When did Banana Republic stop making clothing in Italy?...

[jamiebryant]

I know, alot of you probably don't care but im curious. I picked up one of those BR Monogram shirts yesterday and for some reason I thought that all of that sub-label was Made in Italy....guess not.

I do have a pair of trousers that are Made in Italy, tag indicates they are from Holiday Season of '03. So anyways, anyone know when they stopped making stuff in Italy?

 

[SirGrotius]



I know, alot of you probably don't care but im curious. I picked up one of those BR Monogram shirts yesterday and for some reason I thought that all of that sub-label was Made in Italy....guess not.

I do have a pair of trousers that are Made in Italy, tag indicates they are from Holiday Season of '03. So anyways, anyone know when they stopped making stuff in Italy?

About '06

 

[jamiebryant]

As far as Craftsmanship, do you think the stuff that was made in italy is better than the newer stuff?

 

[El Argentino]

By far. As a current SA (yes, I know :shame the quality of the stuff is complete garbage. I pretty much show up just to schmooze unknowing college students into buying their work wardrobe. I doubt it will last them 3 years.

No joke, the stuff is complete trash. Even suits that I bought in '08 are miles ahead of the crap we currently offer.

 

[jamiebryant]

So wait, the Made in Italy production runs were good, thats what your saying right?
BUT the newer stuff is garbage?

 

[El Argentino]

More or less. Back to '03 I suspect it'd be decent (although I was still in high school at the time - pre styleforum discovery).

It's only consistently gone down in quality since at least '06, so I suspect that trend would continue on back in time too.

 

[SirGrotius]

I had a couple shirts that were "woven in Italy" about 6-7 years ago, which fit well. In fact, I received compliments on them and the fabric was thick and almost luxe feeling. Now it's like a better cut Gap. Complete garbage. I'm surprised they killed that brand so hard, because it seemed to have a nice little niche of good clothes for the middle class and/or youth.

 

[Thanks SF (a new me)]

^^ +1...I have 2 shirts from this period, or I guess even 8-9 years. Definitely miles better than current offerings. Thicker and softer material and better construction wise.

 

[Kiwi Man]



I had a couple shirts that were "woven in Italy" about 6-7 years ago, which fit well. In fact, I received compliments on them and the fabric was thick and almost luxe feeling. Now it's like a better cut Gap. Complete garbage. I'm surprised they killed that brand so hard, because it seemed to have a nice little niche of good clothes for the middle class and/or youth.

It is strange that you would do this to Banana Republic. This is because I thought that this brand was supposed to be superior to Gap.

However, I'm very surprised that Banana Republic clothes have ever been made in Italy.

 

[Kiwi Man]



It is strange that they would do this to Banana Republic. This is because I thought that this brand was supposed to be superior to Gap.
However, I'm very surprised that Banana Republic clothes have ever been made in Italy.

 

[El Argentino]



It is strange that you would do this to Banana Republic. This is because I thought that this brand was supposed to be superior to Gap.
However, I'm very surprised that Banana Republic clothes have ever been made in Italy.

I still have a Monogram glenplaid suit from holiday '08 that was made in Italy. Spectacular for the price point (winter clearance - jacket, pants, and vest for under $200). GAP has gone down the rabbit hole too quality-wise. Nothing compared to even 5-6 years ago. The whole brand GAPINC is tanking.

 

[F. Corbera]

I always thought that Banana Republic stuff was made in Central America or equatorial Africa?

 

[KObalto]



I always thought that Banana Republic stuff was made in Central America or equatorial Africa?

I believe you were thinking of Josephine Baker.

[VIDEO][/VIDEO]

 

[curzon]



I always thought that Banana Republic stuff was made in Central America or equatorial Africa?

T-shirts suggested it.

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

In the '80s it was made to appear one trekked or safaried there - see http://scottcadams.com/bananarepublic/ for old catalogs.

Similar to J. Peterman and Orvis.