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The Brand Ledger

Brooks Brothers

Historic American tailor. Dressed 40 US presidents including Lincoln.

Status: Avoid
Founded
1818
HQ
USA
Manufacturing
Various
Ownership type
Brand licensing (ABG-style)
Parent
Authentic Brands Group / SPARC Group (Catalyst Brands operator)
Acquired
2020 (ABG via SPARC out of bankruptcy)

Ownership

Bought out of bankruptcy for $325M in 2020 by SPARC Group (ABG + Simon Property Group joint venture). Now operated through Catalyst Brands, whose shareholders include ABG, Simon, Brookfield, and Shein.

Why Avoid

ABG licensing model. Launched 'B by Brooks Brothers' diffusion line through Macy's using polyester and viscose blends. Flagship tier and outlet tier now carry the same logo despite entirely different construction and materials.

Sister brands under Authentic Brands Group / SPARC Group (Catalyst Brands operator)

See all 4 sister brands

Read the full investigation

Investigation · April 17, 2026

Your Favorite Brands Got Worse On Purpose

Authentic Brands Group buys dead brands, strips the design and manufacturing, and licenses the name to anyone who'll pay. Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Forever 21, Sports Illustrated. Plus the ones still worth buying.

Read the full investigation