The Victorian era was humming with activity as the Industrial Revolution hit full stride, bringing revolutionary technologies and mass-produced products to market. The manner in which people worked and lived was forever altered, mostly for the better, and these advancements included electric sewing machines in factory settings providing access to ready-to-wear fashion.
With clothing being manufactured in factories and sold via department stores and mail-order catalogue, there was no longer a need to have men's clothing expensively tailored or sewn at home. Now, nearly every man could stock a respectable wardrobe without forking over his whole paycheck - although the wealthiest gentlemen and aristocracy did continue demand custom tailored garments for superior fit and exclusivity.
As the 19th century came to a close, advances in science and technology, as well as the historical and geographic discoveries of the late victorian, led to a general feeling of optimistic modernity. This manifested in the day's fashions, with men's garments continuing the previous trends of slim and tightly fitted looks for both day and evening wear.
Formal events still called for opulent, traditional styles, but mens daywear at the turn of the century was business-like and very matter-of-fact, with many of the victorian frills falling away to leave the styles that inform fashion even today.
(Images via Lisby's Flickr)
With clothing being manufactured in factories and sold via department stores and mail-order catalogue, there was no longer a need to have men's clothing expensively tailored or sewn at home. Now, nearly every man could stock a respectable wardrobe without forking over his whole paycheck - although the wealthiest gentlemen and aristocracy did continue demand custom tailored garments for superior fit and exclusivity.
As the 19th century came to a close, advances in science and technology, as well as the historical and geographic discoveries of the late victorian, led to a general feeling of optimistic modernity. This manifested in the day's fashions, with men's garments continuing the previous trends of slim and tightly fitted looks for both day and evening wear.
Formal events still called for opulent, traditional styles, but mens daywear at the turn of the century was business-like and very matter-of-fact, with many of the victorian frills falling away to leave the styles that inform fashion even today.
(Images via Lisby's Flickr)
