Vintage Brooks Brothers Brooksgate Overcoat 1970s Wool Top Coat Size 40 Short

This is a vintage camel coloured overcoat or top coat made under the Brooks Brothers “Brooksgate” label.  Although Brooks Brothers traditionally did not sell “trend”, they had no choice but to introduce a line aimed at a younger clientele due to the youth movement of the 1960s and 70s.  Brooksgate was Brooks’ youth oriented line, introduced in 1976 (some say 1974) and was discontinued in 1985, just prior to the company being sold to Marks & Spencer, due to M&S already having a similar youth targeted line.  I believe that this coat dates to the 1970s due to its style - it doesn’t have the oversized features typical of 80s fashion.  Although Brooksgate, it features classic styling, except for a couple of details - padded shoulders, higher set medium width lapels, large flapped side patch pockets, no waist seam or front darts, three button closure, no buttons at the cuffs, a button down back belt and a single 17” kick vent at the back.  It is fully lined in a gold toned satin fabric.  The exterior is made of, I believe, 100% wool. 

Colour:  Camel tone of brown 

Retailer’s label:  Brooks Brothers Brooksgate

Sizing: Size 40S (short) is indicated, but please note the following measurements for fit, taking the cut of the coat and thickness of the fabric into account:

Shoulders:  19” from shoulder seam to shoulder seam

Sleeves: 23 3/4” from the shoulder seam

Sleeve Inseam:  16”

Chest: 44” around, taken under the arms

Waist:  42” around

Hips:  44” around

Length:  41”

Condition:  This coat is in very good condition with no pronounced wear, tear or staining - it looks to have seen little use and was well cared for over the last 40 or so years.

This is American made Brooks Brothers, produced at a time when Brooks was still focused on its tradition of quality menswear - nice acquisition for the Brooks aficianado!