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Worse on Purpose

Joseph Abboud

American menswear designer brand known for tailored suiting and modern classic aesthetic. Joseph Abboud was the only designer to win the CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year award in two consecutive years (1989 and 1990).

Status: Avoid
Founded
1987
HQ
USA
Manufacturing
USA,Various
Ownership type
Brand licensing (ABG-style)
Parent
WHP Global (trademark); Tailored Brands operates US/Canada under exclusive license
Acquired
2020-03
Status since
2026-04-25

Ownership

Joseph Abboud the designer launched his eponymous label in spring 1987, formed JA Apparel as a joint venture with Italian menswear group GFT in 1988, and sold his trademarks to GFT for $65 million in 2000. JW Childs Associates acquired the company in 2004 for $73 million. Men's Wearhouse (now Tailored Brands) acquired JA Holding in July 2013 for approximately $97.5 million, including the New Bedford factory and the right to operate the brand. WHP Global acquired the trademarks from Tailored Brands in March 2020 for approximately $115 million; in turn Tailored Brands took back an exclusive license to sell and rent Joseph Abboud apparel and accessories in the US and Canada. The designer himself remains as creative director.

Why Avoid

Even with the New Bedford factory still operating under Tailored Brands' exclusive license, the trademark now sits with a brand licensing firm whose other holdings (Anne Klein, Joe's Jeans, Lotto, Bonobos) follow the standard licensing model. The structural separation of trademark from operations is precisely the pattern that produces quality drift over time.

Reversibility

What would change our verdict

Long-term continuity of the New Bedford factory under Tailored Brands plus disclosure of any new licensees added by WHP for adjacent categories.

Sister brands under WHP Global (trademark); Tailored Brands operates US/Canada under exclusive license

See all 12 sister brands

Read the full investigation

Investigation · March 23, 2026

Your Backpack Got Worse On Purpose

VF Corporation owns about 55% of the US backpack market. JanSport, The North Face, Eastpak, Kipling. Lower denier counts, generic zippers, warranties rewritten to match the cheaper construction.

Read the full investigation

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