The Evolution of Men’s Suits
Men’s suits weren’t always what they are, today.
To give you an insight, we decided to have you accompany us on a trip down memory lane. From the 1600s-1800s on to the late 2010s-and-now, we hope to illustrate how this piece of clothing has evolved over the seasons (and years) –
- The 1600s: Paying Ode to Royal Court
Being a traditional form of men’s formal wear in the West, the first suits ever worn were in the manner of elaborately crafted ‘Royal Court’ garments (the suit consisted of a wig, long coat and waistcoat, cravat, knee-length breeches and a hat). Bright colors were employed traditionally. (Mr.Willy Wonka’s attire was not too far placed from this era.)
- The 1800s: The Victorian Era
The Regency Period saw suits being tailored simply — well-cut and paired with neckties; the colors of the materials were somber, as was not so, previously. Upper-class clothing for day wear consisted of tight-fitting, dark-coloured tailcoats worn with a white shirt, cravat and tall boots.
The ‘frock coat’ became a preferred piece during the Victorian era (worn with top hats and fancy walking sticks).
- The 1900s: The Edwardian Era
The lounge coat replaced the frock coat in this period; this style was worn in informal and recreational settings, alike.
- The 1910s: The Industrial Age
The 1910s paved the way for the lounge suit to come with a shorter jacket; making it functional as everyday clothing.
- The 1920s: Of Oxford Bags and Single-breasted Suits
This decade marked the wearing of wide, straight-legged trousers with suits; trousers worn by youths were wider-legged called Oxford Bags. It should be noted that these trousers were worn very high. The 1920s were a time when single-breasted suits were the rage; the lapels on these garments were wide and exaggerated in their detailing.
- The 1930s: Lights! Cinema! Action!
A mark of all things cinema, this decade gave men exaggerated silhouettes as was inspired by actors like Clark Gable; he wore loose-fitting coats with trousers that tapered towards the ankles.
- The 1940s: Fawning over Flannel
Superfluous fabrics like gray flannel were popular in the forties; this era saw the rise of straight-fit jackets.
- The 1950s: The Charismatic Age
For suits to lend a form of mobility to the wearer (especially while dancing), wider pleated front trousers came into being. This was paired with velvet collars and longer jackets.
- The 1960s: Of Popular Culture and Pomp
This decade brought with it a love for emulating icons of popular culture, namely — The Beatles. Skinny-fit suits with drainpipe trousers (cropped or cut short at the ankles) and collarless jackets (like the ‘Nehru Jacket’) were in vogue, then.
- The 1970s: Dawn of the Disco
Brought on by John Travolta à la Saturday Night Fever and Italian influences, the suit got a flamboyant upgrade in the form of brightly colored fabrics, exaggerated lapels, flared trousers and single-button fastenings.
- The 1980s: Delving into Deconstruction
Waistcoats, shoulder-pads and jacket lining were removed to make the material of a suit more fluid. Slouchy fabrics like linen were employed during this time (thank you, Giorgio Armani) to make pyjama-soft trousers.
- The 1990s: Masters of Minimalism
This decade focused on ‘matte blacks’ and slim-fit suits (skinny trousers, white shirts and slim black ties) as was observed in western movies at the time. Wearing Mandarin suits or Nehru jackets (both styles worn without neckties) were also popular during the nineties.
- The 2000s: The Flamboyant and the Metrosexual
Suits were given a flamboyant (and feminine) flair with the assistance of colored fabrics, embroidered details, paisley motifs, velvet panels, etc.
- The 2010s: Aging Like Fine Wine
Having surpassed the changing trends in the fashion industry — men’s suits are more classic in the appeal now. The fitted styles will make you think of the heroes of today; clear-cut, masculine, Scotch-nursing, sure yet progressive.
- 2020: The Future
Well, the future is now.
What ‘will be’ is based on what works or doesn’t in the present; we foresee classic pairings fused with solid metals in soft, silky accents. We anticipate a rise in the ‘hipster’ wearing of suit separates (bow-ties, elbow patches etc.)
You can always learn to dress well, but not always to be elegant. Check out the new trendy Men’s Suits at My Suit Tailor
