If clothes are the extension of a personality, people might as well show off in a suit and tie.
Clothing store Brown and Brown Custom Clothiers specializes in custom suits, ties, slacks and even cowboy boots. Many Baton Rouge residents, including athletes, have taken to the suits and the suit makers.
Eugene M. Brown Sr., a Georgia native, established business presence in Louisiana in 1973 with Fashions Limited Inc. in downtown Baton Rouge before opening Brown and Brown.
The business started by selling off-the-rack pieces, and about 20 years ago, it started doing custom pieces.
Brown Sr. started the business and Eugene M. Brown Jr. has been working under his father for 10 years. Brown and Brown Clothiers will celebrate their 40th anniversary in October.
Brown Jr. said the biggest thing the business offers besides custom clothing is the availability of men and women to come in and desire whatever they want from the ground up.
“We offer fair pricing for clothes to fit customers without having to go alterations,” Brown Jr. said. “You have creative control over your looks.”
Brown and Brown Clothiers have even worked with LSU athletes and coaches, including outfitting former Tiger basketball star Tyrus Thomas’ wedding.
University sports play a major role on campus, and the style and influence of the athletes are undeniable. By working with athletes and their coaches, Brown and Brown have a direct gateway into University style. Brown Jr. said he realizes that athletes are a focal point, and they are pressured to present themselves in a certain way.
The store’s clientele includes several former LSU athletes in the National Football League, including Craig Loston, Stevan Ridley, Brandon LaFell and Andrew Whitworth.
Brown and Brown designed custom pieces for LSU basketball legend Collis Temple and his sons, and Tiger head basketball coach Johnny Jones is also among the star-filled clientele.
“You present yourself the way you want people to perceive you,” Brown Jr. said. “The way you dress speaks for itself.”
The suit-making family aims to change the way young men dress everywhere.
Brown Jr. said he is not a fan of the current “hip-hop look.” He said he feels the look is asking for trouble in light of recent social and racial issues in the country.
“The looks associated with hip-hop look are being described as trouble-makers,” Brown Jr. said.
Outside of working with athletics, Brown and Brown is involved with the “Suited-4-Success” program hosted by the University’s Black Male Leadership Initiative. The company’s work with this program teaches University male students the importance of appearance.
Brown and Brown Clothiers’ will celebrate their 40th anniversary with a jazz band and outside commemoration.
“Being open 40 years, we just want to say thank you to our loyal customers,” Brown Jr. said.
Not limited to customers, the suit maker said he enjoys participating in the suit making process himself.
“I love cowboy boots. I’m a big fan. Who doesn’t?” Brown Jr. said. “We make our own shoes. I’m currently cutting this alligator skin for a pair of shoes,” Brown Jr. said, while holding it up.

Gallery • 1 Photos

Walter Radam

Brown & Brown Clothier's custom LSU's colors custom blazer, shirt and tie combo September 16, 2014.