The decline of American formal dress throughout the decades
If you ever looked at photos from the early 1900s, you’ll see that practically everyone is wearing a suit in public. But if you look at photos today, almost nobody is wearing a suit. So why did people stop wearing suits? To find out, we’ll first have to analyze the suit’s evolution.
Before WWI, having a black or grey three-piece suit, striped trousers, a tie, and a bowler hat was essential for a man’s dress. After WWI, the style remained, as it symbolized a secure, nice life that so many soldiers daydreamed about during the war:
After WWII, millions of returning soldiers wore the “demob” clothing, which consisted of the following: underwear, jacket, trousers, shirt, overcoat, hat, socks, and shoes:
Generally, these suits were very high quality, made from Scotch tweed suits. These suits also coincided with the post-war era’s culture of conservatism, with many working men wearing two-piece suits daily in cities and towns.
This conservative look radically changed during the 1960s. The 1960’s counter-culture saw the “peaco*ck” revolution, which gave designers many ways to experiment with suits’ colors, textures, and patterns:
These colorful suits appear to signal the end of formal dress in western countries. But this isn’t necessarily the case. Western men began dressing “casually” years ago, dating back to the 1910s. The 1910s saw the introduction of the Norfolk suit, a distinctive coat with deep pleats front and back:
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the history of fashion and clothing evolution, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge on the topic at hand. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the various shifts in dress codes throughout history, particularly in the context of American formal attire.
The decline of American formal dress throughout the decades is a fascinating journey that can be traced back to key historical events and societal changes. Examining the evolution of the suit provides insights into why people gradually moved away from this once ubiquitous form of attire.
Before World War I, the quintessential male dress comprised a black or grey three-piece suit, striped trousers, a tie, and a bowler hat. This attire symbolized a certain lifestyle, echoing the aspirations and ideals that many soldiers yearned for during the war. The style persisted post-WWI, maintaining its significance as a representation of a secure and comfortable life.
The aftermath of World War II witnessed a unique phenomenon known as the "demob" clothing era. Returning soldiers adorned themselves with high-quality suits made from Scotch tweed. These suits not only reflected the craftsmanship of the time but also aligned with the conservative culture of the post-war era. Two-piece suits became a daily norm for many working men in cities and towns.
The 1960s marked a significant departure from this conservative aesthetic. The counter-culture movement brought about the "peaco*ck" revolution, empowering designers to experiment with suits in terms of colors, textures, and patterns. This era saw a vibrant array of suits that signaled a shift away from the traditional and formal.
However, it's crucial to note that the move towards casual dressing began much earlier, dating back to the 1910s. The introduction of the Norfolk suit during this period showcased a distinctive coat with deep pleats, hinting at a departure from the rigid formality of earlier decades.
In essence, the decline of American formal dress is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by historical events, cultural shifts, and evolving fashion trends. From the structured suits of the early 1900s to the colorful experimentation of the 1960s, each phase contributes to a nuanced understanding of how attire reflects societal changes over time.
