While the United States was building out the greatest military and peacekeeping force in history, Brooks Brothers was weaving the fabric of that proud tradition. Quite simply, wherever the U.S. military trained and traveled, Brooks Brothers went with them.
Much like a certain song or scent can transport us to another time and place, clothing and accessories evoke nostalgia as well. Two of our favorite shoes — the boat shoe and suede buck — share this ability.
As far as simple pleasures go, a cozy sweater ranks up right there with the sound of a crackling fireplace or waves crashing on a beach. Florid analogies aside, the simple act of returning to a beloved sweater year after year has a fair amount of nostalgia to it. That’s why we combed this season’s collections (for men and women) and pinpointed the styles that have an elusive heirloom-like look and feel.
Using modern technology to better understand this remarkable wool
Once a standard travel accessory, the garment bag has been replaced by the more efficient carry-on. Making the most of limited packing space is a skill that saves you time and keeps your suit fresh and pressed.
The debate began during World War II when the pleated pant, and the extra fabric it requires, fell victim to government rationing. Pleated pants have been considered a luxury item ever since—suitable for formal occasions—while plain-fronts went on to be seen as more practical, all-around pants.
Dress shirts are anything but basic. The oxford button-down and the barrel cuff are the gold standard for some, while others gravitate toward the formality of French cuffs and the forward point collar. Not surprisingly, collar and cuff preferences tend to be personal and reveal something about the wearer.
The blazer has always had a distinctly nautical flair. The origins of the name are lost to history, but each (perhaps apocryphal) tale is inexorably tied to the water. Some of the more fanciful stories involve the crew of the HMS Blazer and take place in the years before the British Royal Navy standardized its uniforms in the mid-1800s.
If you’re new to formalwear, you may not know the difference between black tie, white tie and semi-formal. That’s where our editors can help. Put aside those memories of the rented tuxedo and the one-size-fits-all groomsman suit. We’ll show you how to prep for a black tie affair with ease.
A suit is a big-ticket item that requires a fair amount of knowledge before you commit to buying. Like a car, it’s a significant expense (and a necessary one, trust us), and you wouldn’t head into a showroom at a car dealer without doing your research, would you?
