Film Footage Of 1904 London Street Traffic

[Xithras]

21. Other than hat fads, the basic structure of the modern mens suit has been around since 1850.

Most of the changes have been to the placement of the lines. How far down the neckline drops on the vest, the tail length of the coat, the size of the lapels and collar, etc. The biggest single change has largely been to the materials. Heavy wool suits have been replaced by lighter varieties and other materials that are far more comfortable and durable.

But the basic structure of the modern suit (collared shirt, decorative tie, slacks, and waistcoat) appeared in the mid 1800's as the "lounge suit" and rapidly became popular. The older and more formal suit styles had been completely relegated to special events by 1900 or so.

If a man were to walk down a street in 1900 wearing a modern suit, most people would simply think that it was oddly tailored and a bit too small for him.