[Watchman]

Just FYI,

Got off the phone a few moments ago with BB and found out their custom program no longer is made Stateside. When I asked where exactly the garments were being manufactured, the rep said China. Apparently, some of the garments are still made here, but the majority in Asia.

When I asked if I could choose to have the garment manufactured Stateside the rep said, no...

Prices are anywhere from $650 to $1k for a blazer...

Now, I know there are some top notch garments being made in Asia these days. Spier and Mackay, along with Cavour come to mind. So this is in no way a slight against Asian tailoring. However, to put this in perspective, you can get a USA made MTM garment from Menswearhouse for cheaper than BB.

I hope BB will ultimately get some new corporate leadership and return to what they have always been known for...

 

[Buffalo]

It appears that the old BBs is gone forever, never to return. Quality and craftsmanship are long gone. It's sad as BBs was my go to source of clothing.

 

[Watchman]

I was able to procure several of the old Southwick made pieces before the same facility shuttered it’s doors permanently.

Seems the 1818 line is still USA made. Half canvassed and good quality

 

[DCR]

I was told the expectation was that Hickey Freeman was going to be producing BB's MTM line up in Rochester, NY. Apparently that fell through.

 

[CC3]

Just FYI,

Got off the phone a few moments ago with BB and found out their custom program no longer is made Stateside. When I asked where exactly the garments were being manufactured, the rep said China. Apparently, some of the garments are still made here, but the majority in Asia.

When I asked if I could choose to have the garment manufactured Stateside the rep said, no...

Prices are anywhere from $650 to $1k for a blazer...

Now, I know there are some top notch garments being made in Asia these days. Spier and Mackay, along with Cavour come to mind. So this is in no way a slight against Asian tailoring. However, to put this in perspective, you can get a USA made MTM garment from Menswearhouse for cheaper than BB.

I hope BB will ultimately get some new corporate leadership and return to what they have always been known for...

Yes, true. MTM used to be done by Martin Greenfield. Although I've given away all my dress clothes still have a camel hair jacket and a navy suit. Pleased with both and since I know the store tailor, adjusted it for me at no charge (as I shrink to greatness in old age). Having bought custom made suits in HK over 50 years ago, HK would be fine, not sure of China, depends on how BB controls quality and QA. I've visited the HF outlet and noted varying quality of garments. Top end is very good, lower (probably a brand difference), so so. Not sure who to go for MTM, Zegna? I'm not keen on Oxxford cuts. There is a local custom tailor with a national reputation which makes me suggest ... look for one in your city.

 

[Watchman]

Yes, true. MTM used to be done by Martin Greenfield. Although I've given away all my dress clothes still have a camel hair jacket and a navy suit. Pleased with both and since I know the store tailor, adjusted it for me at no charge (as I shrink to greatness in old age). Having bought custom made suits in HK over 50 years ago, HK would be fine, not sure of China, depends on how BB controls quality and QA. I've visited the HF outlet and noted varying quality of garments. Top end is very good, lower (probably a brand difference), so so. Not sure who to go for MTM, Zegna? I'm not keen on Oxxford cuts. There is a local custom tailor with a national reputation which makes me suggest ... look for one in your city.

MG & Sons also made the BB Golden Fleece line for many years. O'Connells has a great MTM/MTO program. JPress also does one from time to time. And, yes, shopping local is always a home run.

 

[MattB83]

Very sad but not surprising. All of my “firsts” in classic menswear were from BB. Still have a Golden Fleece and a couple 1818 suits in my rotation. But I’ve moved on to HF for MTM as well as Samuelsohn and Canali for RTW.

I guess I’ll still try to support BB when I need sweaters,etc. but the old magic is gone.

 

[Vecchio Vespa]

Very sad but not surprising. All of my “firsts” in classic menswear were from BB. Still have a Golden Fleece and a couple 1818 suits in my rotation. But I’ve moved on to HF for MTM as well as Samuelsohn and Canali for RTW.

I guess I’ll still try to support BB when I need sweaters,etc. but the old magic is gone.

Why try to support BB when they are part of a mall oriented conglomerate that has forsaken its historic base of customers? As the stores and brands that still cater to traditional natural shoulder Ivy League style are few, why not support them? I love O'Connell's, the Andover Shop, Mercer, Alden, Leather Man, Rogue Industries, Hunter and Coggins, Rancourt, Bosie, Jack Donnelly, and a few others. I very much want them to survive and flourish.

 

[MattB83]

Why try to support BB when they are part of a mall oriented conglomerate that has forsaken its historic base of customers? As the stores and brands that still cater to traditional natural shoulder Ivy League style are few, why not support them? I love O'Connell's, the Andover Shop, Mercer, Alden, Leather Man, Rogue Industries, Hunter and Coggins, Rancourt, Bosie, Jack Donnelly, and a few others. I very much want them to survive and flourish.

Fair question - It’s my personality. I generally like to have one store to which I go for each type of clothing. I don’t love switching stores because I’m slender and though I like have and wearing nice clothes, I don’t enjoy the hunt for good fit.

In any event, it’s clearly time to move on. Sad though it is