I recently acquired university stripe oxfords from Mercer & Sons and Brooks Brothers (the older model with lined collars, not the newer $140 one). I believe a comparison into the two may be useful.
Both oxford cloths are equally heavy and thick. Where they really differ is their stiffness. The Brooks one is very soft and has a luxurious feel to it. The Mercer one is significantly more stiff, almost like canvas cloth. The Mercer one is also slightly more nubby. I like the Mercer one, but this is one of personal preference. I tend towards the rugged and utilitarian. I rate both cloths extremely highly and they are much thicker than any oxford shirt I've come across.
The Mercer button holes are not as well made. The Brooks one has slight fabric imperfections (some of the fabric at the end of one sleeve looks like its pilling, and very small patches of cloth on the shirt look like they're going to fray). I did put it in the dryer for 20 minutes once, don't know if this is the cause. Edge to Mercer.
Both are 15.5 inch shirts (the Mercer one was put on a 14.5 body), but the Mercer one is almost an inch wider at the neck and more than an inch longer at the shoulder (this couldn't have been because of 20 minutes in the dryer, could it)? This is a draw, but personally edge to Mercer because I like a wider neck and shoulder.
The Mercer has a significant edge in the unlined and longer collar.
Price is where the biggest difference is. With all of the discounts, I got the Brooks one for $50 including shipping using various discounts. I paid $165 for the Mercer one despite the 25% first-time user discount, due to alterations (7-button placket, different collar size, and trimmed waist).
Overall, I give the edge to Mercer. But if I had to choose between A) one Mercer shirt and B) 3 Brooks shirts plus 15 dollars; I'd have to choose Brooks.
I think Brooks knows their must-iron oxfords are too good to be true, which is why they replaced them with a $140, thinner, and pocket-less version. Sad times.
Both oxford cloths are equally heavy and thick. Where they really differ is their stiffness. The Brooks one is very soft and has a luxurious feel to it. The Mercer one is significantly more stiff, almost like canvas cloth. The Mercer one is also slightly more nubby. I like the Mercer one, but this is one of personal preference. I tend towards the rugged and utilitarian. I rate both cloths extremely highly and they are much thicker than any oxford shirt I've come across.
The Mercer button holes are not as well made. The Brooks one has slight fabric imperfections (some of the fabric at the end of one sleeve looks like its pilling, and very small patches of cloth on the shirt look like they're going to fray). I did put it in the dryer for 20 minutes once, don't know if this is the cause. Edge to Mercer.
Both are 15.5 inch shirts (the Mercer one was put on a 14.5 body), but the Mercer one is almost an inch wider at the neck and more than an inch longer at the shoulder (this couldn't have been because of 20 minutes in the dryer, could it)? This is a draw, but personally edge to Mercer because I like a wider neck and shoulder.
The Mercer has a significant edge in the unlined and longer collar.
Price is where the biggest difference is. With all of the discounts, I got the Brooks one for $50 including shipping using various discounts. I paid $165 for the Mercer one despite the 25% first-time user discount, due to alterations (7-button placket, different collar size, and trimmed waist).
Overall, I give the edge to Mercer. But if I had to choose between A) one Mercer shirt and B) 3 Brooks shirts plus 15 dollars; I'd have to choose Brooks.
I think Brooks knows their must-iron oxfords are too good to be true, which is why they replaced them with a $140, thinner, and pocket-less version. Sad times.
