The history of Mens fashion 1850-1890 timeline

In the 1860's it was in style for men's coats and jackets to be single breasted and semi fitted, reaching the mid thigh. The waistcoats worn were often collarless and single breasted and trousers were were occasionally cut from a narrow check cloth. High, starched collars were worn with neck ties. During this time period, men parted their hair from the centre and styled it with a casual wave. It was also very popular for men to have full and long drooping moustaches.

During the time period of the 1880's, lounge suits were beginning to become very popular. These suits were often fitted slimly and the jackets were worn unbuttoned. Men did this to reveal the high buttoning waistcoat and watch-chain underneath. They wore collared shirts underneath these suit jackets and the collars of these shirts were stiff and high. The tips on the collar were often folded over into wings. Around the neck, neckties were either knotted or tied in the classic bow tie form.

The three piece lounge suit was becoming very popular and was reguarly worn from the 1890's onwards. It also became popular to have creases at the front of your trousers. Collars on shirts were starched and high with the tips pressed down into wings but by the end of the century they were often turned down and worn with the knotted tie style. Hair during this time period was cut short and parted at the side. Heavy moustaches were common and older men often had long beards. Some men fully shaved.

During the 1850's, coats for men were very fashionable and they often wore matching coats and waistcoats. Men often wore trousers, which you still see today, with hairstyles characterized by large side-burns and moustaches, after the style was set by Prince Albert. The shirts worn during this time period had high collars and were tied at the neck by a large bow tie. The bowler hat was invented around 1850, but was generally seen as a working class hat while top hats were favoured by the wealthy.

Coats and jackets were semi fitted and thigh length. Jackets were often buttoned high up on the chest. The collars on most shirts were very stiff causing them to stand upwards and the tips of the collar were often turned down into wings. Trousers were often worn. In the 1870's, it was very popular for men to have their hair parted directly in the centre and slickly gelled back. During this time period, most forms of facial hair were accepted and it was rare to see a man without facial hair.