Comparing Brooks Brothers

codetomorrow

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• Dec 18, 2010

• #1

I did some searching but didn't really find anything.
Are there any comprehensive posts which compare the Brooks Brothers suit lines in terms of quality?

1818 Collection
- Regent
- Fitzgerald
- Madison
- Milano
Golden Fleece
Brooks Ease
Suiting Essentials
Black Fleece

 

Harold falcon

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• Dec 18, 2010

• #2

Out of that list, Golden Fleece and Black Fleece will be tops, usually full canvas construction. Then the 1818 Collection, then I don't think there's anything redeeming about the brooksease or the suiting essentials.

I have noticed that some of the most recent Golden Fleece items are now made in china, but I do not know if that is the direction of the entire line.

 

KObalto

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• Dec 18, 2010

• #3

1818 is half-canvassed.GF was made by Martin Greenfield until about a year ago.

 

porcelain monkey

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• Dec 18, 2010

• #4

Where is GF made now?

 

codetomorrow

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• Dec 18, 2010

• #5

I thought brooks brothers was a really great brand of suits? Starting to not sound like that's true..

 

Grenadier

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• Dec 18, 2010

• #6

The half-canvassed 1818 line is a really great workhorse suit that is well-cut, made with nice fabric, and can be had for a very reasonable price. They are all made by Southwick in the USA now.

 

Patek

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• Dec 18, 2010

• #7

I personally like the GF stuff and have a couple of their suits.

 

Achilles_

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• Dec 18, 2010

• #8

Originally Posted by Patek

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I personally like the GF stuff and have a couple of their suits.

X2

I would even say the fabric is softer than my Isaia!

 

KObalto

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• Dec 18, 2010

• #9

Originally Posted by porcelain monkey

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Where is GF made now?

Made in Italy, some on this forum have stated Caruso is the manufacturer.

 

RevisIsland

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• Jan 7, 2011

• #10

To clarify on some of the above posts

1. This may or may not be true: I was told by a bb employee at flagship store that greenfield still makes some gf suits
2. Today, most gf suits are southwick and some of the regent gf suits are Italian--I believe they no longer make the regent cut in gf but you can still find some on clearance)
2. Just because it says made in Italy does not mean it was done by Caruso
3. About 1/3 of the gf suits at flagship store on Madison are made by Greenfield
4. all greenfield suits are Madison style
5. When picking out a suit the greenfield suits are easily distinguishable by the button holes---clearly hand tailored.

Also 1818 suits are either made by southwick in USA or in Italy. The only style that is always made in USA is the Madison. Also I don't believe the Milano style has been done by southwick. Fitz and regent can be either or.

 

Larson McCord

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• Jan 7, 2011

• #11

Originally Posted by codetomorrow

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I thought brooks brothers was a really great brand of suits? Starting to not sound like that's true..

They are a great brand but like a lot of large companies they have a lot of 'variety' in their offerings. Their top end is terrific while their lower end is closer to mass produced stuff. But it's all good when compared to their price point IMO.

Of course this is style forum....nothing is worth retail.

 

phailing101

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• Jan 7, 2011

• #12

Its also worth noting that their suits are seemingly NEVER at full price. They have sales back to back quite a bit.

 

bleachboy

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• Jan 7, 2011

• #13

Originally Posted by Larson McCord

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They are a great brand but like a lot of large companies they have a lot of 'variety' in their offerings. Their top end is terrific while their lower end is closer to mass produced stuff. But it's all good when compared to their price point IMO.

Of course this is style forum....nothing is worth retail.

I agree with this. I will say that when it comes to suits, there are much better routes out there in my opinion, like Samuelsohn MTM. I love Brooks Brothers for shirts, sweaters, and odd trousers, though. Admittedly, I have never owned any Golden Fleece stuff (except a wonderful burgundy smoking jacket) so I can't speak to that line.

 

KObalto

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• Jan 7, 2011

• #14

Originally Posted by RevisIsland

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The only style that is always made in USA is the Madison. Also I don't believe the Milano style has been done by southwick. Fitz and regent can be either or.

I'm pretty sure I have a made in Italy Madison. I'll double-check when I get home. It is 2-3 years old.

 

Alex C

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• Jan 7, 2011

• #15

I just bought two 1818 Fitzgeralds on Black Friday. Both are tagged as "Made in Italy." There's a Brooks 1818 Fitzgerald tag on one side of the lining and the other lists some Italian firm. Not sure if it's fabric or maker. I'll check when I get home if anyone is interested.