There is a time in every man’s life when a sophisticated suit comes into play. Whether it is for a special occasion, or just a night out with friends, getting the perfect suit can be quite daunting. Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to go shopping for a well-fitting suit. Because there are usually many style options to choose from, it can be stressful for anyone who does not have a lot of experience with suits. It is not a secret that a high-quality suit can make any man feel like James Bond. On the other hand, getting a suit that is ill-fitting can completely ruin the look and have a man end up looking more like Beetlejuice. To avoid making a big mistake, it is always a good idea to do some research before actually going shopping. Here is a brief guide to the evolution of men’s suits throughout history that may help you understand what is in fashion and what is not.
When discussing the history of men’s suits, it is best to start off with the beginning of the 19th century when suits resembled costumes. In this period, men were known to wear frock coats, or coats with tails, paired with tiny heels. Other accessories that could be seen were silk stockings and knee breeches. It is not difficult to understand why this outdated style seems humorous nowadays. To make things even sillier, men preferred to put on powdered wigs. All of this was deemed trendy, until Beau Brummell, sometimes dubbed as the original hipster rejected all the conventional clothing items of his time. Instead, Brummell went for simple coats with full-length trousers. In fact, he is the one who started the trend of suits that are popular even today.
Jumping fast forward to the 1930s, the style of suits became more and more exaggerated as men were open to more experimental designs. The coats that were popular back then were more loose fitting, whilst the trousers were tapered at the ankle. This period is called the age of the cinema, and celebrities such as Clark Gable and Henry Fonda are just two studs who liked dressing up in suits.
The period after WW2 is another chance for menswear to switch up its look. This period is named the age of constructed tailoring, and it is for a good reason. Suits were a great way to accentuate broad shoulders. For example, Humphrey Bogart was notorious for his fashion style. Also, the trousers became even fuller and not to mention it started to be styled with cuffs.
As years went by and people got obsessed with pop culture, in the 1960s men started wearing skinny fits paired with trousers that were cut at the ankles. This style was chic and classy at the time, so no wonder that Paul McCartney was seen wearing something similar at that time. Ten years later, in the 70s actors such as Jack Nicholson swore that suits are man’s greatest weapon for seduction. Not only did men wear suits for special events, but it could be seen as a look for a night out with the boys.
Nowadays, there are suits of all shapes and sizes that come in a variety of colours and patterns. For expert advice and design, it is recommended that one consult with professionals such as Belance Tailoring, in order to get the best possible piece. It is important to remember that getting a suit that fits one’s specific body dimension is not an easy task. Therefore, it is best to look up a professional service. As mentioned, modern suits allow a man to be creative and express their vibrant personality. Celebrities such as Jim Carrey are often seen on the red carpet flaunting colourful suits with bold patterns such as polka dots or stripes. On the other hand, other famous people like to keep it classy and traditional with a twist. It is important to remember that today’s suits are usually cinched at the waist with padded shoulders. Accentuation the shoulders is essential in order to complement a masculine physique in the best way possible.
In the 21st century, not only do men wear suits, but their female counterparts are often seen strutting a feminine cut. The bottom line is, the suit is a statement piece that should be found in every fashion-forward man’s wardrobe, no matter for what future occasion it might call for.
In summary, when looking at the brief history of men’s suits, it is apparent that fashion has come a long way. Nevertheless, suits are still considered as one of the most important clothing items a man needs to possess. Any man in a well-fitting suit can feel ready to take on the world with full force.