Bonobos vs Brooks Brothers: which sweater to buy, and when
Both land in the mid tier: the Bonobos Cotton-Cashmere Crew Sweater at $118, the Brooks Brothers Supima Cotton Crewneck Sweater at $128, $10 apart. Here is how they stack up, head to head.
| Bonobos | Brooks Brothers | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $118 | $128 |
| Material | Merino, cotton-cashmere or lambswool depending on style, fine-mid gauge. | Supima cotton, merino, lambswool or Shetland wool depending on style, mid gauge. |
| Fit | Clean smart-casual fit with multiple fit options, true to size. | Classic traditional fit, true to size; reads roomy, not trim. |
| Quality | Solid mid-tier — genuine wool and blends, clean finishing; fine knits pill over time. | High for the price — quality fibres and clean traditional finishing. |
| Best for | Office layering, fit-focused dressing, and clean smart-casual knitwear. | Preppy-classic layering, traditional styling, and quality cotton or wool knits. |
| Care | Hand-wash or gentle wool cycle and lay flat; shave any pilling. | Wash per the fibre; cotton machine-washes, wool needs a wool cycle. Lay flat to dry. |
Bonobos' crew is $118 in merino, cotton-cashmere or lambswool at a fine-mid gauge with multiple fit options; Brooks Brothers' is $128 in supima cotton, merino, lambswool or Shetland at a mid gauge in one classic, roomy cut. The $10 gap is noise — the real choice is trim-and-fine versus roomy-and-sturdy.
- The case for Bonobos
- $10 cheaper; multiple fit options in a clean smart-casual cut; finer gauge that layers neatly under a jacket for the office; genuine wool and blends with clean finishing
- The case for Brooks Brothers
- Quality rated high for the price; broader fiber menu including Shetland wool and supima cotton; sturdier mid-gauge knit; classic traditional fit for those who want room
VerdictThe pick
Buy the Bonobos at $118 if you dress trim and want a fine-gauge knit for office layering — just accept that fine knits pill over time and keep a sweater shaver handy. Step up to the Brooks Brothers at $128 if you want the sturdier mid-gauge knit that earns its quality-for-the-price grade and you're happy in a roomy traditional cut. The $10 gap buys slightly better fiber value, not a different class of sweater. Both brands discount relentlessly, so neither deserves full price.
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