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1850s
This opera singer highlights the sartorial preferences of stylish gentlemen during the late 1850's. Most notable is his fancy silk vest with a bold pattern and metal buttons. This reflected the general exuberance in clothing during the latter part of this decade. His frock coat has a wide velvet collar and turned up sleeves. His hairstyle is typical of the time with a high part and brushed smoothly down. His cravat is tied as a soft silk ascot. -
Period: to
Menswear History Timeline 1850s-1900s
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1860s
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. For the latter part of the decade a high cut notch collared vest would be ideal. -
1870s
This picture shows the common style of pairing light colored pants with a fine frock coat and low cut vest. Note his short hair and slicked down style paired with the neatly trimmed full beard that was so popular. His small bow tie with pointed short, pointed ends was the height of fashion. -
1880s
This gentleman's well tailored outfit highlights many of the fashions of the 1880s. Note the extremely narrow lapel on the sack coat, the high button front and the curved front of the jacket. His trousers are also tailored to a more slim style, note that there are still no creases in the front of his trousers as the press had not yet been invented. He wears his coat buttoned only at the top to proudly display his vest and watch chain. -
1890s
These young men are photographed with sporting equipment of the era and you can see a wide range of clothing. From daily dress wear to the proper athletic attire of the gentlemen in the front row. Note the four-in-hand ties. The third gentleman from the left shows the popular narrow lapel on his jacket and is fully buttoned so that only a small bit of his tie is visible. Others display the more loosely tied Full Windsor knot. -
1900s
A big boom was seen in apparel to dress a man for endeavors of sports and fitness-and of course, a fitting and fashionable outfit was de rigueur for every endeavor. While fox hunting, yachting and polo were in favor with aristocracy and men of considerable means, the efficiencies of a more modern society afforded the middle class time to pursue leisure activities such as golf, tennis, basketball, croquet, tennis, swimming and bicycling. Tennis whites, swimwear and knickers where in high demand.
