Brooks Brothers Bankruptcy

[Mifune]

Originally Posted by kearez

I think Suit Supply has got it spot on, stores are modern, bright, helpful sales associates.
BB never moved on, to capture the next generation. Poor cuts, and lack of more modern styles.

not all things need to involve modernity... classic is where its at for brooks brothers, but that ultimately means a smaller market segment... perhaps even niche.

I DO THINK there is an ongoing appreciation for smaller old school quality and design that doesn't involve being an old fart to wear it.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Coincidentally, that’s the last time I wore a suit

Bingo.

Disasters put things in perspective.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by btinl

This is not surprising. Their quality has gone way down hill.

Unsure about that but I do know that Ralph Lauren always did Yuppie style better.

[Pw92676]

Surprised to learn of this. I am a fan of their clothing and haven’t had any issues with their clothing. I own a few of their items from Red Fleece line and think that’s a bit lesser in quality but overall not bad either.

[White Collar Boy]

It’s a shame. I love their stuff (despite never knowing their heyday), especially their polo shirts and sweaters. Hoping they don’t disappear altogether.

[Chester01]

I’m no expert but wear a great deal of their shirts and ties and have 6/7 still in rotation from 2008. Yes, held up that well. But it seems to me these smaller companies go public, and then there is pressure to expand indefinitely making ever more money for the shareholders and the only way to squeeze more profit is to cut quality or service. I don’t know why some of these companies don’t down size to smaller locales where their products are purchased more frequently and there is more demand. It’s like many companies are balloons, they work In a few markets, start expanding like a balloon, and then pop and declare bankruptcy.

[tudorbaja27]

Very sad indeed. Didn't buy much of their stuff - but certainly wear styles similar to what they sell.
Oh, how the getleman is disappearing..

[colpol]

Originally Posted by kearez

TM Lewin? I took advantage on a sale a bought a few more white shirts, also got great deal for a printed tie.

That’s the one

It’s a shame as I was a regular purchaser of their shirts until about 18 months ago when my company started supplying us with corporate branded polo shirts. Now I’ve a wardrobe full of shirts that never wear.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by tudorbaja27

Very sad indeed. Didn't buy much of their stuff - but certainly wear styles similar to what they sell.
Oh, how the getleman is disappearing..

That and it's getting much more difficult to find things of quality.

[1William]

Brooks Brothers has been sliding for years and they just go with the flow. You can always tell a company by the website and BB is one of the worst. Difficult to navigate, the search function is too limited and I believe you have to buy $150.00 to get free shipping. Any returns take forever and so on. If they can restructure that is good but you better do the things that make a modern company modern.

[Thug]

Originally Posted by dddrees

That and it's getting much more difficult to find things of quality.

I don't agree with this.

With internet/social media/world more connected, it's not hard to find reputable brands if you put in a bit of work. If we step back to 20 years ago, things were a lot more regional because someone living in the midwest US can't really keep up with what someone on the east coast is doing whereas now all the info is readily available. Likewise with shipping, 20 years ago even if you knew of a brand but they didn't have a store or stockist in your area, it was a lot harder to get them to ship to you if they did at all whereas now most stores will ship almost anywhere.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Thug

I don't agree with this.

With internet/social media/world more connected, it's not hard to find reputable brands if you put in a bit of work. If we step back to 20 years ago, things were a lot more regional because someone living in the midwest US can't really keep up with what someone on the east coast is doing whereas now all the info is readily available. Likewise with shipping, 20 years ago even if you knew of a brand but they didn't have a store or stockist in your area, it was a lot harder to get them to ship to you if they did at all whereas now most stores will ship almost anywhere.

I am and have been an internet shopper for a good time now so I agree that with a bit of work these things can be found. I've bought a number of things from overseas so the internet has been a blessing. I've done and do this quite a bit. Possibly it's my age and my unwillingness to constantly look for a new alternative all of the time which might be the issue. Possibly

[enjoythemusic]

Can't recall the last time i wore my M2M Armani suits, and only once in the past few years did i wear either of my tuxedos. BBros seems to be geared toward the 'now retired' ooooold guys.

[MacanS]

I like their upper label sport coats (gold fleece and Saxon) their shirts are fine too. No way on the suits.

They had a 70% off sale and I snagged a cool sport coat that was originally 1400. I bought two sizes because who knows about the fit.

Peter Millar is a hot brand now. I used to wear I crew suits because I could mix and match pants with the top ( I have broad shoulders so I need a slimmer waste than my jacket size would suggest

[raclaims]

I think we will see this over and over again with retailers that have large brick and mortor footprints...they will use chapter 11 to reorganize, get out of their leases and transition to online...just like Pier 1 imports literally just did.

I see empty store fronts EVERYWHERE in NJ

[tudorbaja27]

Originally Posted by dddrees

I am and have been an internet shopper for a good time now so I agree that with a bit of work these things can be found. I've bought a number of things from overseas so the internet has been a blessing. I've done and do this quite a bit. Possibly it's my age and my unwillingness to constantly look for a new alternative all of the time which might be the issue. Possibly

I've realized that as I find a good quality retailer/brand/maker, I tend to stick to that. From shoes, to suits, to shirts - whatever it is. The number of brands in my wardrobe has decreased, but the quality has gone up.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by tudorbaja27

I've realized that as I find a good quality retailer/brand/maker, I tend to stick to that. From shoes, to suits, to shirts - whatever it is. The number of brands in my wardrobe has decreased, but the quality has gone up.

Me as well, it tends to make things a lot easier. Footwear however is something where I go with a few different shoemakers. Quality, style, attention to detail, ability to order MTO when desired, and finally Lasts (Fit) are very important. But yes, sticking with a limited amount of brands makes it much easier.

[tudorbaja27]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Me as well, it tends to make things a lot easier. Footwear however is something where I go with a few different shoemakers. Quality, style, attention to detail, ability to order MTO when desired, and finally Lasts (Fit) are very important. But yes, sticking with a limited amount of brands makes it much easier.

Spot on!

My closet has been getting full of Carminas over the last 12 months as soon as I realized the value and how much I liked them! Quite a few brands like that around.

It become difficult to roll the dice and deal with returns etc. when you're not entirely sure about the brand. Styleforum definitely helps with that.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by tudorbaja27

Spot on!

My closet has been getting full of Carminas over the last 12 months as soon as I realized the value and how much I liked them! Quite a few brands like that around.

It become difficult to roll the dice and deal with returns etc. when you're not entirely sure about the brand. Styleforum definitely helps with that.

Especially when it came to sizing as risky as that can be when not trying on first. Good thing I'm an average size shoe person as that helps.

Haven't needed a pair of shoes for awhile now but Carmina was a great bargain very early on. Quality as good as Alden with more attractive Lasts and designs, but pricing at the Allen Edmonds level. If I had only stopped at that price point.

[Xenon]

I once was a member of Style Forum but it is too stuffy for me. There are people rocking $10k outfits on a daily basis and they are not too kind if you don't buy certain brands or look like carbon copies of them.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Xenon

I once was a member of Style Forum but it is too stuffy for me. There are people rocking $10k outfits on a daily basis and they are not too kind if you don't buy certain brands or look like carbon copies of them.

They also have different sub forums and different threads for various different price ranges. Fan boys at all price ranges exist everywhere.

My closet is full, I haven't participated on that forum recently.

[kearez]

Originally Posted by colpol

That’s the one

It’s a shame as I was a regular purchaser of their shirts until about 18 months ago when my company started supplying us with corporate branded polo shirts. Now I’ve a wardrobe full of shirts that never wear.

Majority of my shirts are TM Lewin, think the quality is great for the price.

[kearez]

Originally Posted by 1William

Brooks Brothers has been sliding for years and they just go with the flow. You can always tell a company by the website and BB is one of the worst. Difficult to navigate, the search function is too limited and I believe you have to buy $150.00 to get free shipping. Any returns take forever and so on. If they can restructure that is good but you better do the things that make a modern company modern.

I 100% agree with this. Tried looking for some deals, search function is limited. The stores need an overhaul, remove the multitude of products, focus on their best sellers. Declutter their stores.

[Case61]

I retired in 2012, and since then have worn a suit precisely three times: one wedding and two funerals.

I do wear blazers and dress slacks periodically. I looked at a Brooks Brothers blazer a few years ago, but for $700 or so, I couldn't see a lot of difference from Ralph Lauren at Macy's.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

Unsure about that but I do know that Ralph Lauren always did Yuppie style better.

i could tell you, though actually, my dad could do a far better job as he's known (and worked with) Ralph for decades since he and my dad were fabric 'runners' in NYC many decades ago. Ralph Lifshitz believes in 'American Classic' styling and quality. A truly brilliant man who also puts the right people within his organization.

[MacanS]

Originally Posted by MacanS

I like their upper label sport coats (gold fleece and Saxon) their shirts are fine too. No way on the suits.

They had a 70% off sale and I snagged a cool sport coat that was originally 1400. I bought two sizes because who knows about the fit.

Peter Millar is a hot brand now. I used to wear I crew suits because I could mix and match pants with the top ( I have broad shoulders so I need a slimmer waste than my jacket size would suggest

Update. Had to return both sport coats. They didn’t look great and the fit was horrible

[Mr. Drunmond]

I have 2 BB suits from the late 90s early 2000s. I haven't worn a suit for other than a wedding or a funeral in at least 10 years. Occasionally a sports coat for a nice dinner or party.

99% of the time at work i am in slacks and golf shirts.
and since the covid, and no clients visits, and in houston, I wear shorts most of the time.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

i could tell you, though actually, my dad could do a far better job as he's known (and worked with) Ralph for decades since he and my dad were fabric 'runners' in NYC many decades ago. Ralph Lifshitz believes in 'American Classic' styling and quality. A truly brilliant man who also puts the right people within his organization.

I’ve heard good things.

Although, he didn’t design the ‘Executive’ trench.

So, maybe not so great.

[polaris72]

No surprise, they have been out of touch of fashion (in loose terms) for a long time.

[tudorbaja27]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Especially when it came to sizing as risky as that can be when not trying on first. Good thing I'm an average size shoe person as that helps.

Haven't needed a pair of shoes for awhile now but Carmina was a great bargain very early on. Quality as good as Alden with more attractive Lasts and designs, but pricing at the Allen Edmonds level. If I had only stopped at that price point.

I imagine you're talking about shell?