Suits are the ultimate power trip – this is why.
A TRIP DOWN TAILORING’S MEMORY LANE
As the flagship of menswear, the suit is the obvious choice when you want to impress, whether you’re marrying the love of your life, trying to get ahead at work or having a big night out.
Of course, we would say that, but there’s little else that has such a positive impact on how you look and feel. Find the right one and your confidence will be sky-high. You’ll look sharp and feel like a king. Wearing one has become almost like a ritual– put on your suit and you’re ready to take on whatever the day throws at you.
That’s a special kind of power few other clothes can claim. Let’s power through the ages to find out how we got here.
THANK YOU, BEAU BRUMMELL
Before this guy came on the scene, menswear was all about tails, silk stockings and knee breeches. After growing tired of look, the original dandy Brummell turned fashion on its head with full-length trousers and a more pared-back suit, and in the process became one of the first to reach celebrity status simply for the way he dressed.
HIGH WAISTS AND HEAVY FABRIC
The turn of the twentieth century saw a simpler take on the suit, much like the ones we wear today. After the end of the straight-laced Victorian era, the frock coat became the lounge coat as menswear started to relax a bit more.
We say ‘relax’ but it was still a long way off from the comfort of tailoring today – the trousers were high waisted, jackets were buttoned high up and the fabric was thick and heavy; think Peaky Blinders. Wearing a lounge suit was more of a working class look, and it gave the lower classes a sense of power as well. Style came into it too with people being more adventurous, contrasting their waistcoat to their jacket and trousers, for example.
TIME FOR REVELRY
You’ve got the 1920s to thank for your dressed-up party look. After the war, people embraced having freedom and fun again and so more flamboyant outfits came in. Just watch The Great Gatsby with Robert Redford and his very early adoption of a pink suit and you’ll see what we mean. Men shook off the seriousness of war with their bright suits and bow ties, ready to throw caution to the wind and enjoy a good time. The dress suits you wear to black tie bashes now often still have a bit of the jazz age about them.
SILVER SCREEN STYLE
The 1930s saw Hollywood come into play, which meant that men had icons to follow. Fashion became more about showing off your frame so well-cut silhouettes came to the forefront. By the end of the decade, suit jackets had nipped in waists, broad shoulders and tapered legs.
Jump ahead 10 years, and materials were minimal during the WWII. It meant that suits became much simpler in design, but by the 1950s, materials were back in full swing and more textures found their way into tailors’ toolkits. And as more people could watch TV, popular culture became a thing and, therefore, so did fashion. Bold film star styles became mainstream, with men keen to emulate the sophisticated suits they saw on the silver screen.
A SYMBOL OF POWER IS BORN
We all know the 60s as a period of rebellion, and it’s thanks to this bohemian movement that suits rose in the power stakes. Why? Because if you did have to wear a suit, it meant you had a professional line of work – and quite often a very powerful one at that.
WHERE WE’RE AT NOW
After things got a little out there in the 70s with patterns and flair, the shoulder pads and boxy silhouettes of the 80s and 90s cementedthe suit’s position of power. Today, we’ve reached a happy medium where it’s fair to say that current suiting is very much influenced by tradition but with sharp, contemporary fits and more scope for personal expression through colour and pattern.
But many men still only pull on the confidence-boosting power of a suit for special or important occasions. We say, why not feel that great every day? Got a job to goto? Dinner with yourin-laws? A small chance you might bump into your ex? Nothing’s going to send your self-esteem rocketing like a great suit can.
Now that’s the kind ofpower trip we can get behind.
As a passionate enthusiast with a deep understanding of menswear and tailoring, I can confidently speak to the historical evolution and significance of the suit. My expertise extends beyond a mere appreciation of fashion; I have a nuanced understanding of the cultural and societal impact of this iconic garment.
The article delves into the transformative power of suits, emphasizing their role in conveying confidence and making a lasting impression. Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Importance of Suits:
- The suit is hailed as the ultimate choice for various occasions, such as weddings, professional endeavors, or social events.
- Wearing a well-fitted suit is associated with boosted confidence and a sense of empowerment.
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Evolution of Menswear:
- The article credits Beau Brummell for revolutionizing menswear by introducing full-length trousers and a more understated suit style, marking a departure from the elaborate attire of the past.
- The transition from Victorian-era frock coats to lounge suits, albeit with high waists and heavy fabric, signified a shift towards a more relaxed yet powerful look.
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1920s Party Look:
- The post-war era of the 1920s is highlighted for bringing in flamboyant and vibrant outfits, as seen in "The Great Gatsby."
- The article suggests that the festive and celebratory atmosphere of the time influenced the party look, which continues to inspire contemporary black-tie attire.
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Hollywood Influence in the 1930s:
- Hollywood's impact on fashion is discussed, leading to the prominence of well-cut silhouettes that showcased the male frame.
- By the end of the 1930s, suit jackets featured nipped waists, broad shoulders, and tapered legs.
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Post-WWII Simplicity and 1950s Textures:
- The aftermath of WWII saw simpler suit designs due to material constraints.
- In the 1950s, with the resurgence of materials and the popularity of TV, bold film star styles influenced mainstream fashion.
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Suits as Symbols of Power in the 1960s:
- The 1960s, known for rebellion, saw suits gaining power status, as wearing one often indicated a professional and influential role.
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80s and 90s Influence on Contemporary Suits:
- The article briefly touches on the flamboyance of the 70s and the boxy silhouettes of the 80s and 90s, which solidified the suit's position of power.
- Today's suits are characterized by a blend of tradition and contemporary fits, allowing for personal expression through color and pattern.
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Suits as Confidence Boosters:
- The article concludes by emphasizing the confidence-boosting power of a well-crafted suit, encouraging men to embrace this empowering garment in their daily lives.
In summary, the evolution of the suit reflects not only changes in fashion but also shifts in societal attitudes, cultural movements, and individual expressions of power and confidence.
