Men’s fashion history is a long and rich tale of varying preferences and styles that have evolved to its present over past 300 years or so.
As men were more engaged in affairs of their time hence their costumes frequently altered with major events and wars.
In early 18th century the popular male dresses were lines shirts with high collars, matching cuffs a doublet or a jerkin and stockings. A long coat or cape was used as outer wear.
By late 18th century big breaches, short coats and mania for ribbons overtook the men’s fashion segment. It was also the time when first three suit piece, consisting of a coat, a waistcoat and breaches was introduced.
The beginning of 19th century and the rise in British imperialism introduced prim and elegant men wear. A shapely, lean and long silhouette draped in tailcoats was the preferred symbol of a gentleman in this era.
Close to 1880s the modern three-piece suit became a formal and regular attire. Dinner jackets or tuxedos were also introduced and neck-ties started to replace bow-ties.
By the end of 19th century men’s fashion also included blazers and long over coats.
20th century brought some major changes in the men’s fashion market. The two great wars and the great recession of 1930s led to the demand of affordable and durable clothes. It was this phase which introduced jeans to men’s fashion market, which since has been the forerunner among clothing products.
Over the past fifty years men’s fashion has greatly expanded. Casuals and formals are holding place side by side. Sports casuals, hippie and rebellion dresses and designer wear for men appear and disappear in the trends. Baggy trousers and bell-bottom trousers, along with normal fits trousers also regularly shuffled by the fashion designers.
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