History of the Suit in 22 Minutes: The Evolution of Menswear from 1800 to Today

How much did the Suit change throughout the years? gentl.mn/evolution-of-menswear
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Even though many elements of the suit, as we know it today, have remained unchanged since its inception, there are certainly differences in the details of a suit from 2020 compared to a suit from the 1980s or 1940s.
First of all, what exactly is a suit? The term "suit" is derived from the French term "Suivre" which means to follow. Meaning, the jacket follows the pants or vice versa. So a suit is a combination of a jacket and a pair of pants in a matching fabric. It's not just the color but also made out of the same fabric. Like many aspects of classic menswear, the origins of the suit can also be traced back to Beau Brummell.
He was the prototypical gent in the 19th century England. Before Beau Brummell, menswear was heavily influenced by the French Corp and evolved around heavily embroidered fabrics such as velvet and knee breeches and stockings. Beau Brummell replaced all of this with lone trousers worn with boots and a coat that didn't have much ornamentation or color. Frankly, Brummell may not have been the first one to simplify the classic French men's wardrobe because at that point in time, it had already become unpopular.
French menswear was negatively associated with the French Revolution and people who wore it were beheaded in the guillotine. Nevertheless, Beau Brummell definitely popularized the new less ornamental style. Now, it seems like the top and the bottom of Beau Brummell's outfits weren't always exactly the same and matching but the whole silhouette and the more muted color stream laid the groundwork for the modern suit, as we know it today.
By the start of the Victorian era which lasted from 1837 to 1901, the first and foremost garment a man would wear was a frock coat. It was basically a black coat that resembles modern overcoats. It had a single vent in the back and was either single or double breasted. In terms of length, it reached down all the way to the knees that's why it resembles an overcoat. While the single breasted version of a frock coat was more common, the double-breasted version was more formal because it was also known as the Prince Albert.
Later in the Victorian era, the frock coat basically split up in two different elements. On the one hand, we had the morning coat that kept the tails, on the other hand, we had the lounge suit which lost it. While the morning suit remained the length, it now had open quarters rather than the closed quarters of a frock coat and it often had just a single button and it wasn't double-breasted anymore. At the time, it became the number one option for formal daywear but in today's world, it's probably even more formal and typically only worn at Royal Weddings or high society weddings. Maybe in England, it's a little different where you can still see the regular Joe wearing a morning coat for their wedding but in the US and out side of England, it's typically just done so in very certain circles either by people who really appreciate classic men's clothing or because they have a certain status in society.
Please watch the video for a timeline of the evolution of suits.
20:00 Outfit Rundown

[@JamesRDavenport]

I personally would love to see all of the best elements of 1920s and 30s style made with the technology and edge of the 2020s. Would make this a more interesting decade.

[@abababa3542]

How did u comment 3 days ago?

[@johnparinello8102]

James Davenport Id like to see that happen it would be the roaring 20’s all over again. We should try to bring back gentlemanly behavior as well.

[@illestofdemall13]

@@abababa3542 Patreon followers get early access.

[@ntlrancho4life120]

That would be awesome, with the 20s boldness and without 30s poverty.

[@desanctisapostata]

@@johnparinello8102 Well we already started the decade with 2 armed conflicts, 2 armed interventions in the world, one pandemic and a plethora of economic crisis... So yeah, quite roaring Indeed.

[@davidvavra9113]

I'm a thrift store shopper so I see a melange of the last 40 years in every store. It's fashion archeology with a touch of anthropology, much of it learned from you guys. Thanks.

[@alfa_kenny_body]

Hello my fellow thrifter 👋

[@benjaminmcclelland2464]

Archaeology is anthropology...

[@euphonikprince8801]

The older Suits looks more elegant

[@dannyc.jewell8788]

More class

[@nothertreeinbox]

They were. The only people wearing them were aristocrats.

[@thekingshussar1808]

@@nothertreeinbox Nope. The middle class, burgeoisie, upper class, and more lavish, the aristocracy.

[@thekingshussar1808]

@@nothertreeinbox Heck, the lower class frock coat style of the 18th century looks fancier than most of today's suits imo!

[@nicolasortuzar336]

@@nothertreeinbox nope, haven't you seen peaky blinders

[@charliemartin9170]

I can tell this video took a lot of research and effect, I love that!

[@hiphop90s98]

the 1920s and 1930s was the best time for the suit period , the best tailoring and the best fabrics the golden age

[@traor.e8110]

thanks eazy e

[@bigfootwithinternetconnect2330]

definitely, including the ones that the Italian/American mob had, I feel like the 70s and 80s had some real nice suits too

[@reganhoskin6613]

The 40s is when the waistcoat fell out of fashion due to rationing and the double breasted suit became more so a necessity more so then a luxury

[@acornsucks2111]

Beastie Boys.

[@kosticthe6th301]

As a person from a small country, who adores elegant-old fashion-classy style, this channel is truly a gold mine. Cheers!

[@sebastianflynn1746]

I adore the 70s, the earthy tones and wide lapels and patterns are fantastic, (the work wear is top notch too) the flairs are maybe not something as loved but imo they have their charm.

[@michaelchainsoff5035]

my dear friend, i hope you read my comment here. Thank you. First of all i want to thank you for your beautiful videos. Your vision of the style is the paramount. I really enjoy to your channel, it is the best on youtube. Thank you for pictures from 1930-2020, that compilation was incredible. I only can imagine how difficult your work is. Thank, my friend. I wish you all the best. I am from Russia, saint-petersburg, here is very difficult to find information, but your channel is superb. Thank you! I am sorry my english skills not so good, but i hope you read this and understand me. Thank you so much!

[@georgemack120]

Michael, your English is very good with just a few errors which do not affect your ability to communicate clearly. You speak better than some native English speakers. I'm a native English speaker who learned French so I appreciate your dedication and your fine efforts. Well done! And I like this channel too!

[@ivanlouisjbarrantes1254]

This is the video I have long been waiting for! Very informative, well-written and top-notch quality as usual! Thanks to you guys I was able to write a mini-thesis about suit history and its relevance through the years! Thank you Gentleman's Gazette!

[@samuelhucko4127]

22 decades in 22 minutes :)

[@slendin8er147]

21:23*

[@janerkenbrack3373]

That was a very good summary of the suit evolution over the years. I kept wanting to hear more about one era or another, but remembered your 22 minute commitment. Keep up the good work, and continue to wash your hands, as I am sure you already do.

[@MegaZsolti]

I like the masculine shape of the 30s and 40s suits.

[@myroseaccount]

Tell me where you can actually buy such suits that actually fit a Man and not some unisex teenage boy designed by homosexuals

[@MegaZsolti]

@@myroseaccount Fair. I got my suits from my grandpa. Tailors seem to do a good job, for large piles of money.

[@PJBoy]

@@myroseaccount sorry mate but everyone now is really feminine (the boys as they are not men) back in the 70s everyone from ages 13 to 70 were considered men. Now only 80 or 90s year olds are men as they have kept their masculine tradition albeit they're bloody 80

[@myroseaccount]

@@MegaZsolti Same for shirts. My grandfather had a few shirts made in the 1930s. When he died his clothes went to charity. There is probably some bloke now in Botswana wandering around in my Grandfather's old shirts. They were built with the strength of a battleship. Buy a shirt today and it falls apart in a year.

[@bighuge1060]

I thought that was the era i liked but I fall more between the 1940 and 1950 fashion. I love the roomy, comfortable yet sharp look. In fact, I would probably make a suit my wear of choice should that fashion ever come back -- especially with the fedora.

[@DemetriosLevi]

Now, this is what we need! Getting my popcorn ready right now

[@simongaywanjala598]

U look familiar 🤔

[@krunoslavkovacec1842]

Oh hello Demetrios. Nice to see you here.

[@DemetriosLevi]

@@krunoslavkovacec1842 glad to see my boys here

[@krunoslavkovacec1842]

@@DemetriosLevi Yep. Getting our dose of menswear history.

[@naomidoesstuff6893]

I am not a man but a lady, and I thoroughly delight in watching these videos and learning of the history of men's clothing. It is something I find so interesting. I appreciate how much work was put into this. Thank you for providing educational content on youtube. wonderful work!

[@Islandsoundzz]

Thank you for the hard work you put into your videos. I personally love wearing a suit (with or without a tie) even if I don't have to. It can be a challenge in the tropics where I live, but I think it makes a man look more complete and people tend to treat you with a bit more respect.

[@saidihussein6581]

I never understand why my dad liked Suits but now I can’t stop wear it. I wear suits to class, work and even to hang out with my friends. Idk what it is but wearing a suit give me so much confidence and swag

[@freckleheckler6311]

Yes imitate the white man and then degrade and discard his own self interests in his own civilization while calling him a racist.

[@vadic06]

Words can't describe how happy I am that this channel exists for so long I've been wanting to learn about this but now that I can learn I'm excited for what's to come next 🎉

[@ryptoll4801]

Videos like this one just makes me appreciate the suit so much more! I'm one of those who wear suits just because I want to, although I wouldn't consider myself all that fancy. I'm more like... inspired by fanciness. I only have two suits so far, and one of them is a thrifted 3-piece suit that I guessed is probably from the 80's, and by your description of 80's suit styles, that seems like a fit. It has very broad shoulders, wide lapels, low buttons, all that stuff. It's light grey, felted wool mix. It looks more rugged and casual, than formal. I can imagine it might have been something a banker or accountant might have worn. So it's not a suit I'd wear for a wedding, but I think it's perfect for wearing on a casual occasion. Although I don't have any tailoring education, I've alterned the pants and vest by myself, so that they'll fit me better. However, it was altered already when I bought it, and to my dismay, quite horribly so. That was one heck of a challenge to remedy. There was even sharp scrap metal added to the vest, in place of a buckle for the back strap! Can you imagine being stabbed by that every time you lean back in the sofa? And that back strap itself was also horribly manhandled with sewing thread. But now that whole suit is finally good (enough) to go! I refused to give up on it, and I'm glad I kept trying to salvage it. Sure, it's hardly a treasure suit, but it sure is a nice trinket for a peasant, haha. I'm so broke, I have to tailor my own suits... which I buy at thrift stores, lol.

[@stvarnov8754]

informative as always, i would love to see more history focused videos such as this one

[@Narweeboy]

Wow! What a journey into the world of suits ..... great stuff Sven! Thank you.

[@Jim58223]

Love the inclusion of so many great pictures. Hope to see more of this style continuing.

[@warden2541]

I'm currently in college in England and just today I handed in a form regarding an extended qualification I could do on anything and I said I'd be doing the evolution of the suit/classic menswear, and despite the fact I love the channel, I'm gonna skip this video and see how my analysis stocks up😂

[@meloistnut7067]

This video is exactly what I was looking for! Interesting and educating!

[@Aaronisification]

You guys are spectacular. So much appreciation and respect for you. THANK YOU!

[@jamesthacoolcat9926]

Excellent video. The whole topic of the history of the suit is very interesting.

[@Blackmuseops]

My man. This is one of your best, most informative videos ever. Kudos

[@johnnie2638]

A great retrospective on the evolution of the suit. Very well thought out and presented.

[@roopnarinericky]

Wow! What a wonderful and knowledge filled video. Very well put together and so much valuable information.

[@donaldbarnett2531]

Great presentation and delivery. I really like your detail in how the suits are built and the differences between the decades. I would like to see the suit become more popular in every day wear.

[@amadejpesko]

One of the best videos ever. Great job guys.👍

[@shaaaairuuu]

YAAAS FINALLY I WAS WAITING FOR THIS!!! 😍 Love from Bangladesh 🇧🇩❤️

[@sinclairsaintclair]

Really enjoyed the research and videos. Thank you.

[@williamjones1602]

i predict a resurgence in waistcoats in the next decade; i personally like the look of a three piece w/o the jacket

[@camperiv1]

Yup. Bought my first bowtie around a week ago. Blue with gold fleur-de-lis. I'm only 18 years old!

[@aborne]

Just discovered this channel. Super interesting stuff. I knew what a “zoot suit” was but you provided the cultural context, now I get it. Thank you Gentleman’s Gazette!

[@MikeHaggarKJ]

I watch your channel regularly but I do not think I have yet mentioned how great it is. I love what you're doing. Keep up the good work.

[@marcusanark2541]

Excellently made video, congratulations!

[@1337penguinman]

I grew up in the 80s so to me the "power suit" style seems natural. I also much prefer solid colors to strips or plaid. My usual go to is a single breasted black 2 piece with either a dark colored or white solid shirt and a black tie (if I'm wearing one.)

[@thefalseprophet859]

One of ur best video. Thank you

[@Panzer_Runner]

Finally, I've been waiting for this video

[@kzisnbkosplay3346]

Thank you for going through all the subtle differences between the silhouettes.

[@Camrographer]

Great clothing combination. I think the blue and yellow is the most flattering for your build and complexion. One thing I think would improve the look further, is a larger taper in the trousers and possibly removing the cuff. It would make you look taller.

[@thatoneguy985]

Clark Gable is my all time favorite gentleman I love his style and take inspiration from his haircut

[@damienconnolly]

Gents, fantastic video as always!

[@juanpaolovillarey388]

Fantastic content, thank you!

[@jonb6984]

Fantastic video on the history of the man's suit. This presentation would make a fantastic coffee table book on the history of the suit with pages of amazing information and images. I would purchase one if Gentleman's Gazette/Fort Belvedere published such a book!

[@JamesRDavenport]

Seconded!

[@gentlemansgazette]

That would be tons of work, and it is really hard to make any money with printed books. But we keep it in mind.

[@justagerman140]

@@gentlemansgazette make it your 1 million abos special

[@gentlemansgazette]

@Miss Childsh yeah, some people's dream is to write books, and they are ok with it making very little money. Writing a really awesome book is great, but not on top of my priorities list and it is certainly not a money maker. Never say never, but for now we will focus our efforts elsewhere.

[@crazymangoz9583]

@@gentlemansgazette in the unlikely event you make a book covering the history of the suit, I'm sold.

[@JamesBrown-ij1px]

Fabulous! What a concise history in both words and images! I grieve for the days when men dressed with style instead of looking like slobs! Hopefully we can revive those days of style!

[@bestpossibleworld2091]

Very helpful history of the suit. Thank you.

[@free_at_last8141]

Great video, thanks!

[@paladinclothiers3628]

Great job, nice video.

[@coreymason9359]

Great video, and very educational.

[@globushallidus3702]

Really informative video .

[@Kevinjandro]

Your knowledge is just remarkable 👈🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@MG-bp5fn]

Wow this video is very interessant, maybe the best video of this topic, congratulations I love your channel

[@dtmstormphotography]

Awesome Video! I love Vintage Suits & I wear them everyday 🙂

[@mikeoxmaul45]

Keep going gentlemen! Preach

[@salserooro5209]

This is like a Ph.d thesis...very thorough. Thanks.

[@why9045]

this was an amazing video to watch.

[@franzjosephi.9985]

Thank you!

[@davegadge1]

This really helped me to do a presentation on Menswear thanks!

[@mr.goodvibes4126]

Awesome I learn a lot about suits Thanks

[@justagerman140]

Great video idea

[@Reziac]

Ah, the elegance we've lost... hopefully it will make a comeback.

[@asaemin9427]

It will comeback, fashion just cycles

[@BlackAdder665]

I particularly like your shoes and socks in this video. Very beautiful combination!

[@Tenkterian]

A very well executed comment on a topic that is so hard to boil down into such a short video. This and Vintagebursches video on the same topic both make for a great complementary watch.

[@Globularmotif]

That was great, thank you.

[@ResetToZero3210]

Nice channel guys!

[@brian_grey_5786]

Probably the best person ever, to showcase the changing fashions of the suit.

[@janeflores8306]

Great video!

[@rebeccaharrishunt1181]

This is FASCINATING!!

[@TheRoadOfLoading]

love it! Can you make a video on the shoes evolution?

[@bastardtubeuser]

Its all great, Baroque style is my favourite of all. I have no issue with wig wearing and would be happy to see it more, right up to a huge big judge/santa style wig.

[@cahoutcharles961]

I prefer the more understated style of the 1780s.

[@guitarplayer5611]

Great job!

[@laughinglaughing1416]

Lovin the vids!! Greetings from Philippines

[@fokkelman64231]

Very interesting video!

[@siegfriedo]

Splendid video, very informative while keeping to the point, thank you! 🤝 Being tall and slim (6'4", 187 lbs) I definitely prefer the minimalistic slim fit style that is readily available today. Perfectly fits my body type. 👍

[@alileyihu]

nice video thx.

[@ComfortsSpecter]

I love that 50’s 60’s sort a retro futurism, magazine cover with a bright green lawn in front of a suburban home kinda suit Like the mod suits or the plaid suit jackets with the sweater vests, the stylish ties, the smoking jacket, cigar lounge type stuff, it’s just so stylish One of my favorite suits is the benny’s suit from fallout new Vegas, it just screams that your playing a fallout game with those 50’s style diagonal striped squares

[@MatthewJBD]

Amazing video

[@raheemkhan8779]

Fine videos, they have almost every point in them. Can you make a video about "how to spot a quality trouser"

[@EliotChildress]

So speck of eraser on my screen lined up with your ear. It got me thinking about earrings and style. Wold love to see a video on that.

[@marcotalia5784]

Bellissimo video!

[@ghuzajusdinata5937]

I really like the history of suit. You should do about variant of classic men wear from around the world like how men from asia, arab, or africa wear their classic suit

[@247MRBOXING]

Very informative 👍

[@someoneonyoutube1993]

This is amazing. Thank you for your dedicated work to educate us. I have a question for you : could you please tell us what do you think about trench coats.

[@gentlemansgazette]

www.gentlemansgazette.com/trench-coat-guide/?

[@richardbernardjr9215]

I really enjoy the shows and movies reference!!

[@_manzo_0287]

perfect video!

[@BionicDeathclaw]

I live in a trailer and live off of ramen yet can't stop watching these videos. Very entertaining and interesting!

[@tunilalnath6103]

Thanks a lot sir

[@Margatatials]

I remember my Grandad telling my about how the width of ties changed over the course of his working life, they started out wide (in the 40s) then got incredibly thin (50s) and then got insanely wide to the point of ridiculousness (in the 70s I think)

[@MatthewJBD]

Don't be disheartened by the low view count. This video will live on!

[@dalailama8845]

Loved the video, maybe I would have preferred a longer more in depth video especially talking about the golden age of suits and all the other decades, since I live in Italy and everything is closed and I can’t leave the house I have a lot of time on my hands. Also I’d love a video about the clothing style of James Bond and how it changed over the years.

[@gentlemansgazette]

About that James Bond video: stay tuned--and stay safe! - Preston

[@anglishbookcraft1516]

Suits should follow Military fashion as its made with the flawless proportions needed to look great in mind. Button height, length and fit are the most key thing when wanting to show strength and class.

[@MasterGamer88]

Loved the video. One question, the pleated pants at timestamp 11:45 I saw there was a button on the pleats. What is that for? Is that actually a pocket or is it to say let the pleats out when unbuttoned?

[@pitbullruss5636]

Very good

[@PrinceAlhorian]

Excellent video. I have a question regarding pocket watches, how would they be worn today in both casual and more formal attires?

[@OmarAlikaj]

11:20 Never thought that that suit from Tom and Jerry would be mentioned in this video.

[@alicjaszewczyk7673]

Can you make more detailed videos about regency and victorian eras fashion?

[@jackhanson1852]

Really interesting that everything goes in waves, roomy and flashy to tighter and more reserved, then slowly back again.

[@jonswinfield9336]

The golden age of suits is best I must complement you on the Gentlemen’s gazette Discovering it coincided with me deciding to go back to what I learnt growing up about the proper way for a man to dress It’s meant I’ve had to source everything from scratch as I had no ties , suits , jackets or shoes anymore Virtually everything currently own is from charity/ thrift shops and eBay Keep it up I love the history of clothes or the dos and don’t s As well as how to demos

[@randyjones3050]

I keep hoping for a counterculture reaction against the prevailing dominance of casual clothing styles. I really hope that more formal styles will make a comeback, especially in social settings. I don't understand how people can care so little about their appearance that they go around everywhere looking like they just rolled out of bed. It is like everyone wants to be a perpetual child.

[@aurin_komak]

Imma be the change I wanna see in the world

[@dinbarakovic7296]

I really think that it’ll change the coming years as we’re all getting a bit tired of it.

[@purplecrisp]

I don't think we're gonna see that given the cost of this kind of clothing.

[@Vraptor1]

Thats not really a counterculture tho. Countercultures, as we usually see them, don’t try and harken back to tradition so much as they try and push forward with something new and experiment with it.

[@randyjones3050]

@@Vraptor1 I don't know if 'formal attire' needs to necessarily be more 'traditional'. Just not sloppy and casual. Perhaps there is an opportunity for a fashion designer to inspire a new trend.