in my experience, the reverse is true. the wool trousers, shoes, and dress shirts have diminished in quality over the last few years. they're better with the labeling though not perfect - in identifying what is or is not used in the fabric. in trying to develop more of a slim cut/euro fitting, they've skimped on material and durability. the dress shirts are at best 70-threadcount, though this doesn't feel right... j.crew has dress shirts in the 100-threadcount, and has better seams and features along the side hem and back yoke. br shirts fade after one or two washings, the trousers are more cotton than wool...and the accessories?! all of their stuff should say "shetland" - it's too coarse to be cashmere - and "silk" feels more like lycra. the jackets and coats have non-functional buttons and pockets even if you wanted to open them, the lining is paltry. yet there are still people who go 'ga-ga' when it's 30% off.
when banana maintained it's luxe line, i didn't have as many complaints... at least j.crew has continued to partner with other clothiers (ermenegildo zegna and loro piana) on some of their exclusive items.
in a testament to durability, i still have several j. crew shirts perfect as the day i purchased them, some as old as 4 years, still in rotation. i have to donate the br stuff because it's faded and frayed less than a year after purchase - my br wardrobe is nearly non-existent now.
Anything over $25 for a pair of jeans is too expensive for me!
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