Brooks Brothers: What to Buy & What to Avoid - Brand Value Review

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Gentleman's Gazette
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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 YouTube 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.

[jaystermilli]

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.

[Glovelacer]

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.

[apk]

Always appreciate the historical background to the brands discussed. They are great intros.

[samymasta]

This guy's jawline is more structured than my life.

[jcoolhot]

It’s sad to see them go bankrupt. They truly have a rich history. Thanks for the video. Respect!

[tamir.h.]

Love these videos where y’all focus on a specific brand please make more like these

[jonahwilliams]

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

[alansanchez]

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.

[fornoreason]

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.

[KalebChesnicFlutist]

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.

[mohitaggarwal]

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.

[Fox_Cord]

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.

[Elpapatuyodeusa]

Dude really digging the way you enunciate all your words.. Keep up the good work Preston

[astronomerperson]

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.

[KennyAIngram]

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.

[markarel]

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.

[jyotirbikashbhattacharya]

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.

[HVKfps]

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!

[hornetbrown]

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.

[Darruus]

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.