, underwear and outerwear from B-squared. If they cease to exist or change dramatically, I will just buy more from Maus and Hoffman. I will miss the Sea Island cotton briefs though.

[@36424567254]

isn't sea island cotton absurdly expensive for...being cotton? I really wonder. The most I've tried is Supima cotton and can't *really* tell the difference from any standard cotton. On the other hand, I've tried lyocell underwear from CDLP and I could definitely feel it's softer. But even then 22+€ a pair seems expensive to me for an item I don't really notice much through the day, though I'm sure it's reasonable in the grand scheme of things.

[@JR-jz7mt]

..and two years later it's still here.

[@jesselopez904]

Judge a garment based on the quality of its components. Fine merino wool, leathers from a reputable tannery. The name matters not when the finished product falls woefully short. Hanwag boots. Pendleton wool shirts. Point 6 socks and base layers. Quality never goes out of style. Much love from Minnesota

[@DWilliam1]

It’s sad as I wore a suit until Covid-19 everyday to Wall Street for 30 years. Bought a lot of my wardrobe from Brooks Brothers. Couldn’t stand watching the younger generation wearing sneakers, jeans and a backpack to work. I’ll be retiring next year as it the next generations time. Still miss the days when men dressed up and carried a briefcase.

[@suzannarutherford4696]

My suggestion is that they get their outlet stores online also. Their outlet stores have much more affordable items but they need to be online also.

[@tracyc2695]

I used to shop at Brooks Brothers, and it was always a great experience-wonderful service and quality. But I don’t dress that way anymore.

[@johnbacon4997]

You should still!

[@fredflintstone2234]

I never understood how they sold this "quality" image. Their clothes were junk. Typical fused (glued) interfacings, low stitch count. On and on. FIT grad in tailoring here.

[@beetlespacexdragon7815]

Fred Flintstone any brand you recommend offering quality and style men’s ware?

[@MairaBay]

@@beetlespacexdragon7815 www.ivy-style.com would be a good place to look for recommendations. I'm on a similar search for women's wear.

[@marquamfurniture]

I tried to have a custom blazer made. (Beautiful cloth!) .... Their measurements were off. The cut and fit were terrible. After the third try, I gave up. I have off-the-rack jackets from England (Neapolitan cut) that were a better fit.

[@louiscyfer6944]

how do you tailor a suit to 55" chest, 22 inch arms and 34 inch waist? even a size 60 jacket will tear on my back and arms, buy it looks like a tent. i went to a restaurant with a jacket requirement, and they offered a jacket. the jacket tore in the middle of the back and they said they will overlook the jacket requirement.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you.

[@ebengollan7781]

I got my first suit from brooks brothers

[@uropy]

The fashion taste has changed dramatically. Look at what brands grew the most - fast fashion brand like Zara and designer brand like LV. The “middle” brands now draws much fewer customers. The reason behind is instead of “I like this clothing on me”, nowadays people care about “what clues/signals does this clothing gives to others”. Fashion nows becomes a “social tool”. So where is the place for brands like Brooks Brothers? None

[@dodzb7362]

Renting a place or building is expensive.

[@zive4029]

i would buy brooks brothers suits every year if they had just made them slim fit, softer shoulders and higher raise trousers with more choosing of style. basically - if they had offered more style options - Italian and British or French style. i have several brooks brothers shirts and i like them because they are slim fit (which is astoundingly a relatively new offer?!) and good quality fabrics. and i have some of their trousers and i like them also but they are normal waist not high as i would like it to be, and no side adjusters as i would also like. i have other brooks brothers items and i like their brand. they need to solve their financial problems and enter to the modern world and introduce their classic style with and update understanding of the clients. if i had the capital to purchase their company i would gladly do it for the right price. the history and class of that brand is a powerful force in my opinion.

[@NasreenUS]

So sad 😞

[@Photojouralist123]

My family has been wear Brooks Bros for 3 generations, the last straw was when I bought a Brooks Bros leather belt and it fell apart in 2 months and then I found out that it wasn't even leather by some kinda of cheap vinyl that flaked off! All the shirts were made in China and cheap quality hence I stopped buying Brooks Bros.

[@VannApragal]

What we see in America is the amounts on employee paychecks going down and employers going up. Instead of the $200 they spent on a shirt, we spend $20.

[@user-ht7gw9ww1c]

I love this brand

[@vlado2701]

It's a pity to hear this, but soon modern Men will realize that they have made a fatal mistake : a cheap thing can't be of high quality ! Thanks dear WSJ for this information !

[@jaygatsby9751]

A real pity, indeed.

[@vlado2701]

@@jaygatsby9751 Thank You dear Friend ! We are in the same boat and sailing the right course in this life ! Have a nice and prosperous evening !

[@jaygatsby9751]

@@vlado2701 You too, Old Sport.

[@vlado2701]

@@jaygatsby9751 My best friendly hugs dear Friend !

[@jaygatsby9751]

@@vlado2701 You think suits will really make a comeback? Because Suits are business casual, not to mention the attire of a man who runs a corporation.

[@Anti-Taxxer]

They need to focus on quality and stop trying to appeal to the mass market. They’d be better off with a small but devoted customer base with a high purchasing power than with a larger but rather univested customer base that is looking for a bargain most of the time. I can tell you from spending some time on preppy and trad forums that I’m not the only man willing to $150+ for an OCBD as long as it’s well-made and it’s manufactured in the USA.

[@36424567254]

can't you just buy one MTM from a local tailor at that price?

[@FredyVergara]

I work in midtown now and going to stop by for a shirt

[@biblical_dreams]

If you don't take yourself serious ( i.e. the way you look ) you won't take your work serious , and no one else will either.

[@davidlam8611]

Exactly!

[@yemail5555]

Bought a lot of their shirts, 4 for 200, the prices about the same as banana republic but with better quality. Their golden line is way too expensive for me.

[@proudlakerfan]

I have a few of their non-iron dress shirts and l love them. Throw them in the washer then the dryer then hang them up and it's done. No fuss.

[@fredflintstone2234]

ibur But plenty of toxic chemicals to kill you and the environment to get that no-iron look!

[@36424567254]

As an italian, I find it bizarre how you use the drier for everything. I don't even have one, we usually line dry our clothes, which is much better for their longevity btw. Ofc that takes some time though.

[@francis4334]

Their quality of dress shirts is the best. But even I have started getting upper end old navy shirts as my work culture has changed.

[@MrBobberino01]

Apparently a plaid shirt is "a little bit more affordable" than a suit. Who knew?

[@TRolleybam]

I am already tired of seeing "stretch" blended material in clothing. Nice material was always a reason for me to pay more.

[@liamblake937]

Brooks is just expensive Banana Republic

[@francispetaluma]

This is nonsense. In 2001 BB was acquired by a corporate conglomerate and is used as a tax shelter for billionaires to launder their money through and avoid paying taxes. This has happened time and time again.

[@trex1448]

Thats too.bad. Product was good. Branding, marketing, pricing was off.

[@SoCalFreelance]

Honest Abe rockin' the embroidered American eagle overcoat. 🤘

[@user-rq5bf3pu9y]

I thought it’s because people got fatten so they can’t wear suits any more lol

[@faganquin6483]

Went from five suits and all the shirts and ties to go with them to zero suits, zero ties. Don’t ever see wearing either again for any reason. Been a customer for decades, and recently only for basics, like rugby shirt and chinos. It’ll take a major re-invention.

[@dennismarfo3536]

I still have my Brooks Brothers single monkstrap shoes that was handed down to me by a friend 10 years ago to this day. I must admit it is still in good shape.

[@stefanossmitty3318]

Such a pity that men have essentially figured that “as long as my body is covered, then who cares.” If you’re ever at an international airport, just walk around the departure gates and it will be easy to find the flights heading to America. Just look for the slobs in pajamas, sweatpants, and tennis shoes. Ugh 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@marquamfurniture]

I've seen the slobs of which you speak...... But I've also seen beautiful casual clothing. Quality that showed, subtle and understated.

[@stefanossmitty3318]

John C that’s true. Casual clothing definitely has its place and can look very nice when worn at appropriate times.

[@thetruth6955]

If you’re on a long haul flight, you might as well dress comfortably. What you consider as dressing as a “slob” may be categorized by others as dressing “comfortably”?

[@stefanossmitty3318]

Wedi Eritrea you can still dress comfortably and fly long distances without looking like you are going to check the mail.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

I know what you mean about the airport. I’ve seen people arriving in t-shirts, shorts, and flip flops. Ridiculous.

[@tonymccraw3853]

The virus has affected businesses the same way it has affected individuals. If there was an underlying weakness, the outcomes were more severe and could even be fatal.

[@IvorMektin1701]

I wish they sold remakes of the Teddy Roosevelt uniform! "Civilize them with a Krag!"

[@marymohagheghi4875]

We must move forward to formality and quality …away from fast fashion which is destroying our planet😮

[@josetula7716]

Well. It is now 2014, and I still buy multiple items from them a year. I also purchased the kids first couple of suits from BB. The Explorer line of suits are not bad and make for a good first suit. Let the kids learn how to care for the suits and then introduce them to the 1818 line which are fully canvases and made from great cloth.

[@shubhromu]

Been a customer for 20 years. Hope they stay around for another 100....

[@coulterface4571]

Speaking of "zoom shirts" his should meet an iron

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

No kidding.

[@phillipmarlowe0525]

His eyebrows need help 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@tikilanichols8023]

Remember Brooks Brothers on Canal St... New Orleans during the good days....80's and 90's

[@keithwisdom1663]

they overpriced themselves out of the market long ago. should of divided themselves into 2 parts- reasonable price casual section & moderated price area.......... never got me in the door. they failed because they were always too egoistical. did not keep up with the market/competition. i use to love to just look at their stuff outside windows in the 1980-1990s but even as a 6 figure young professional in the wall st area- i never purchased one item from them- because i was able to find so many other just as good name brand suits between 250 to 500 in the NYC area. suits and jacket will always be needed - you just can't expect guys to spend thousands for a suit- even wealth guys don't spend as much as they use to on clothes.

[@travisgaither3492]

I briefly worked for them as a seasonal employee and have to agree with you. The brand is indeed egoistical and somewhat entitled as well. I always though the Red Fleece line was a great way to attract new customers yet none of the three stores in my area carried it.

[@keithwisdom1663]

@@travisgaither3492 i bet if they just made adjustments during the changing times by just establishing on line store and reducing their overhead and brick stores. and selling casual wear and sport wear and backpacks and caps, and watches, etc whatever is happening at the time and just slap their name brand on all the stuff "brook brothers" that stuff would sell like hotcakes...... simple.... never understood how i can just look at a business and wonder why didn't they do something so simple to make more money or stay in business. that's why i think amazon is greatest of our time.

[@heronblue3577]

When the people packaging the products are wearing casual wear that should of been the red flag for them that they have to change or downsize to a smaller market.

[@tobiashorowitz9676]

Darn, I liked that company.

[@TheUnknown-mg8fv]

One thing I love is sometimes they have boxers or cloths you can custom out your initials on them which is so amazing no company does that

[@unknownuser6809]

...a move towards laziness. You want to stand out. Wear a suit. You want to be pulled over by the police. Wear athleisure

[@michaelhoppe3436]

Wear a suit jacket on the west coast and stand out for the wrong reasons.

[@thinline8504]

I ditched the suit like 3 years ago. I will wear a dress shirt, a vest , a tie everyday , but thats it... suits are dead ....

[@acuny4516]

You are cringe

[@mariot6531]

They’re pricing was not inline with the quality, fit, and style. I’m 35 and found the clothing out of touch with what I was looking. I prefer Suit Supply as the stores are open and not cluttered and the shopping experience is top notch.

[@velious2121]

Apparently all the men in America take their fashion cues from a bunch of Silicon Valley nerds? Interesting...

[@K4R3N]

Agree, no style. It's disgusting

[@mlu007]

For a premium of about 10-15%, brands like Suitsupply and Atelier Munro offer made-to-measure suits. Also, their cuts are much more in line with contemporary styles. In comparison, Brooks Brothers looks outdated.

[@pete5668]

So the finance industry can't keep Brooks Brothers alive? I don't get it. Finance will always need suits, at least Monday through Thursday.

[@CrispyFrenFry]

I love the brand but have always bought second hand off thrift store racks or online because the full price is just hard to justify when compared to cost of living in large urban centers.

[@36424567254]

that really is the way to go with clothing if you want both quality and affordability, as long as you can find your size in reasonable time. I am quite sad I can't seem to find any quality shirts second hand here, let alone my size (I'm even between sizes usually, so even harder to find them). Or much of anything, really, it seems all stores near me have is an endless supply of jeans and maybe some dresses. And not really thilled about buying second hand online.

[@williamross4084]

"They" say, on line, they will be re-opening soon; because I will not buy a suit or jacket on line! I periodically peer in the window of the shuttered out-let store near my home in carlsbad: I am ready to buy! I love the store in Palm desert; it's certainly a lot cheaper than saks! & what about the franchise stores in airports? If they can't make it, where shall we go?

[@MairaBay]

Exactly how I feel. With the relentless domination of Athleisure, where are people like us going to shop?! I'm afraid in another 20 years we're all going to end up having to make our own clothes, like the people from nowadays who love to dress historically (see "Bernadette Banner" here on KZbin).

[@vic8189]

Appearance means something to some people... BB FTW...

[@BitterClinger1947]

No surprise here since most younger people lack class and style.

[@Masada1911]

Depressing bit of news

[@alexanderperez2732]

My Brooks Brothers suit is one of the more expensive ones I own... and The suits will cost more than they already do? Lol ouch

[@dheeraj_one]

So when is the clearance sale?

[@adarateranroldan]

Dheeraj More 😂

[@tuanazleyibrahim2038]

So sad 😭

[@Rzagski]

For companies selling traditional business attire- they need to find a way to partner with innovative Brands like MT tailor, dress down the suit while making it appear both casual and dressy. I think though the suit may be going away.

[@joelgregorio-flores4379]

BRUH MOMENT 😂