Embodying American tradition.
1818 | NEW YORK, USA | Henry Sands Brooks
Based on the philosophy of "creating and handling only the highest quality products, and trading only with customers who seek and understand that value in our products," Brooks Brothers manufactures and sells all of its products in-house.
Founded in 1818, the company boasts the longest history of any existing apparel company in America. Its more than 200-year history began when Henry Sands Brooks won a bid for a building in New York for $15,250 and founded H&DH Brooks Company.
In 1849, during the height of the American Gold Rush, the company began manufacturing and selling the first ready-made suits in America. This was groundbreaking at a time when bespoke suits were the norm.
In 1850, they adopted the Golden Fleece logo, featuring a lamb suspended by a ribbon, as their trademark. At the same time, Henry's sons, Daniel, John, Elisha, and Edward, changed the company name to Brooks Brothers.
In 1865, Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated for his second presidency. He wore a Brooks Brothers frock coat on that occasion. The lining of the coat was reportedly embroidered with an eagle and the words "One Country, One Destiny." Surprisingly, according to the company, 40 out of the 45 US presidents, from JFK to Barack Obama and Donald Trump, have worn Brooks Brothers.
Brooks Brothers was also loved by stylish people from all walks of life, including legendary actors Steve McQueen and Fred Astaire, and pop artist Andy Warhol. The item that best represents the company is the button-down shirt, created in 1896 by John E. Brooks, Henry's grandson. The company calls this collar style, which was inspired by polo uniforms, the "polo collar."
Furthermore, Brooks Brothers' greatest achievement can be said to be introducing high-quality and elegant items from around the world to America, such as Harris Tweed, which originated in Scotland, Shetland sweaters, argyle patterns, and Madras checks and seersucker fabrics, which are said to have their roots in India.
In 1979, Brooks Brothers finally opened stores overseas. Their first overseas store was the Brooks Brothers flagship store, which remains a landmark building in Aoyama today. This demonstrates the company's consideration of Japan as an important market.
In 2007, Brooks Brothers welcomed Thom Browne as designer and launched BlackFleece by BROOKS BROTHERS, which blends traditional items with trendy elements. Furthermore, in 2014, they launched BROOKS BROTHERS RedFleece, which updates classic items for the modern era. Backed by 200 years of history, their philosophy remains unwavering, and they continue to develop American classic items.