Brooks Brothers: What to Buy & What to Avoid - Brand Value Review
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- Опубліковано 5 січ 2020
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What Should You Get from Brooks Brothers?
Tuxedo Shirts
The first item we recommend you buy is tuxedo shirts. Black Tie, of course, has a relatively strict dress code and when you want to get all of the details right, a Brooks Brothers tuxedo shirt can get you there. They offer both pleated front and bib front models and also offer a detachable wing collar, if you're truly into that crisp look. By the way, if you'd like to know more about tuxedo shirts specifically or the other elements of proper black tie, you can find them in our comprehensive black tie guide here.
Opera Pumps
Along those same lines, the next item we recommend you pick up if you're so inclined is a pair of traditional opera pumps. These are the most formal shoes that a man can wear, suitable for both Black Tie and White Tie and Brooks Brothers still offers them.
Sweaters
Sweaters are, of course, a classic winter addition to any man's wardrobe when worn in the correct way. By this, we mean that there are many styles of sweater that Brooks Brothers offers but there are a select few that we would actually recommend. You should probably opt for classic styling and by this, we mean things like turtlenecks, cardigans, v-necks, and shawl collars. Conversely, you probably don't want to get anything with zippers, crew necks, or hoods. Also, rather than synthetics, you should go for natural materials like cotton, wool, merino, and cashmere.
Chinos
We did a little survey on our UA-cam community page asking you, the viewers, what you'd like to see us mention from Brooks Brothers and chinos came up repeatedly. Now, we can't speak to this from personal experience but there are a number of factors that point toward Brooks Brothers chinos being a great pair of pants.
Overcoats
Brooks Brothers is one of the few off the rack companies that still offers a variety of overcoats in natural materials and classic silhouettes. They are often pricey as you'll typically spend anywhere from five hundred to two thousand dollars but the look is quintessentially classic so if you treat the garment well, you should get many years of use out of it therefore, bringing that important cost per wear metric down considerably.
Oxford Cloth Button Down Shirts (OCBD)
We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention the OCBD which was, in fact, Brooks Brothers' invention. They have fine fit options from slim to relaxed and they come in classic styling patterns and colors. Also, the look of these shirts is meant to be a bit more relaxed so it is okay if the fit isn't 100% perfect to you.
Non-Iron Dress Shirts
Brooks Brothers' non-iron dress shirts did also come up repeatedly in our comments but again, we don't have any personal experience with them.
Shoes
We also recommend their shoes, specifically, the models that run under the Peal & Company brand name and not any others.
Pajamas
They are offered in a wide variety of styles including thin robes, checked cotton flannels, or shirt fabric styles. - Навчання та стиль
My dad (RIP) wore Brooks Brothers and London Fog a lot. I do the same, although I will wear a little Ralph Lauren every now and then. When my dad died, I inherited his wardrobe as we were similar in build. When I wear something of his, I am reminded of the great times we had listening to jazz or watching his favorite old cowboy shows on tv. I miss him, but thankfully I look just like him, so I see his face everyday in the mirror.
jayster3milli Sorry for your loss brother
I am sorry for your loss. Your father was a man of great taste.
I'm terribly sorry for your loss.
Beautiful memory. Sorry for your loss.
Thanks for your beautiful post in memory of your father. My mother died a few days ago, and I can't sleep, so I'm here in the middle of the night writing that my father wore Pendleton, and my mother wore Ralph Lauren. I also have a similar build as my father, even though I'm a woman.
This guy's jawline is more structured than my life.
That's not saying much is it
:)
😂
most ppl lives aren’t structured so that doesn’t say much
you could slice a friggin zucchini on his jaw line
It’s sad to see them go bankrupt. They truly have a rich history. Thanks for the video. Respect!
I actually worked at a Brooks Brother's store in my 20s. I was the youngest person there but learned a lot by the older gentlemen. Now, some people, who are usually pleasant and have good social mannerism are very impressed by the way I dress. Most don't care do to their insecurity. Whichprobably suggest you have good taste.
Always appreciate the historical background to the brands discussed. They are great intros.
apk19 Agreed. Interesting to learn about the oxford cloth button-down collar shirt and reversing the diagonal on the repp stripe tie. Question I have is which way does the stripe slant for the authentic regimental versus casual tie?
As a mid 50’s guy, I am slowly rebuilding my wardrobe to traditional clothing. My college years saw preppy wear, my 30’s & 40’s saw convenience attire. I have thoroughly enjoyed this channel. Sven has put me back in the mindset of using my fountain pens again. You guys are really hitting homers with every video. I have suggested you to many. Good luck , your are headed in the right direction.
Love these videos where y’all focus on a specific brand please make more like these
The Brooks Brothers chinos really are the truth! I own multiple of them for years and it seems like they never wear out and always hold their pleats, and drape very well. It’s really easy to find pairs of their chinos in second hand stores in affluent areas so you should shop for some at a Goodwill before you buy them at the store
Interesting. at the local outlet they have some they are trying to liquidate. Dunno, I've always gravitated to dockers but they sure don't last long. For me it's either jeans or wool slacks. No offense but khakis are too quintessentially American for me. Here in banff a few of us have often commented on the 'american tourist' uniform. khakis/chinos, polo shirt and rockport sneakers. A pair of dockers are nice though, for the 15 or so wears they last.
You lost me at pleats. Still not ready to go back to pleats yet.
@@RoyalFizzbin come on, you know you want to
I'm wearing them right now. I prefer the Milano fit.
BB khakis alway fray at the hem pdq. I have had much better luck at half the cost at the GAP
Heavily disagree with GG’s dislike of the crew-neck sweater. It’s as much a staple of menswear as the v-neck, with the bonus of looking less formal. Especially in the American trad/prep style you really can’t deny its’ importance no matter if it’s a collegiate sweater or a J. Press shaggy dog.
Hear hear! I don't often want to wear a collared shirt casually and enjoy wearing a crew neck sweater with a crew-neck long sleeve tee underneath. You can either tuck in the tee or not, depending on preference. I'm a fan of Uniqlo's 'heattech' line of undergarments for economy, fit, and variety, but the options are limitless at any price point.
Absolutely. I wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing a v-neck outside of work.
Each to his own, but we don't believe they are worth it ;)
@@gentlemansgazette Are you opposed to crew necks in general or only to the ones from Brooks Brothers?
Yes, thank you.
Usually non-iron dress shirts at this price point are made of two-ply cotton (80’s-100’s). The weight of this fabric is the reason for the wrinkle resistance, and not due to a chemical treatment. I have multiple two-ply cotton non-iron shirts that are over five years old and still come out of the dryer completely wrinkle free. That just wouldn’t be the case if the cotton had been chemically treated, as the treatment would have washed away by now.
Me as well.
You use a dryer?? I would never dare to use a dryer on dress shirts.
I buy preshrunk shirts when I can and hang dry anything that could fade/shrink. The weight of two-ply also works with hang drying.
Anyway, if you know how to use a dryer properly (Take the shirts out when before they’re completely dry and switch to hang dry), you’re not going to have a problem.
Hmmm thanks for the info will def look out for this type of dress shirt.
@@ruvort1 nothing wrong with using a dryer at least part of the way. I usually pull my dress shirts out after like 20 minutes and hang dry the last bit just to guarantee I never have to bust out the iron, but if I forget and let them sit in the load the whole time I've never had a real problem more than a quick steaming wand to the collar or cuffs can't fix
Brooks Brothers is amazing. My wardrobe is almost exclusively BB. Their blazers/jackets drape beautifully on your body. Ties are a substantial weight. I own about 20 of their dress shirts and refuse to buy any other brand.
same, I am a rounder fellow and they fit my body type well, while hiding my guttiest regions, i collect BB ties and the 50s an 60s ties can be worn with modern suits without looking costumey or dated. 100% recommend.
Alan Sanchez agreed
How are their Polos?
@@thecapone45 I own several of the Golden Fleece and some collars curl more than others. Average over all. The Country Club and St Andrews branded lines are probably better quality. You’ll have to find those second hand since they are no longer in production.
If any company deserves a bailout, it's this one.
How could you not mention their suits, blazers and sports jackets in the “worth buying” category? It would have been a good opportunity to discuss the differences in the Golden Fleece, Red Fleece, Black Fleece, 1818 and 346 lines.
Ditto. That is what I was expecting by the title
Agreed. I would be interested to hear their take on them. Trousers too. Personally I think BB is only good value on sale, no different than most brands.
2 of my 3 favorite jackets are BBs.
Because their suits, specifically jackets, are awful and even worse at the price point. You can get a made to measure jacket with working button holes cheaper. In addition, the Brooks Brothers custom suits are poor value.
I bought a navy blue suit with pinstripes in a Milano Fit for over 50% off and it's great. I would, however, suggest that if you're shorter than 5'10 and skinny but like old style fits, to buy the suit one size up if it's Milano as they might be a bit tight in your regular size. I'm not always a fan of Brooks Brothers suits (mainly because they seem a bit overpriced) but sometimes if you know what you're looking for they can be excellent.
What I value most from this channel is their acknowledgment of all relevant perspectives. Too often in today’s world, whether it be social media, breaking-news, or clothing reviews, only one side of the story is told. Willing to consider and understand other’s points of view is what creates beneficial and actionable dialogue, just as is presented in this video. Thank you for the continued feed of quality content, GG!
Dude really digging the way you enunciate all your words.. Keep up the good work Preston
This is an excellent video, especially the historical overview. Keep it up.
Nick Kovacevich no
The fact that they have shoes made by Crockett & Jones and go on sale is a miracle! Their shoes are amazing.
I really like brooks brothers and I have bought several supima cotton shirt and tshirts from them. The quality they offer is better than many designer brand out there. Although the most recent purchase I made was turtleneck sweaters. I was sceptical at first but when I tried one, I bought 3 different different colours of it. I was blown away by the quality and the fit. Definitely one of the best brands out there for classic quality stuff which remains in really good shape after several washes as well. Though my advice is to purchase their stuff from sale or from outlet because most of the stuff from old seasons go on discount and you can get exceptional product for really good money.
On the sweaters - I feel this is solid advice for those that live in the more northern parts of this country. Living outside of Atlanta means our sweater weather season is 4 weeks at most for heavy sweaters. It’s taken me 30+ years to figure out how to dress well down here, weight of fabrics, material, and weave become quite important.
Such great information. Especially since I have been updating with vintage. Thanks Preston.
Great videos on this channel. No matter how much I think I know about men's style, I always learn something I didn't previously know.
Been a Brooks Brothers member for a year now. Thanks for the info. Keep up the valuable insight Gentleman's Gazette.
It‘s nice being able to trust an online review!
Fascinating video, loved the background story!
Phenomenal idea for a video, very informative for all consumers. Keep up the great work!
I Love this format
21 MINUTES OF MY LIFE, NEVER WASTED. PLAY AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WANT.
Other than providing us with the information about men's style your videos have a special Zen-like quality of its own. Whenever I watch your videos, my nerves get soothened and I feel calm from inside. I really love to watch your videos. I'm your follower and admirer from Kolkata, India.
Jyotirbikash Bhattacharya I feel the same! Preston yr the best GG presenter!
Which tailor would you recommend in kolkata ? ( another inhabitant of kolkata )
@@motorprotein1797 yes please. which tailor?
Fantastic work, guys! Wonderful rundown, Preston!
Bought a Brookscool black 2 piece suit...well cut and a godsend during hotter climes...my go-to for summer dressups and funerals.
I own some older flannel weight and gabardine suits that are fabulously styled and well constructed. My grey flannel 3 piece suit (circa late '60s) is my
pride and joy.
thanks for posting ... good to see you Preston
Excellent overview of BB - well done and Happy New Year.
This channel rocks! Most everything that a well-versed man needs to know about classic and enduring men’s fashion, style and behaviors, being neither overly pretentious nor callously “hip”.... I grew up in Central NY wearing locally manufactured Learbury brand suits and Nettleton brand shoes... if you are confident and secure in who you are as a man and certain as to your core values and beliefs, I am certain that the content on this channel will no doubt resonate with you....IMHO, of course....
Thanks I've been looking for something exactly like this.
Regrettably, I will never ever spend another dollar at Brooks Brothers. Unfortunately, I found out the hard way that their outlet stores are not genuine outlets. That is to say, everything in the outlet store is made for the outlet. That is fine, and many brands do that. However, the employees are not honest about this, the branding of the store and everything about the experience leads you to believe that you are buying actual first quality Brooks Brothers top-tier merchandise. You are not. Most of the items in the outlet are of inferior quality and have about as much relationship to Brooks Brothers heritage as Ford does to Chevrolets heritage.
This is an excellent video. Saved it on my “Style” playlist.
Ditto
Thanks for a helpful vid Preston 👍
I'm a card-carrying sustaining member of the Mises Institute (self-learned Austrian Economist) and a Libertarian: I enjoyed every little nuance of this production. You gents knock it out of the park. Well-done.
Bourgeois Barbie Good to have you! Even if you shouldn't have to qualify your praise with a curious anecdote on economic preference, I do agree that Gentleman's Gazette is something quite special.
Your political views are not relevant on a men’s style video. Go post that somewhere else and P.S. you are still and will always be what even feminist Simone de Beauvoir ADMITTED to as the weaker species so go find a feminism video where you can more appropriately boast your haughty statements of self economic empowerment.
Your needing to include economics in this post is curious... lol
@@briannawilliams7370 wow, you are so triggered! That's hilarious.
Their (now discontinued) Black Fleece line, which was under the creative direction of Thom Browne, was amazing both in quality and design
An extremely interesting video! Preston, you have a very pleasing voice when explaining things, with just a hint of a sense of humor regarding some subjects. You remind me of a fun teacher I had years ago! This channel has improved greatly by adding different men to Sven's army of gentlemen! I like variety in most everything!
I'm a woman and often tell my husband what I've watched and learned from this channel. A lot of the tips regarding colors, patterns, fit, and style can be applied to women's clothing as well. A fun video and I look forward to more of them!
Great job Preston. Your video skills keep improving all the time.
Love Brooks Brothers shirts, ties and your channel.
This was very helpful as I was just shopping on line at Brooks brothers and was wondering what was good quality and what wasn't. Additionally, I agree completely about their heavier weight sweaters as , those seemingly nice silk wool blend thin sweaters don't give a good price per wear number at all. Brooks brothers is the equivalent of a traditional British clothier, which I appreciate.
I was so happy he said to buy Brooks Brothers vintage. My favorite suit is a three piece, three roll two suit.
Amazing advice and quite a pleasantly surprising review! Thanks
This channel is fantastic and always keep me on my toes and gives me tips to keep, me looking on point🎩
I own quite a few different brooks brothers pieces, and while I knew it was a very old and influential company, I had no idea the sheer number of modern fashion staples they invented outright or debuted domestically.
I enjoyed this video. Please make more videos of these covering clothiers and brands.
As far as their socks, if you search and filter on the site, you can find otc and sized socks in merino and cotton. A discovery I made when I worked for them and will never want to wear anything else. If anyone from BB is reading, come back to downtown Portland and not the 'burbs. As for GG, thanks for another great video.
5:50 It's a little funny that when describing a tie's prolifacy in Britain, you used a photo of Prince Philip inspecting the guard in Canada.
I have a big collection of vintage BB neckties, and I love all of them.
Thank you Gentleman's Gazette for the education.
It is our pleasure. :)
Brooks Brothers, my second hand go to brand. Super well done video. Thank you, sirs.
I am female and I love your videos! Interesting Info. I love your Is it worth it series! 🙏
Most of the information in this video is absolutely spot-on. I do differ slightly, or have more of a grey interpretation of the sweater section. As far as Brooks Brothers clothing goes, I think that is probably the best option they have for their casual selection. Regardless, keep up the incredible work, Mr. Schlueter!
I love vintage BB suits and blazers. I have been buying them for decades. You gave me a lot a lot of things to look for. I shop mostly in thrift stores. One thing you did not mention that I'm very fond of, is their polo shirts. They do have a logo, but it is subtle and understated, the quality is good, and they have great colors. For summer casual, you can't go wrong.
Great overview. I will say I prefer a thicker sweater as well, but living in the Deep South we don't have occasion to wear them as often. So I like having the thinner options to get the look of a sweater without getting too warm in them.
I have my 1818 suit. Got it from a goodwill for $15
Nice
I litterally found 4 brooks brothers shirts in my thrift store.. wasn't sure whether I wanted to pull the trigger or not and VOILA here you are! - All vintage ones too, for a total of.. $28 thank you GG!
I found mine there as well. Vintage white tag black lettering GF polos. Black writing 346 coat I also resell BB
@@CountryCarReviews - via EBay? Etsy?
Great list, I will try to implement it😊!
I was working security at the outlet store in Wisconsin,
I only saw the ties labeled Made in America.
The rest is made in China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Laos, Spain.
Even their very expressive cashmere, jackets and sweater's were made in China.
Great video.
A year or so ago i got a pair of theirs corduroy pants to check them out and wear them during the colder months of the year. I took my measurements and ordered online and it fit perfectly. They are made in china, but I have no complaints about the quality: they wear nice, easy to clean. I've ordered a few more colors since then. I would definitely recommend these from BB.
Hi Preston!! Super overview! I recall BB also made beautiful pajamas for men. This is what I bought my husband for Christmas 30 years ago😌it’s so hard to find good pajamas today! Please do a vlog just on this!
I have a pair of BB pajamas from 2002 and they've held up nicely for almost 20 years although they're made in China. I looked into buying more a year ago and the quality now is atrocious.
Three things I don’t like from Brooks Brothers: 1) Red fleece items, which are not up to the standard BB look, looks raggedy and collegiate, 2) Outlet merchandise - When you really look at it, the fabric is thinner and of obviously poor quality. Recently, they have phased out the 346 label for the “1818” label (vs the “Est 1818” label of full line products) to try to trick people. However, if you go to the right outlet store you can find full line merchandise on the 70-80% off racks. I notice some outlet stores tend to act as dump stores more than others. And, 3) their argyle socks, which have too much texture and are too casual looking to wear with anything better than loafers. Polo’s argyle socks are better in that regard.
Another great video! I've yet to make a purchase from BB and their local store in Portland, OR closed down. I do lament how casual men's attire has gotten lately, especially on the west coast. I often dress more formally than my coworkers (still very casual compared to GG staff) and I get a lot of positive attention. Dressing nice is great!
Amazing how you quickly improve on posture and body language. Congrats !
Great job Preston. You get better and better,
The non iron finish typically lasts 50 washes. I used to work for them and that's in our training 😊
Thanks to this video, I found some of the best chinos ever. I looooooove their chinos.
Love their ties and their golf shirts are virtually indestructible.
The pique knit Polo shirts
Great video, I hope you guys do more like it
Like all the other videos, this was very enjoyable. I do have a Brooks Brother's suit and am very happy with it. I also saw your video where you graded suits from different companies. After watching your Ralph Lauren video, I do want to get a higher quality suit from them as well. All that said, I have worn my BB suit and am very happy with it. Still, I understand why you take the position on their suits as you do.
Avoid Brooks 346. If you can find the discontinued - Brooks Brothers Country Club - buy it.
I agree, opera pumps there one of the few ready were places that sell them.
Picked up a “Brooks Brothers Makers” silk tie at a thrift store this weekend. It says it was made in the US from Italian fabric. As far as I can tell it’s pretty good quality, especially for $5.
Very nice overview of Brooks Brothers line of clothing. I’ve been wearing Brooks Brothers dress shirts since they only offered one fit, i.e.; The Traditional Fit which I found too baggy, yet I was loyal to the company nonetheless. Now, when I need the extra space within the Traditional Fit, it’’s harder and harder to find many shirts with the Traditional Fit. Go figure? Anyway, nice review...good job!
Just the video I was waiting for
Classic American brand. I have to point out that quarter zip sweaters in my book are a classic. Nothing wrong with full zip sweater and "sweater bombers". Very nice alternative to hoodies when you dont want to be too dressed up
I have bought many custom non-iron shirts. I love the fit and they last a long time. Well worth the extra cost to be in a well-fitted shirt.
I live in Greenville SC where I get a few pieces from the main Brooks Brothers store but usually head back to my hometown of Asheville, NC because there are 2 Brooks Brothers Outlet. Shirts are usually 29 bucks as well as the polos along with heavily discounted suits. .you just dont get the fancy bags but you get an excellent wardrobe for a great deal
Brooks Brothers chinos fit and wear the best of any I have owned in the past. Their suits also fit great right off the rack and are a great value to have in your wardrobe.
Crew neck sweaters from BB worn with a O.C.B.D shirt were a typical combination amongst the Princeton students here on the east coast. Mainly because the BB store is located just off campus
Some good Tips here from the legendary clothing company. Timeless style indeed.
Very nice and helpful video. Could you please do a video on detachable collars it would be very interesting. Thank you very much.
20:36 *Now* I know what inspired that Ft. Belvedere tie I covet so much. It will be mine one day 😉
Great video as always, but you haven't mentioned their polo shirts, what do you think about their polos?
Brooks Brothers had a clearance center (not the outlets you typically find at the outlet malls) in Garland, NC where they sold irregular merchandise, outdated merchandise, and overruns up until two years ago. I found some English collar Egyptian Cotton dress shirts normally priced at $185 for $29.99 and Peal & Co brogues for $69. If you knew what you were doing, you could get some good buys there. The only problem at that place was the resellers often knew when they got shipments and would swoop down and grab everything worth buying, often not playing by the rules and observing limits. A shame they closed. :(
As a former Women’s client specialist in the Brooks Brothers Madison Avenue Flagship ~ my appreciation for the menswear style has been reassured. Golden Fleece has the best fabrics of the suiting. However I really appreciate the now discontinued Black Fleece line as those garments were impeccably tailored for both menswear and womenswear.
JejuCEO17 I shop there and imagine the history. But I wish they had more merchandise in the women’s department. Do you know if Zac Posen is still on board? I worked nearby by Grand Central.
Janice Hussock I believe Mr. Zac P. renewed his contract for Creative Director of Brooks Womenswear. I still order my Supima cotton shirts and Tailored shirts every year ^^
Janice Hussock ++ I recommend you visit Madison Avenue flagship and seek Christian or Barbara in the Women’s dept
JejuCEO17 Thanks. I shall when this halt to so much lifts. It is the first time I am glad to be on the Jersey side
Janice Hussock 😅👍🏽
As a lady, I love this channel.
I have irish tweed wool coat from BB and it still looks like new ten years later
only word for this video is amazing
I was just there yesterday got me a shirt 👌🏾
Nice!
Surprised the Polos didn't come up. They look beautiful for sure.
Great video. My question to Raphael. What is your opinion on Brooks Brothers made to measure suits?
I snagged a nice 1818 suit from them for $336. I get compliments on it all the time.
Good video! Thank you
Great video. I was puzzled, though, as to why you recommend a fisherman's cable-knit crew-neck sweater a few seconds after advising people not to buy crew-neck sweaters!
I love Brooks Bros! So classic
Thin sweaters are indeed fragile, but when layered with bow ties, they're dynamic! Say, Is that a Bob Ross painting on the wall?