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ABOUT US
Established in 1818, Brooks Brothers was the first to offer ready-to-wear clothing and has continued throughout history with iconic product introductions including: seersucker, madras, original button-down collar and the non-iron shirt.
Two centuries later, Brooks Brothers is proud to uphold the same traditions and values and to be the destination for ladies and gentlemen from every generation. Since its founding 200 years ago in New York, Brooks Brothers has become a legendary retailer with over 500 stores worldwide while maintaining a steadfast commitment to exceptional service, quality, style and value.
OUR HISTORY
200 YEARS OF BROOKS BROTHERS MILESTONES & INNOVATIONS
1818
OUR FIRST STORE
In April 7, 1818, at the age of 45, Henry Sands Brooks opens H. & D.H. Brooks & Co in New York City. As “Makers and Merchants in One,” the firm assumes absolute control of its offerings, ensuring customers the highest level of quality.
The first to introduce of ready-made tailored clothing, people started to flock the New York store, unable to wait on the whims of a tailor.
1849
THE READY- MADE SUIT
1850
THE GOLDEN FLEECE
The Golden Fleece symbol is adopted as the company’s trademark.
Loyal customer Abraham Lincoln wears a Brooks Brothers greatcoat purchased from the Grand Street store on the occasion of his second Presidential inauguration.
1865
PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S COAT
1900
THE ORIGINAL POLO BUTTON DOWN SHIRT
At a polo match in England, John E. Brooks, grandson of the founder, noticed something peculiar about the players’ collars: they were fastened to the body of their shirts to prevent them from flapping in the wind. John brought his discovery back to Brooks Brothers.
Brooks Brothers bucks tradition and reverses the stripe direction of the well-known regimental neckties of the United Kingdom, separating form from meaning and opening up the pattern to everyman.
1902
DEMOCRATISING THE STRIPED REP TIE
1915
MADISON AVENUE FLAGSHIP OPENS
Following the completion of Grand Central Terminal in New York City, Brooks Brothers relocates to 346 Madison Avenue, its present-day flagship location.
The pink shirt gained widespread popularity and was featured in a prominent fashion magazine in 1949, when Brooks Brothers introduced one specifically for women.
1949
A SHIRT FOR WOMEN – AT LAST
1997
FIRST INTERNATIONAL STORE
The original Japanese flagship store opens in the Aoyama area of Tokyo. Today, Brooks Brothers has more than 80 stores in Japan.
Brooks Brothers introduces the first successful 100% cotton non-iron shirt, billed as the ultimate travel shirt.
1998
A TRULY WRINKLE-RESISTANT SHIRT
2014
A MORE MODERN SENSIBILITY DEBUTS
Brooks Brothers introduces a more youthful collection, initially conceived as a line of Ivy League–inspired sportswear. This evolves into the Red Fleece Collection.
Through constant innovation, adaptation and style disruption over the centuries, Brooks Brothers achieves a milestone not held by any other American retail brand: 200 years in business (and counting).
2018
OUR 200TH ANNIVERSARY
2020
MICHAEL BASTIAN APPOINTED AS THE BRAND’S CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Known for his fresh takes on classic, all-American style, Mr. Bastian combines a deep appreciation for our heritage with an eye towards the future. Through