If you haven’t walked down Wisconsin Avenue lately, you might think the Brooks Brothers in Chevy Chase is still that sprawling, slightly cavernous anchor at 5504 Wisconsin Ave. You know the one. It felt like a temple to the "Number One Sack Suit," where the air smelled faintly of cedar and high-stakes lobbying.
But honestly? That version is gone.
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The old site is currently being transformed into a massive mixed-use development by Carr Properties and The Donohoe Companies. We’re talking 300 apartments and a whole new streetscape. If you show up there looking for a non-iron button-down, you’ll find a construction crew instead.
The New Spot at The Collection
Brooks Brothers didn't actually leave Chevy Chase; they just hopped across the street. In late 2024, they opened a much tighter, more modern space at The Collection at Chevy Chase (5481 Wisconsin Avenue).
It’s smaller—about 5,700 square feet—which is a far cry from the multi-floor footprints of the past. But it’s intentional. It’s nestled right next to a Porsche Studio and a Bright Horizons. It’s a weird mix, sure. You can drop the kids at daycare, browse for a blazer, and look at a 911 all within a hundred yards.
Why People Are Frustrated (and Why Some Still Stay)
The move reflects a bigger shift in how the brand is trying to survive in 2026. Under the ownership of Authentic Brands Group and Sparc Group, Brooks Brothers is leaning hard into a "lifestyle" vibe curated by Michael Bastian.
Here is what most people get wrong about the Chevy Chase location: they expect the 1995 experience.
You’ve probably heard the complaints. "The service isn't what it was." "The quality has dipped." If you check recent reviews from 2025 and early 2026, you'll see a recurring theme of frustration regarding the Made to Measure service. One guy on Reddit basically got laughed at when he asked for a custom suit, with the clerk telling him it was "really expensive" like he couldn't afford it.
That’s a far cry from the brand that dressed 41 U.S. presidents.
But if you’re just there for the core stuff—the 2-for-$129 shirt deals or the Advantage Chinos—the Chevy Chase store is actually quite efficient. It’s less of a "gentleman's club" and more of a high-end boutique.
What’s Actually Inside the Store?
- The Men’s Collection: Heavy focus on sportswear. Think less "Wall Street 1980" and more "Nantucket weekend."
- Women’s Apparel: A surprisingly robust section, though smaller than the men's side.
- Tailored Clothing: They still have the suits, but the "Madison fit" (the baggy one) is getting harder to find. It’s all about the "Regent" and "Milano" now.
- Made to Measure Desk: It exists, but honestly, call ahead. Don't just walk in and expect a master tailor to be standing there with a tape measure around their neck.
The hours are pretty standard for Friendship Heights: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM most days, with a shorter window on Sundays (12:00 PM to 6:00 PM).
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The Identity Crisis
There is a legitimate debate happening among D.C. locals. Is Brooks Brothers still "Brooks Brothers"?
Since the 2020 bankruptcy and the subsequent buyout, the brand has been consolidated. They’re now stablemates with brands like Forever 21 and Lucky Brand. That makes some long-time Chevy Chase shoppers feel a bit... well, let's say "protective" of the legacy.
The Chevy Chase Land Company, which owns the development, is trying to turn "The Collection" into a more approachable neighborhood hub. They added murals by Cory Bernat and more outdoor seating. It’s not just "Rodeo Drive North" anymore. It’s trying to be a place where you actually hang out, rather than just a place where you buy a $1,000 tuxedo and leave.
Navigating the Store in 2026
If you’re heading to the Chevy Chase store, here’s the move. Use the underground parking at The Collection. It’s way easier than trying to find a spot on the street, and the Friendship Heights Metro is literally a two-minute walk away.
Don't expect the staff to know your name and your collar size from a ledger kept in the back room. Those days are dead. But if you need a reliable shirt for a meeting at the GEICO headquarters (which, ironically, is also moving out of Chevy Chase to Bethesda this year), it’s still the most convenient spot in the area.
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Actionable Insights for Your Visit:
- Inventory Check: Use the "Pick up in store" feature on the website before you drive over. The new footprint is smaller, meaning they don't stock every size/color combo.
- Alterations: If you need tailoring, ask specifically for their lead time. In 2025, shoppers reported wait times of up to three weeks for simple trouser hems.
- The "Secret" Sales: The best deals aren't always on the floor. Ask the associates about "end of season" items that might be in the back. Because the store is smaller, they rotate stock faster than the old flagship did.
- Alternative Options: If you find the service lacking, J. Press is still the gold standard for the "Ivy" look, though you'll have to head closer to downtown D.C. for that.