Founded in 1818, Brooks Brothers stands as America’s oldest clothing retailer, boasting a rich heritage of quality and innovation.
For over two centuries, the brand has been synonymous with classic American style, dressing everyone from presidents to Hollywood stars.
Brooks Brothers has consistently adapted to changing fashion trends whilst maintaining its core values of quality and timeless, old-money style.
In this article, we’ll help you navigate the brand’s various fits and styles, ensuring you find the perfect garments that match your seasonal colours and suit your body type.
Brooks Brothers Fit Names and Sizes
Brooks Brothers’ fitting philosophy centres on providing options for every body type and style preference.
The brand offers four main fits across its product lines:
- Classic/Traditional – The most generous cut, ideal for those who prioritise comfort or have a larger build.
- Madison –Â A trimmer option with moderate tapering, suitable for those seeking a balance between traditional and modern silhouettes.
- Regent –Â A modern, slim fit that caters to those desiring a more contemporary look.
- Milano –Â The slimmest, most contemporary option, perfect for those with lean builds or who prefer a very fitted appearance.
Brooks Brothers’ range of fits ensures that every customer can find garments that fit well while complementing their fashion style.
Male Body Types
Before delving into the sizes and fits of specific Brooks Brothers garments, it’s crucial to understand the four main body types for males:
- Inverted Triangle – Broader shoulders and chest, with a narrower waist and hips
- Triangle – Narrower shoulders and chest, with a wider waist and hips.
- Rectangle – Shoulders, chest, and waist of similar width, creating a straight up and down silhouette.
- Oval – Rounder midsection, with shoulders and hips of similar width.
Understanding your body type will help you choose the most flattering fits and styles from Brooks Brothers’ extensive range. If unsure what’s yours, take our quick and free male body shape/type quiz.
Brooks Brothers Fit for Suits and Jackets
Brooks Brothers offers four main fits for suits and jackets, each designed to cater to different body types and style preferences: Classic, Madison, Regent, and Milano.
1. Classic Fit
The Classic Fit suit provides ample room throughout the chest, waist, and sleeves.
It’s an excellent choice if you prefer a more traditional, comfortable fit or have a larger build.
The jacket typically features a longer length, providing good coverage and a classic silhouette.
Ideal for: Oval and Triangle body types
Ex: Brooks Brothers Classic Fit Wool Suit
2. Madison Fit
The Madison Fit offers a more modern interpretation of the classic American suit.
It provides a trimmer silhouette than the Classic Fit, with a slight taper in the sleeves and moderate waist suppression.
This fit is versatile and flattering for a wide range of body types.
Ideal for: Rectangle and Triangle body types
Ex: Brooks Brothers Madison Fit Wool-Blend Blazer
3. Regent Fit
The Regent Fit caters to those seeking a more contemporary silhouette.
It features a trimmer fit through the chest and waist, with tapered sleeves and a shorter body length.
This fit is particularly flattering for athletic builds or those preferring a more modern look.
Ideal for: Inverted Triangle and Rectangle body types
Ex: Brooks Brothers Regent Fit Wool Suit
4. Milano Fit
The Milano Fit represents Brooks Brothers’ slimmest option. It offers a close fit throughout, with high armholes and narrow sleeves.
This fit is ideal for those with lean builds or who prefer a very contemporary, tailored look.
Ideal for: Inverted Triangle body type
Ex: Brooks Brothers Milano Fit Wool Tuxedo
Note: For stretch Wool Suits, consider sizing down for a closer fit.
Brooks Brothers Fit for Dress Shirts
Brooks Brothers’ shirt fits follow a similar pattern to their suits, with one naming difference: the Classic fit you’re familiar with in suits and jackets called Traditional here, in shirts.
Tip: When buying a BB dress shirt, ensure you can comfortably fit two fingers between your neck and the buttoned collar.
1. Traditional Fit
The Traditional Fit shirt provides the most generous cut, with ample room in the chest, waist, and sleeves.
It’s an excellent choice if you prefer a classic, comfortable fit or have a larger build.
Ideal for: Oval and Triangle body types
Ex: Brooks Brothers Traditional Fit Supima Cotton Oxford Shirt
2. Madison Fit
The Madison Fit shirt offers a trimmer silhouette than the Traditional Fit, with moderate tapering through the body.
It’s a versatile option that provides a polished look without being too fitted.
Ideal for: Rectangle and Triangle body types
Ex: Brooks Brothers Madison Fit Stretch Cotton Shirt
3. Regent Fit
The Regent Fit shirt provides a modern, slim silhouette with a tapered waist.
It’s particularly flattering for athletic builds or those preferring a more contemporary look.
Ideal for: Inverted Triangle and Rectangle body types
Ex: Brooks Brothers Regent Fit Non-Iron Dress Shirt
4. Milano Fit
The Milano Fit shirt is Brooks Brothers’ slimmest option, offering a close fit throughout.
It’s ideal for those with lean builds or who prefer a very fitted appearance.
Ideal for: Inverted Triangle body type
Ex: Brooks Brothers Milano Fit Performance Polo
Note: For non-iron shirts choose one size up in collar for shrinkage allowance. For Supima cotton shirts stay true to size as no sizing adjustment is needed. Finally, for performance Polos choose your usual size for a trim fit.
Brooks Brothers Fit for Trousers and Chinos
Catering to various body types and style preferences, Brooks Brothers offers four fits (and new names) for trousers and chinos.
1. Clark Fit
The Clark Fit provides a relaxed, comfortable fit with a straight leg.
It’s an excellent choice if you prefer more room in the seat and thighs or have a larger build.
Ideal for: Oval and Triangle body types
Ex: Brooks Brothers Clark Fit Chinos
2. Madison Fit
The Madison Fit offers a classic silhouette with a slight taper.
It provides a versatile option suitable for most body types, balancing comfort and style.
Ideal for: Rectangle and Triangle body types
Ex: Brooks Brothers Madison Fit Wool Trousers
3. Milano Fit
The Milano Fit provides a slim, tapered silhouette for a more modern look.
The Milano Fit is particularly flattering for those with lean builds or who prefer a more fitted appearance.
Ideal for: Inverted Triangle and Rectangle body types
Ex: Brooks Brothers Milano Fit Cotton Pants
4. Soho Fit
The Soho Fit represents Brooks Brothers’ slimmest trouser option.
Soho trousers have a very slim, tapered leg for a fashion-forward look, ideal for men with very lean builds or who prefer an extremely fitted silhouette.
Ideal for: Inverted Triangle body type
Ex: Brooks Brothers Soho Fit Linen Trousers
Brooks Brothers Sizing for Other Garments
While Brooks Brothers is renowned for its suits, shirts, and trousers, the brand also offers a wide range of accessories and other garments.
Ties
Brooks Brothers offers ties in various widths to complement different lapel sizes.
Classic width (3.25″) –Â Pairs well with Classic and Madison Fit suits
Slim width (2.75″) – Complements Regent and Milano Fit suits
Knitwear
Brooks Brothers knitwear is available in three fits:
Classic Fit –Â Generous cut, ideal for layering
Slim Fit –Â Trimmer silhouette, similar to Regent Fit in suits
Extra-Slim Fit – Closest fit, comparable to Milano Fit in suits
Outerwear
Outerwear follows the same fitting scheme as suits (Classic, Madison, Regent, Milano).
Shoes
Brooks Brothers offers a range of styles from classic oxfords to more casual loafers and the shoes run true to size.
Brooks Brothers Sizing Guide
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to choose the right size across Brooks Brothers’ range.
Suits and Jackets
| Fit | Chest Measurement |
|---|---|
| Classic Fit | Choose your exact chest size |
| Madison Fit | Select 1 inch smaller than the chest size |
| Regent Fit | Select 2 inches smaller than the chest size |
| Milano Fit | Select 3 inches smaller than the chest size |
Trousers and Chinos
| Fit | Waist Measurement |
|---|---|
| Clark Fit | Choose your exact waist size |
| Madison Fit | Select 1 inch smaller than waist size |
| Milano Fit | Select 2 inches smaller than waist size |
| Soho Fit | Select 3 inches smaller than waist size |
Sleeve Length
Measure from shoulder seam to wrist bone. Add 1 inch for Classic Fit, and subtract 1 inch for Milano Fit.
Trouser Length
Classic/Clark Fit –Â 1-inch break
Madison Fit – 1/2-inch break
Regent/Milano/Soho Fit – No break or slight break
Body Type-Specific Recommendations
| Body Type | Suits | Shirts | Trousers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inverted Triangle | Regent or Milano Fit | Regent or Milano Fit | Milano or Soho Fit |
| Rectangle | Madison or Regent Fit | Madison or Regent Fit | Madison or Milano Fit |
| Triangle | Classic or Madison Fit | Traditional or Madison Fit | Clark or Madison Fit |
| Oval | Classic Fit | Traditional Fit | Clark Fit |
Styling Beyond Brooks Brothers Brand
Buying Brooks Brothers is just a small step towards dressing like a successful, confident man.
True sophistication lies in knowing precisely which Brooks Brothers garments, footwear, and accessories complement your body shape, skin, eye, and hair colours, to choose by occasion, location, and lifestyle.
The first step is finding your body shape and the most flattering colour for you.
Know Your Body Shape
Different Brooks Brothers products flatter different physiques so discover your body shape now by taking our free body shape quiz for men.
Identify Your Best Colours
Brooks Brothers offers a wide range of colours, but not every hue will complement your natural colouring.
That’s because there are 12 seasons of colours, each with 3 sub-seasons so finding out your ideal colours is paramount. You can do that with our free seasonal colour quiz for men.
Then, learn how to dress by occasion, location, season, and even time of the day.
Dress for the Occasion
Understanding how to choose and style Brooks Brothers garments and mix them with other brands, style by occasion, season, and location is crucial. From casual weekends to formal events, each occasion requires a unique approach to styling.
To save time, headaches, and even money, get in touch with The VOU’s expert stylists now.
Get Expert Styling Advice
To know which Brooks Brothers garments, and styles to wear, consider enlisting professional help.
Take our comprehensive fashion style analysis for men, and let our expert stylists guide you in selecting and curating items of maximum impact in a wardrobe that communicates success and sophistication.
Remember, owning Brooks Brothers isn’t enough to look good – looking stylish, wealthy, and successful is all about choosing and matching to perfection.
With these tools and expert guidance, you’ll not just wear the brand—you’ll master it, creating a wardrobe that truly reflects a unique fashion taste and many achievements.
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