Since its founding by Henry Sands Brooks in 1818, Brooks Brothers has outfitted generations of families, corporate men and women, political leaders, Hollywood legends, sports greats and military heroes with our unique combination of singular quality, superior service and product innovation. In our stores nationwide, through the Brooks Brothers catalog and online at brooksbrothers.com, we offer casual and business collections for men, women and, in select stores, boys. You'll find all the elements that are an essential part of a wardrobe in which all the components speak the same language. Our classic style is appropriate but flexible. Completely put together yet entirely effortless. Distinctively timeless.

In the Fall of 2003, Brooks Brothers celebrates its 185th anniversary as the creator of classic American style. Since 1818, Brooks Brothers has been proud to have become an institution that has shaped the uniquely American style of dress through fashion innovation, fine quality, personal service, and exceptional value in our products. As the country's oldest clothing retailer, we are proud that we have been able to uphold the same traditions and values for nearly two centuries. We believe these are the reasons why our customers consider us to be far more than a store. Brooks Brothers is an American Icon.

1818 THE FIRST BROOKS BROTHERS STORE

On April 7, 1818, at the age of 45, Henry Sands Brooks opens H. & D.H. Brooks & Co. on the Northeast corner of Catherine and Cherry Streets in New York City. His guiding principle: "To make and deal only in merchandise of the finest quality, to sell it at a fair profit and to deal with people who seek and appreciate such merchandise."


1850 THE BROOKS BROTHERS

After the death of Henry Sands Brooks in 1833, control of the company was assumed by his eldest son, Henry, Jr. In 1850, Henry's sons Daniel, John, and Elisha inherit the family business, and Brooks Brothers is born.


1850 THE GOLDEN FLEECE

The Golden Fleece symbol is adopted as the company's trademark. A sheep suspended in a ribbon had long been a symbol of British woolen merchants. Dating from the 15th century, it had been the emblem of the Knights of the Golden Fleece, founded by Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy. In ancient Greek mythology, a magical flying ram, or Golden Fleece, was sought by Jason and the Argonauts.


1858 BROADWAY & GRAND STREET

A second New York City store opens on the corner of Broadway and Grand Street. The store is described as "the most extensive and magnificent clothing house on either continent." This location closes in 1869, and moves temporarily to Union Square, and then to Broadway and Bond Street.


1903 THE CORPORATION

Brooks Brothers becomes a corporation. Francis G. Lloyd is President, Frederick Brooks, Vice President, Eugene Mapes, Secretary and Walter Brooks is secretary.


1915 346 MADISON AVENUE

Brooks opens a ten-story flagship store at Madison Avenue and 44th Street in New York City.


1931 WALL STREET

A second New York City store opens at 111 Broadway and Wall Street in the heart of New York's financial district.


1939 WESTWARD HO

The first stores on the west coast open in Los Angeles and San Francisco.


1946 THE SALE

Brooks Brothers is acquired by Garfinkel-Rhoads, Inc., a Washington, DC-based specialty store chain. John C. Wood is appointed president of Brooks Brothers.


1950 CHICAGO

John Wood opens a store in Chicago, which becomes very successful due to the post-war boom.


1969 NEW STORE EXPANSION

By 1969, there are ten Brooks Brothers stores which are located in New York, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Washington, DC. This is the beginning of Brooks Brothers' store expansion.


1979 BROOKS BROTHERS JAPAN

Brooks Brothers opens its first stores in Japan, spreading classic American style across continents.


1980 ALLIED STORES

Allied Stores acquires Garfinkel, Brooks Brothers, Miller & Rhoads, Inc.


1988 MARKS & SPENCER ACQUISITION

United Kingdom-based retailer, Marks & Spencer plc, purchases Brooks Brothers. A $7 million restoration takes place at the Madison Avenue flagship store.


1991 FACTORY STORES

The first Brooks Brothers factory outlet store opens in Kittery, Maine.


1993 175 YEARS OF AMERICAN STYLE

Brooks celebrates its 175th anniversary with a year-long series of special events, including a $175,000 scholarship program.


1997 BROOKS BROTHERS IN HONG KONG

Brooks Brothers enters into a partnership agreement with Dickson Concepts to open stores throughout Southeast Asia.


1998 www.brooksbrothers.com

Brooks Brothers enters the world of e-commerce, taking its successful catalog on-line at www.brooksbrothers.com. The site is recognized as one of the top ten apparel websites.


1999 666 FIFTH AVENUE

Brooks Brothers opens a second flagship store in New York City. Located on the prime site of Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street, the new 23,500 square foot Brooks Brothers store represents a major concept and design statement in the revitalization of the company.


1999 AIRPORT SHOPS

Brooks Brothers enters into a licensing agreement with The Paradies Shops to open and operate Brooks Brothers airport retail locations nationwide. The first Brooks Brothers airport shop opens in November at LaGuardia Airport in New York.


1999 BROOKS GOLF

Brooks Brothers enters into a licensing agreement with Aris Industries, Inc. to manufacture and distribute the Brooks Brothers golf brand.


2001 BROOKS BROTHERS IN EUROPE

Brooks Brothers enters into a partnership with The Della Valle Group to open stores in Italy, Austria and Switzerland. The first shops open in Rome and Milan in the spring of 2001.


2001 RETAIL BRAND ALLIANCE

Retail Brand Alliance purchases Brooks Brothers from Marks & Spencer. Claudio Del Vecchio is CEO of Brooks Brothers.


2002 GLOBAL ENTERPRISE

Brooks Brothers currently operates 158 stores in the United States, and sells its merchandise in more than 90 locations in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Italy.