It seems like Brooks Brothers has been making quite a splash lately, and if you're anything like me, you might have found yourself eyeing their classic shirts, cozy sweaters, sharp trousers, or smart outerwear. As I've picked up a few pieces myself, I've noticed a lot of chatter about sizing, so I thought I'd share some of my experiences. Hopefully, this can make your own shopping journey a little smoother.
When it comes to their dress shirts, Brooks Brothers really offers a comprehensive range. Unless you're aiming for an extremely tailored look, you're likely to find a size that fits just right. Now, it's important to remember that the size charts you see aren't for your body measurements, but for the actual garment. They offer five different fits, and for most folks who aren't carrying a lot of extra weight, the 'extra slim fit' or 'slim fit' are usually the way to go. Honestly, the other three fits are probably best left to the imagination for most of us. My best advice? Don't just rely on height and weight. Grab a shirt that already fits you well and measure its collar, chest, waist, and the length from the middle of the neck to the cuff. Then, you can use that as your guide.
For their 'Luxury' and 'Country Club Sport' shirts, the sizing gets a bit different. You'll see regular and long sleeve lengths noted, and sometimes those sleeve lengths can seem a tad generous – a size 'S' regular sleeve can clock in at 33.5 inches, which might feel a bit long for some. For collar and chest measurements, you'll want to cross-reference with their general men's size translation chart. For the everyday sport shirts, it's pretty straightforward – just use that translation chart. Unlike dress shirts, these don't offer quite as many fit options. For reference, I'm about 176cm and 69kg with shorter arms, and I usually opt for a slim fit 'S' in sport shirts, though I rarely button up the collar anyway.
Sweaters and outerwear follow a similar pattern, referencing that general size translation chart. A common hiccup people run into is the sleeve length being a bit long. I've noticed this with my own 'M' size sweaters and outerwear – they tend to be a little longer in the sleeve. It's a bit of a trade-off, though, because the chest measurement difference between an 'M' and an 'S' can be quite significant. I tried on a leather jacket once where the 'M' had a 112cm chest, but the 'S' was a much tighter 102cm. So, sometimes you have to decide which compromise works best for you.
Pants are generally simpler. It boils down to waist and inseam, and thankfully, hemming is usually an easy fix. Just be mindful of the overall cut, too. You don't want a waist and length that are perfect but then find the seat or thighs are too baggy. For those of us with a more standard build, the 'Milano fit' often provides that desired slim silhouette.
As for suits and polos, I haven't ventured into those waters myself, so I can't offer firsthand advice. But I'm always eager to hear what others have discovered!
And to make sure no one feels left out, here's a nod to the women's size chart, because everyone deserves to find that perfect fit.
