The retailer introduced button-downs in 1896 and they remain the clothier's second best-selling shirts, after Ainsley spread collars, according to Richard Cristodero, merchandise manager for men's furnishings.

WSJ: Guide to Men's Shirt Collars: Which Styles Go With Which Occasions and Flatter the Face

About 60% of Brooks Brothers' dress pants, either sold with suits or sold separately as slacks, are flat front, compared with 45% two years ago, said Guy Voglino, divisional merchandise manager.

WSJ: The Pleats Plea: Wear These

Barneys New York is carrying a relatively small amount of pleated pants in its designer area, about nine brands, aimed at "a real fashion guy, " said Tom Kalenderian, general merchandise manager of men's.

WSJ: The Pleats Plea: Wear These

Mixed in with the opportunistic merchandise are 600 items that the store manager must keep always in stock, like batteries, mouthwash and cotton balls.

FORBES: Out of the Discard Bin