The quality of men’s clothing has taken a nosedive in recent decades. It’s a disturbing trend that I’ve witnessed firsthand as a menswear blogger. Recent YouTube videos by More Perfect Union and by Climate Town on this very topic really resonated with me, prompting this article and a flood of memories of the superior craftsmanship of yesteryear.

From Staples to Disposables: My Personal Experience

Take Joseph A. Bank, for example. Once a reliable source of office attire for young professionals like myself fresh out of college, the brand has seemingly sacrificed quality for affordability. Back then, a reasonable price tag bought you well-made wool pants with sturdy zippers and buttons that lasted for years. Today’s offerings are a pale imitation, constructed from flimsy synthetics like polyester and rayon that lack the comfort and durability of their predecessors. This experience has left me, and countless other loyal customers, disillusioned with the brand.

This decline isn’t limited to dress pants. Denim jeans, once crafted from soft, all-cotton fabrics, have succumbed to the same fate. My trusty Diesel and True Religion jeans from the early 2000s stand in stark contrast to the rough, thin Levi’s 541 I recently purchased for a trip. The culprit? A blend of cotton, polyester, and elastane that feels cheap and uninspired. Levi’s, a brand synonymous with quality and durability, seems to have sacrificed its heritage for the sake of fast fashion trends.

The high-end department store Nordstrom is another offender. Nordstrom shirts were once renowned for their luxurious cotton fabrics and beautiful ceramic buttons. Today, however, the quality has drastically declined. Even basic white button-down shirts, a cornerstone of any man’s wardrobe, are poorly made with thin, flimsy cotton that offers little in the way of comfort or opacity. The shirts feature cheap plastic buttons. The high price point only adds insult to injury.

Hope on the Horizon: A Few Bright Spots

While the overall trend in menswear quality is undeniably disappointing, there are still some brands that prioritize quality materials and construction. Here are a few of my recommendations:

  • Jeans: Mott and Bow
  • Dress clothes: Brooks Brothers
  • Casual shirts: Lacoste

These brands may come at a slightly higher price point, but the investment is well worth it for garments that will stand the test of time.

A Classic Piece: Burberry’s Trench Coat

The decline in clothing quality is a stark contrast to the enduring elegance of timeless classics. I vividly remember watching “Homicide: Life on the Street,” a gritty police drama set in Baltimore. The late André Braugher, portraying the enigmatic Detective Frank Pembleton, exuded a certain cool in his understated yet impeccably tailored trench coat. Intrigued, I discovered it was a Burberry, a legendary brand synonymous with quality and timeless style.

Back in the early 2000s, I ventured to the Burberry store formerly on Connecticut Avenue in northwest Washington, D.C., a pilgrimage to experience the brand’s craftsmanship firsthand. The price tag for the classic trench coat was steep, a hefty $600. (The 2024 prices for a similar coat is $2,150.) But after trying it on, I was captivated. The luxurious fabric, the intricate detailing, the removable wool liner – it was a piece of art.

With some birthday money saved up, I made the investment. The coat has since become a cherished part of my wardrobe, garnering countless compliments over the years. I love the way the fabric moves in the wind, a testament to its exceptional quality. Decades later, it remains a testament to the enduring power of timeless design and the importance of investing in well-made garments. I plan to cherish this coat for years to come, ensuring it remains in pristine condition to be passed down to another family member, a legacy of quality and style.

The Call to Action: Quality Matters

As consumers, we have the power to influence the clothing industry. By demanding better quality and refusing to settle for poorly made garments, we can send a message to manufacturers that quality matters. Let’s reject the trend of disposable clothing and rediscover the joy of wearing well-made clothes that look good and feel great.

If you know of any menswear brands that make quality, long-lasting clothes, please tell us more in the comment section.