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Introduction + Look 1; 1800
During the 19th century, men's fashion did not take any extreme turns or adjust to any wild, new trends. Instead, changes were subtle and significant. Despite undergoing few noticeable changes, each item from the 1800s-1850s contributed to the elegant silhouettes that we still see in men's fashion today.
In 1800, George Bryan "Beau" Brummel influenced men's fashion away from the previous trend of fancy fabrics and trimmings and toward a new style of restrained, conservative costumes. -
Look 2; 1810
In 1810, Beau Brummel's simple and well-cut clothing had become the norm. We see double breasted dress coats of fine wool and light colored waistcoats over white linen shirts being worn by the upper class in this decade. Staple items of the time were "de rigueur," meaning "required by etiquette or current fashion." These "de rigueur" pieces included buckskin breeches and top boots. Moreover, tight-fitting pantaloons and Hessians remained popular and sought-after fashion. -
Look 3; 1820
The silhouette that had characterized men's fashion for decades began to change by 1820. This new silhouette, donned the "hourglass silhouette," had a couple new key features. The coat sleeves now puffed out at the shoulders. Moreover, the waistlines became narrower and narrower, almost to the point of extremity, and the chest were swelled out. It was also sometimes enhanced with padding and corsetry for an added aspect of fashion. Also, trousers were increasingly worn as day wear. -
Look 4; 1830
With the trousers newfound popularity entering the 1830's, trousers began to be made fuller in the leg. Another item gaining speed was the frockcoat, as it was now made in many diverse colors and patterns, fitting nearly every occasion and preference. Also becoming more elaborate was the waistcoat, as it was now being made from rich fabrics of velvet and jacquard woven silk. The garment often had added embellishments as well, donning embroidery, patterns, and prints. Black neckties gained favor. -
Look 5; 1840
Fashion historian Gayle Fischer states that the 1840s were the time when "men gave up their claims to ornamentation, colors, and lace, and adopted a more uniform style of dress, thereby making fashion and all its accoutrements the sole province of women." Trousers continued to become fuller, and, eventually, the strap at the foot disappeared. Most importantly, 1840 is known for the decade that introduced the sack coat. The casual sack coat was short and single-breasted, unlike the Frock coat. -
Look 6; 1850
In the 1850s, we see a shift away from the trend of the high-waisted look, as frock coat waistlines began to lower. Sack coats continued their rise to popularity and were often made to match men's trousers. Tailcoats were made to match as well. However, patterned trousers gained some popularity, as men were seen wearing trousers that were striped, checked, or in bright colors. https://www.mimimatthews.com/2016/10/03/a-century-of-sartorial-style-a-visual-guide-to-19th-century-menswear/
