In the past I've said some unkind things about Jos. A. Bank. I'd like to be able to say I now have nice things to say, but I can't. Had a half-hour to kill so I visited the local Jos. A. Bank. Haven't been in a Bank store in about 4 years. Frankly, I was a little shocked. Not only has the overall level of quality continued to fall, but the average level of taste was abysmal. This was not always the case. Pretty much across the board, choice of fabric, patterns and colors reminded me more of vintage Sears than the traditional clothing Bank used to sell. Tacky. Yes, the occasional item can be found that's tasteful, but the choices by those doing the merchandising if pitiful.
For those that don't know, Bank sells tailored clothing in three price ranges, Executive, Signature and Signature Gold. When originally introduced Signature suits were made in Italy and were canvassed. They featured high quality fabric in classic patterns. Now all suits are made in Mexico, China and Bangladesh. I began by examining some jackets in the Executive range. These featured nondescript flimsy fabrics and puckered seams. I next looked at the Signature line, and the fabrics were a little better quality with a more classic look, but still displayed sloppy work. I thought, promising. So I progressed to the Signature Gold. What a calamity! The jacket I was shown looked like what every aspiring third-world fashion plate would want to own. Hideous! Garish fabric and a more thickly padded lapel and stiffer front. All ranges featured fused clothing.
Based on what I saw today, I could not in good faith suggest any Bank suit or jacket to anyone, even if they have limited means. Trousers didn't look as bad, but after all they're only trousers. J&M shoes? Forget it. Shirts are looking worse too. I might be able to buy socks there, but that's about it.
For those that don't know, Bank sells tailored clothing in three price ranges, Executive, Signature and Signature Gold. When originally introduced Signature suits were made in Italy and were canvassed. They featured high quality fabric in classic patterns. Now all suits are made in Mexico, China and Bangladesh. I began by examining some jackets in the Executive range. These featured nondescript flimsy fabrics and puckered seams. I next looked at the Signature line, and the fabrics were a little better quality with a more classic look, but still displayed sloppy work. I thought, promising. So I progressed to the Signature Gold. What a calamity! The jacket I was shown looked like what every aspiring third-world fashion plate would want to own. Hideous! Garish fabric and a more thickly padded lapel and stiffer front. All ranges featured fused clothing.
Based on what I saw today, I could not in good faith suggest any Bank suit or jacket to anyone, even if they have limited means. Trousers didn't look as bad, but after all they're only trousers. J&M shoes? Forget it. Shirts are looking worse too. I might be able to buy socks there, but that's about it.
Maybe in two years.
