BROOKS IN PICTURES

Brooks Brothers is Preppy. One would be hard pressed to find a preppy that does not have at least a few pieces from this iconic and oldest men clothier in the United States. Brooks, as it is affectionately known, started on April 7, 1818 as a family business by Henry Sands Brooks. Back then, it was known as H. & D. H. Brooks & Co. but by 1850, when Henry’s sons Elisha, Daniel, and John took over the family business, it became Brooks Brothers.

Their logo, the “The Golden Fleece,” a sheep suspended by ribbon has always been associated with British Woolen Merchants. It is also the image of the fifteenth century “Knights of the Golden Fleece,” founded by “Phillip the Good.” The fleece has become synonymous with true classic American style.

Although the many of Brooks’ merchandise is imported, there are still products such as suits, sport coats, shirts, and a few accessories that are still made in America. In fact, their 1818 line is still made at their plant in Haverhill, Massachusetts.

Why has Brooks Brothers stood the test of time as the preppy clothier? In one word, innovation. The next time you put on that button down thank John Brooks who invented it in 1896. Brooks Bros. also brought to America the English Foulard Tie in 1890, the sack suit in 1895, the pink dress shirt before 1900, and the Shetland Sweater around 1904. They also introduced the Polo Coat around 1910, the Madras fabric and Argyles in 1920. They are also responsible for introducing summer suits like seersucker during the early 1930s. In 1999, Brooks introduced the Non-iron Cotton Dress Shirt to the dismay of purists and dry cleaners, but a hit with everyone else.

Brooks Brothers is an American Icon and we at The Dandy American honor Brooks Brothers in our very first photo gallery of Brooks in Pictures.