Brooks Brothers is an American apparel retailer specializing in classic menswear. Its aesthetic centers on traditional Ivy League style and conservative tailoring. The brand represents the American prep subculture, emphasizing timeless silhouettes, button-down collars, and a professional, understated ethos.
History
Founded in 1818 by Henry Sands Brooks in New York City, the company is the oldest continuous clothing retailer in the United States. It introduced the first ready-to-wear suits to the American market and popularized the polo button-down collar shirt. The brand has outfitted forty-five out of forty-six U.S. presidents. Its historical role involves standardizing American business attire and influencing the development of the collegiate aesthetic throughout the twentieth century.