Victorian Mens Clothing

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Men’s Fashion in Victorian London The first purpose of Clothes . . . was not warmth or decency, but ornament . . . Men’s Undergarments * Flannel and wool underclothing prevailed through the Victorian age. * Vests and undershirts were the most common form of undergarments. * In 1880, the “sleeping suit” began to replace the nightshirt. * “The doom of the sleeping shirt is written.” – The Tailor and the Cutter * These pajamas originated in India, and were made of silk or wool, often with a striped pattern in various colors. Shirts * In the 1850s and 1860s, white was the socially accepted norm for all gentlemen. * However, by the end of the 19 th century, it was acceptable for “neat stripes in blue or pink.” * The lacey frilling that was common in evening wear disappeared from men’s wardrobe around 1860. * The fronts were stiff and adorned with decorative studs. * Collars were worn separate from the shirt. * For formal appearances, the collars were winged. * For informal occasions, the collars were “turned over” or work down. * In the 1880s, the fashion was high placement, with the tips resting on the cheeks. * The cuffs were worn visibly beyond the hem of the coat. For formal occasions, they were fastened with cufflinks. They were heavily starched for stiffness. The Dickey * Often a source of ridicule or humor, the dickey was a starched shirt front with an attached collar. The dickey was worn over a flannel shirt. Mr. Reginald Wilfer can be imagined wearing one of these contemptible articles of clothing. The Necktie * The necktie, also referred to as a cravat, was cut narrower in the center and widened at the tip. Coats and Jackets * Coats of the Victorian period morphed into a more masculine shaped article of clothing * They were longer, with padded shoulders, double-breasted and had five seams for a

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