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1850
The conservative businessman would have the fashionable, highly starched cravat that was common in the 1850's. In addition. the assymetric, very horizontal bow with the high collar above. In the photo, his suit has a relatively loose cut through the arms and is the conservative black or dark brown common in that day. His outfit is very subdued, punctuated only by his pocketwatch chain. -
Period: to
1850-1900
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1860
This decade shows us the frock coat ensemble that was worn by established businessmen during the early 1860's. In the photo his trousers clearly show the high-waist that was favored throughout the mid nineteenth century. Notice the wide, elaborate cravats that were worn during the early 1860's. By mid-decade gentlemen were most often seen with narrow string-style cravats. A top hat and cane were also favorable. -
1870
The 1870's saw the rise of the sack suit to widespread popularity, on any street many fashionable young men could be seen in narrowly tailored sack suits. But it was still common to see frock coats during the day. It also remained common for gentlemen to pair mismatched separates instead of a suit, particularly common was fawn or light brown trousers with black coats. Most distinctive of this era is the slim cravat with very small bow tie as seen on the gentleman in the back left. -
1880
The gentleman in the front center of the picture displays the most popular style of closely tailored sack suit with a wingtip collar and four in hand tie.
While the other suits are in a variety of colors and fabrics, they all show evidence of the narrow lapel, and tightly fitted clothing. Ties were still available in the bow tie style and tied with a small ribbon. All manner of hats are on display in this picture and highlight the variety available during this decade. -
1890
the popular fashion of the day. Note the news caps on two of the gentlemen and the high top Derby on the others. All display a high button sack coats with the coat left open to display their waistcoats. -
1900
During the early 1900s, Edwardian men’s clothing was relatively formal, with specific outfits worn at different times of the day. It was during the 1900-1919 years that for the 1st time, clothing started to be mass-produced. This reduced the need to have something tailor-made and made clothes accessible for all, regardless of wealth. The photo is a classic morning suit of tailcoat, striped pants, double breasted vest, club or wingtip collar white shirt, white gloves, cane, and silk top hat.
