News

Brooks Brothers, hurt by casual Fridays and pandemic, files for bankruptcy

The 202-year-old maker of business suits, and one of the last with US factories, joins other apparel brands in bankruptcy court

Brooks Brothers, which dressed the American business class in pinstripes for more than 200 years, survived two world wars and the shift to casual dressing. But it was no match for the coronavirus pandemic.

The closely held company, which is owned by Italian businessman Claudio Del Vecchio, filed for bankruptcy protection in Wilmington, Del., on 8 July. One of the few brands to make clothes domestically, it warned in June that it could close its three US factories. It operates roughly 250 North America stores.

WSJ Logo