Men’s Fashion in Victorian London

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Men’s Fashion in Victorian London

The first purpose of Clothes . . . was not warmth or decency, but ornament . . .

-- Thomas Carlyle, Sartor Resartus, Book I, Chapter 5.

Men’s fashion was very formal and conservative, reflecting the mores of the Victorian era. Poor, cherubic Mr. Reginald Wilfer longs for the time when he is able to have an entirely new outfit.

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 wa...

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