Sartorish.com

Some things are best described by way of comparison. Think of J.Crew as Polo meets Gap. Not quite as hip as Banana Republic, a little “younger” than Brooks Brothers. Throw in a hefty measure of New England prep school.

J.Crew is a dependable source for quality basics — khakis, sweaters, shorts, t-shirts. They also have business attire, outerwear, shoes and accessories.

Tip: J.Crew started out in mail order, and still offers certain styles and sizes only by catalog and online. Also, they do free hemming of pants ordered by mail.

Visit J.Crew at jcrew.com.

The once-venerable godfather of American business fashion, in recent decades Brooks Brothers has become far less exclusive than in years past. It had to happen with a store in every mall.

Regardless, the quality is still good and their products are still nice, if not terribly exciting. And that little suspended-sheep logo is nothing short of adorable.

A note on fit: Brooks’ regular dress shirts are designed to fit men who enjoy the finer things in life (and everything else) in very large quantities. If you’re a regular-sized Joe, stick with the slim fit or shop elsewhere for your shirts.

Visit Brooks Brothers

Ah, good old BR…

Their style evolution over the years suggests something of an identity crisis, progressing from safari-wear to upscale Gap-ish to pseudo-Euro.

However, it doesn’t appear this hyphen-orgy has hurt their business, perhaps because they’ve shown an amazing aptitude for sensing (or setting?) mass-market fashion trends.

They’ve got some nice clothes, but just remember that all the schmucks in your office will be wearing that very same shirt/coat/suit/whatever.

My advice is to use such popular apparel sparingly, and mix it heavily with items of less obvious provenance.

Visit Banana Republic

Tyrwhitt sells fine English clothing and accessories at reasonable prices.

The company started out selling nothing but shirts via mail order, so their online store is well developed, efficient and convenient. (Make sure to click on the appropriate little flag on the website homepage to set your language and currency!)

Although a relative newcomer to London’s tailored clothing biz (only 20 years or so), they know their stuff.

Visit Charles Tyrwhitt