Ask a former Brooks Brothers employee anything

As a former Brooks Brothers employee, I have a fairly in depth knowledge of appropriate business attire, current trends in suiting, and also the quality of Brooks Brothers clothing (and how they compare to other brands).

Fire away.

Brooks Brothers Suit Quality Comparison

When compared to suits made by canali, brioni, kiton the OP had this to say:

To be honest, most of Brooks Brothers clothing does not compare in quality to canali, brioni, and ktion. That being said, you still can buy items in Brooks Brothers that have the same quality and workmanship as many high brands.

The typical dress shirt at Brooks Brothers is $88, and is %100 cotton with a non-iron finish. This chemical finish that they put on the shirts makes them less breathable, and also causes them to wear faster if you have them dry cleaned or ironed. The majority of those other brands' shirts does not have any finish on them, and should be laundered after wearing. The chemical finish makes it a great work shirt, and allows the owner to put it in the dryer and have a ironed look if hung immediately, but does have an adverse effect on the quality.

Although, you can buy their upper level "luxury shirts", which are made of Egyptian or Sea Island cotton, and those would be of comparable quality. Also similar comparisons can be made with Brooks Brothers Golden Fleece suits, which are of higher quality than their 1818 collection suits.

brooks brothers 346 suit quality and outlet review

In response to a question about the Brooks Brothers Outlet - the OP shared the following response.

For the most part, the clothes at Brooks Brothers Outlet, like you noted, are made specifically for the outlet, as designated by the '346'. There is a very noticeable difference in quality, and it is reflected in the price point of most the items.

One of the biggest differences is in the shirts, with the sleeve lengths of the outlet shirts only going to 34/35, or 32/33, instead of the more precise measurement to the nearest inch.

Although, whatever the Retail stores do not sell, will eventually go to outlet. At the outlet it will usually be 60% off the tag price. It really does depend when go to the outlet if you will find any real Brooks Brothers clothes. Again for the most part, its all '346' clothing. No outlets carry all mainline Brooks Brothers clothing, but one might have more just based on shipments from the retailers.

Brooks Brothers Shoes In Store Overview

For shoes, many are made by Peal & co, Alden, and a few various other makers depending on partnership year to year. The store I worked in did not carry shoes, but I remember all this just from calling other stores. I have a pair of the calf skin shoes by Peal & co, and they are a quality shoe, worth their money. Also, I believe the Cordovans are made by Alden. Those are the higher end shoes brooks carries.

Brooks Brothers Suit Sale 50% Off

If you want a good tip, Brooks has their two biggest sales in January and July, call them then, set aside some items, and wait during the 'clearance' sale to buy. Can save you upwards of 60%. Although make sure when calling that the items will be going on sale. Almost everything does, but double check.

Want to learn more about BB suits? Check out the video below.

Read More About Suits on WSO

• Where Do You Buy Your Shirts/Suits/Shoes? Online Preferred
• What Is Wrong With A Black Suit?
• An Introduction To Suits - Welcoming The Analyst Class

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