The History Of The Suit
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John F.Kennedy & Frank Sinatra
Though styles may have changed throughout the years, one thing is certain- a well made, perfectly tailored suit never goes out of style. For over 400 years, the suit has been the epitome of style and aristocracy, and the modern rules of “proper attire” were first introduced by King Charles II in 1666. The monarch insisted that when English men were to appear in court, they must “ wear a long coat, a waistcoat (then called a "petticoat"), a cravat (a precursor of the necktie), a wig, knee breeches (trousers), and a hat” . Since then, the fabrics and styles of suits have seen some major changes, but the fundamentals of a suit, and what it represents, have stayed the same. The look and feel of the classic suit has evolved most over the last 100 years, with the most dramatic evolution happening from the 1920’s- 1960’s…...
1920’s
F. Scott Fitzgearld | Al Capone
The suits of the 1920’s were a combination a classic sophistication and more eccentric accessories. It was all showing off how much money have(think the Great Gatsby). Accessories like gold tie clips and more colorful pocket squares emerged. And while the suits themselves were mostly neutral colors with high waisted pants, more colorful accessories and exuberance of wealth are what defines this decade. The 1920’s always go down as one of the most stylish and iconic decade of all time.
1930’s
Clark Gable | Fred Astaire
Perhaps the most drab era in American fashion, the 1930’s suit was all about somber colors with little to no accessories. Think solid colors like grey, brown and navy blue. A more structured shoulder emerged and a double breasted jacket was a staple. The great depression had hit, and the dire economic times are clearly represented in the wardrobe choices of the masses. This decade may have been a dark one for America, but it did leave us with some lasting menswear trends that are still worn today. Icons like Fred Astaire still showcased a flair for style.
1940’s
Bing Crosby | Nat King Cole
America was at war, and natural fabrics were being used to make military uniforms, so suits started to drift away from classic tweed and wool cuts. Synthetic creations made with fabrics like rayon were born, and while the fabrics may have suffered during this decade of war time uncertainty, people still took pride in their style. Hats became a staple, with entertainers like Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole rocking fedoras and oversized pocket squares.
1950’s
Frank Sinatra & Marlon Brando | James Dean
The era of James Dean, Elvis Presley and Sinatra was surprisingly conservative when it came to the aesthetic of the suit. A looser look prevailed, and a black jacket, pants and a crisp white shirt was the norm. However, fedoras, cain’s and cigars were the accessories of choice, perfectly complimenting the simplicity of the suit.
1960’s
JFK
The era of change if the United States saw perhaps the most dramatic shift in men’s style. Color was not only for those bold few, it became a staple. Gentleman started to have a little more fun with there everyday office attire. Light colored suits, larger pinstripes, and mismatched jacket/ pant combos were the height of fashion. President John F Kennedy led the charge when it came to men’s style. The 35th president rocked lighter colored , bright, patterned ties and of course, his favorite pair of Ray Ban Wayfarers. The 60’s were about self expression, and suits were no exception.