There is one wardrobe staple every man should have in his closet — A suit. In fact, suits have been around for centuries and are an essential building block of modern apparel. Let’s take a closer look at their history and explore how suits came to be what we know them as today.
Its Origin Story
The first apparel that resembled a modern suit appeared in the 17th Century. Originating in England, King Charles II began wearing matching sets of clothing. Many believed his preferences were influenced by the Great London Fire and rampant plague, as he didn’t want to wear colorful Renaissance outfits or showcase his wealth in times of distress.
There is no doubt his preferred style looked entirely different from 21st-century suits. However, his influence marked the beginning of a long journey toward the ensemble we all know and love today.
Beau Brummell’s Impact
Suits continued to expand in popularity, and more men incorporated them into their wardrobes. However, the style began to fluctuate. In the late 18th and early 19th century, high-society traditions influenced suits. Ensembles featured bold velvet, powdered wigs, and stockings in formal settings.
However, after the French Revolution, men wanted to separate themselves from aristocratic influences, and Beau Brummell’s new suit design made that possible. He focused on muted colors and sharp lines in place of ornate details. Although his design did not include a matching top and bottom, he is credited as an influential figure in the development of the suit as he popularized a clean, crisp look with neutral colors.
The Three-Piece Suit
Another notable shift in suit styles happened during the Victorian Era. Fashion was conservative, and three-piece suits rose in popularity. The frock coat appeared, which replaced dated tailcoats and resembled an overcoat. Each set had a jacket, vest, and trousers. And following Beau Brummell’s influence, suits still featured dark, neutral colors with minimal bold details.
The Rapid Rise of Popularity and Options
In the early 1900s, many men wore suits almost daily. While frock coats became less popular, morning coats were the new look. Although they still focused on neutral colors, the tailoring and design behind each piece were beginning to resemble the traditional suit we know today.
New options also arose in the late 19th Century, such as the dinner jacket and modern tuxedo styles. Men would opt for a tuxedo during black-tie events while suit styles continued to develop and remained a popular choice for semi-formal and formal attire.
Diversity in Style
As time progressed, there is no doubt that dark, neutral tones remained a popular option. However, many men began incorporating color and mainstream cuts into their suits throughout the early 1900s. Often heavily influenced by jazz, Hollywood, and the Roaring 20s mindset, men were sporting unique fits, fun colors, and accessories that added an extra flair to their look.
After WWII, dark suit colors emerged as a popular choice in the late 1940s. However, the colorful trends of the 1970s and 1980s reintroduced bold designs and colors, livening up commonplace apparel.
Modern Day Style
In the 21st Century, suits typically feature tailored jackets with a slim fit, notch or peak lapels, and matching trousers. Plus, many clothiers, such as TLR Clothiers, promote versatility since men enjoy wearing suits in various settings. This approach allows for optimal self-expression through color, patterns, and accessories.
While the styles may change, one thing that remains consistent is how societal shifts and influential individuals continually shape the evolution of men’s suits. They are not frozen in time. Instead, they are a dynamic piece of attire that speaks to the state of the world around us. Investing in one not only honors the men before you but also inspires the next generation to continue the tradition of proudly wearing classic men’s apparel.
Suits at TLR Clothiers
At TLR Clothiers, we create tailor-made suits that embrace class and sophistication. Whether you want a bold look or a timeless classic, we have everything you need in our collection.
We even make custom suits so men can showcase their expert attention to detail and show off their preferred style. There is nothing quite like knowing you are contributing to the evolution of suits and continuing its rich history. Click the button below to contact us to learn more, and visit us in-store to explore our collection today.
