Brooks Brothers, clothier for 40 US presidents, files for bankruptcy

Brooks Brothers was one of the few national chains that produced its clothing in the US

The storied Manhattan clothier Brooks Brothers is filing for bankruptcy protection.

The company that says it's put 40 U.S. presidents in its suits survived two world wars and navigated through casual Fridays and a loosening of dress standards even on Wall Street, but the coronavirus pandemic pushed the 200-year-old company into seek Chapter 11 protection Wednesday.

Another famed men's clothier, Barneys of New York, sought bankruptcy protection last year, and it was followed by a slew of others toppled by the pandemic, including Neiman Marcus, J.Crew and J.C. Penney.

More bankruptcies are anticipated in the retail sector.

The virus-induced recession has cratered spending in