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1850 Look 1
In the 1850s, styles became bolder with frock coats having wider lapels and looser cuts. Waistcoats had bold patterns that were fancier with metal buttons. The 1850s reflected a softer styling with men wearing heavily starched, asymmetrical cravats. Towards the middle of the 1850s, men's trousers began to be widen in style and jacket sleeves began to widen with a higher armscye. Later in the 1850s, men began to unmatch their vest and trousers. -
1860 Look 2
Men's clothing was being produced more cheaply and faster because of sewing machines. They started to prefer coats and trousers that fitted looser. Sleeves of the coats were very wide at the elbow and narrowed at the cuff and shoulder. The style was referred to as a "balloon sleeve." Clothing in a variety of bright colors and woven patterns became popular. Staid clothing with fine wool in neutral colors also became popular. Clothing was dyed with coal tar instead of with plants. -
1870 Look 3
In the 1870s, sack suits began to rise in popularity among the fashionable. Frock coats were still worn during the day. Men started to pair mismatch pieces instead of wearing suits. The slim cravat with a small bow tie became a distinctive fashion during this era. Men wore closer fitting clothing that was double-breasted while looser clothing was single-breasted. Lapels were square and opened into a "V" shape. The vests for evening wear was worn without a collar or shawl and worn open. -
1880 Look 4
During the 1880s, a variety of styles became available for men. Clothing in the 1880s had a closer fit than any decade before. Jackets were short and narrowly fitted with narrow sleeves. The lapels of jackets fit close to the neck and were extremely narrow and small. Cutaway jackets were introduced that showed the bottoms of vests and waist chains. -
1890 Look 6
In the 1890s, men stared to wear only read-made clothing. Clothing ranged from casual to work wear. Bib overalls became available for the working man. Jackets were short and narrowed with sleeves revealing cuffs. The jacket had extremely close lapels was worn buttoned to the top. Trousers were narrowed with a tubular shape at the pants leg. Black bowties were worn with casual attire while long ties were worn with dress ties. Shirt collars were stiff with small points. -
1900 Look 7
During this time, clothing started to be mass-produced. Clothing became more accessible regardless of class and wealth. Men wore a frock coat, sack suit, or a morning coat. Elder men wore frock coats while younger men wore morning coats. Sack suits began to be favored as fashion rules became less restrictive. Men dressed for dinner in black and white and often preferred a theater double bill. Each sport, required its own set of clothing, with tweed, flannel, and knitwear being used.
