The history of suits is a vast one as suits have gone through various modifications to become the standard clothing for a gentleman. The earlier versions of the suits were very different in terms of the fabric used, the style of each piece of the ensemble and the overall look. Originating from King Louis XIV's period, the suits have become less medieval and more formal. All through the Regency period, the Victorian Era and the Edwardian period, suits had evolved in various different ways to become what they are today. The current styles were founded in a period of sartorial revolution during the early 19th century. The evolutions of these styles are remarkable and go down as major historical changes.
Regency Period
The regency period evolved the earlier bulky clothes into well-cut, tailored clothes, adorned with carefully knotted neckties. This simple new style with somber colors was in complete contrast with the extravagant and gaudy styles of before. The modern era of men's clothing had begun its journey from here, which now includes the modern suit and necktie. The day wear consisted of a tightly fitting, dark colored tailcoat with pale non-matching trousers, pale waistcoat, white shirt and cravat and tall boots.
Victorian Era
Morning coat had evolved during this period which was a frock coat with a cut away front which became the best clothes while riding. The frock coat garment was not a part of a suit, because they were worn with trousers that didn't match in color or fabric. The modern lounge suits and the dinner jackets were invented during the Victorian Era which furthered the development of the modern suits.
Edwardian Period
The beginning of the Edwardian era in the early 20th century brought a steady decline in the wearing of frock coats as the morning coat rose in relative formality. The lounge suit started gaining popularity as an acceptable piece of clothing for formal business settings as well.
Modern Developments
During and after the wars, the suits evolved into smaller structure with the decline of the waistline and straighter cuts of the suit jackets. The clothes became snug and well fitting and they reduced in grandeur. They became more practical and appropriate to be worn for formal settings. This led to the modern suit as we know it today.
Regency Period
The regency period evolved the earlier bulky clothes into well-cut, tailored clothes, adorned with carefully knotted neckties. This simple new style with somber colors was in complete contrast with the extravagant and gaudy styles of before. The modern era of men's clothing had begun its journey from here, which now includes the modern suit and necktie. The day wear consisted of a tightly fitting, dark colored tailcoat with pale non-matching trousers, pale waistcoat, white shirt and cravat and tall boots.
Victorian Era
Morning coat had evolved during this period which was a frock coat with a cut away front which became the best clothes while riding. The frock coat garment was not a part of a suit, because they were worn with trousers that didn't match in color or fabric. The modern lounge suits and the dinner jackets were invented during the Victorian Era which furthered the development of the modern suits.
Edwardian Period
The beginning of the Edwardian era in the early 20th century brought a steady decline in the wearing of frock coats as the morning coat rose in relative formality. The lounge suit started gaining popularity as an acceptable piece of clothing for formal business settings as well.
Modern Developments
During and after the wars, the suits evolved into smaller structure with the decline of the waistline and straighter cuts of the suit jackets. The clothes became snug and well fitting and they reduced in grandeur. They became more practical and appropriate to be worn for formal settings. This led to the modern suit as we know it today.