With his shrunken suits, Thom Browne has revolutionized the concept of uniform, and modernized formal menswear. Who is Thom Browne and is Thom Browne worth it ? We investigate

Since 2004, Thom Browne’s distinctive approach to tailoring has earned him international fame and the approval of countless celebrities, including Michelle Obama, who wore one of his creations to the 2013 presidential inauguration, Maisie Williams, Cardi B, Lee Pace, and Timothée Chalamet.

Thom Browne’s designs are memorable, and so are his fashion shows: more akin to theatrical productions than traditional runway shows, they never fail to deliver. Over the years, Browne has transformed the runway into a blossoming garden, a winter wonderland, and a lawn full of garden gnomes (yes, the models were the gnomes).

 

“When you make something really well, it’s always going to be in fashion. Regardless of how classic it is, it’s always going to be interesting—there’s nothing more fashionable than something that’s beautifully made.”

Who is Thom Browne?

Thom Browne was born in 1965 in Allentown, Pennsylvania, one of seven siblings. After graduating with a degree in Economics from the University of Notre Dame, he moved to Los Angeles, where he pursued an acting career.

That’s when he met Johnson Hartig, founder of Libertine, and started to develop an interest in fashion: short of money, the two would buy their clothes from vintage stores, and Browne would modify them to his taste. 

In 1997 Browne moved to New York, where he worked first as a salesman for Giorgio Armani, then as Team Lead for Creative Development for Club Monaco, a brand that had been recently acquired by the Polo Ralph Lauren Group. Working together with Ralph Lauren, who Browne describes as a “visionary”, Browne learned about the fashion industry, and was encouraged to stay true to himself. 

“I wanted tailored clothing in the proportions that didn’t make it feel like I was wearing a suit,” he told 10 Magazine.

And that’s exactly what he created.

Thom Browne Size Chart

More than just shrunken suits

In 2001, when fashion was taking a sharp turn towards streetwear and casual clothing, Thom Browne swam boldly against the current and launched his eponymous label: his first collection consisted of five suits featuring unexpected proportions and impeccable tailoring. They could be purchased in a small, by-appointment shop in New York’s West Village. 

Browne’s designs were unusual, surprising, and memorable. They quickly made an impact on the fashion world. In 2004, the designer launched his first men’s ready-to-wear collection, and, in 2011, he expanded into womenswear.

His signature shrunken suits, recognizable by the iconic red, white, and blue grosgrain, are reminiscent of the America of the 1950s and 1960s—Browne claims his father was his main source of inspiration. By playing with proportions, Browne is challenging the status quo, offering a fresh take on a traditional garment.

And while the grey three-piece suit is undeniably his signature piece, Thom Browne has a lot more to offer: find pleated skirts, buttoned hoodies, cardigans, and leather accessories. Over the years, Browne has collaborated with several brands, including Brooks Brothers, Moncler, Supreme, and even Samsung Galaxy.

Is Thom Browne worth it?

Thom Browne isn’t cheap—you can spend anywhere between $900 and $5,000 for a men’s suit, and up to $8,000 for a women’s coat. 

So the question naturally arises: is it worth it? 

We truly believe so.

When buying a Thom Browne piece, you’re investing in impeccable quality, creativity, and innovation. Each Thom Browne piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail using only the best materials: silk, merino wool, cashmere…made in the USA, Italy, or Japan.

In the words of the American designer: “When you make something really well, it’s always going to be in fashion. Regardless of how classic it is, it’s always going to be interesting – there’s nothing more fashionable than something that’s beautifully made.”

Luckily, if you shop italist.com you can save up to 40% on Thom Browne pieces! Discover our selection of Thom Browne men’s apparel and Thom Browne women’s apparel.

About the Author

Alex English is the Head of Content Marketing at italist.com, building on a lifelong passion for fashion and luxury. After publishing a lifestyle blog for nearly ten years and obtaining an MBA in Milan at SDA Bocconi, one of Europe’s top business schools, he joined the italist team in 2019. His work since then has focused on upper-funnel messaging, brand storytelling, establishing italist as a thought leader in the space, and enriching the customer experience on the platform. Find him on LinkedIn.