The 1700s, also known as the 18th century, was a time of significant change in the fashion world, particularly for men. Clothing styles during this period were influenced by a variety of factors, including social class, geographic location, and the shifting dynamics of political power in Europe and beyond. Traditional Western clothing for men in the 1700s saw a remarkable transformation, with the emergence of more refined, structured, and elaborate garments. This article delves into the key elements of men’s fashion during the 1700s, highlighting the distinctive styles and garments that defined the era.
The Early 1700s: Baroque Influences and the Rise of Elegance
At the dawn of the 18th century, the Baroque style continued to influence men’s fashion. This era was marked by opulence, excess, and formality. The clothing was extravagant, often featuring intricate details such as elaborate lace, embroidery, and rich fabrics. Men’s attire was designed to reflect their wealth and status, especially among the aristocracy.
Jackets and Coats:
The doublet was a popular garment during the early 1700s, although it started to evolve into the more recognizable coat that would dominate men’s fashion in the latter part of the century. These coats were often tailored with high collars, elaborate cuffs, and decorative buttons, frequently made from luxurious fabrics like velvet, silk, or brocade.
Breeches and Stockings:
Breeches were knee-length pants that became the norm for men in the early 1700s. They were often made from fine wool or silk and were fastened with buckles or ties at the knee. Beneath the breeches, men wore stockings, typically made from wool or silk, to cover their legs, which were an important part of the overall fashionable look.
Shirts and Cravats:
Underneath their outer garments, men in the early 1700s wore shirts made from linen or cotton. These shirts had full sleeves that were often gathered at the wrist with cuffs. A cravat, a precursor to the modern necktie, was worn around the neck and tied in elaborate knots. Cravats were often made from fine cotton or silk and were a symbol of refined taste and sophistication.
Mid-1700s: Rococo Influence and the Age of Refinement
By the middle of the 1700s, fashion shifted towards the Rococo style, which emphasized even greater elegance and sophistication. Rococo fashion for men became lighter and more playful, with less emphasis on the heavy, formal clothing of earlier years.
Coats and Waistcoats:
In the mid-1700s, coats became more fitted and tailored. They were often adorned with intricate embroidery and delicate trims, reflecting the Rococo taste for lightness and grace. Waistcoats, which were worn underneath coats, gained popularity during this period. These waistcoats were often brightly colored and made of rich fabrics like silk and satin.
Knee-Length Breeches:
Breeches remained a staple of men’s fashion, although they were now worn with a slightly more relaxed fit. The rise of the middle class also contributed to a shift toward simpler, more practical versions of this garment. However, the wealthier classes continued to wear elaborate breeches, often decorated with lace or ribbon.
Footwear:
Footwear in the mid-1700s was characterized by the use of high-heeled shoes for men, particularly among the aristocracy. These shoes were often made of leather or velvet and featured elaborate decorations, including buckles, lace, and ribbons. The high heels of the period were symbolic of social status and were worn to signify elegance and refinement.
Late 1700s: The Age of Revolution and the Shift to Simplicity
As the century progressed and the political landscape shifted with events like the American and French Revolutions, fashion underwent a dramatic transformation. The ornate and exaggerated styles of the previous decades gave way to simpler, more utilitarian clothing, reflecting the changing social climate.
Frock Coats:
In the late 1700s, the frock coat became the new standard for men’s outerwear. The frock coat was longer and more streamlined than the elaborate coats of previous decades, often extending to just below the knee. These coats were characterized by their simplicity, with less decoration and a more practical design. The frock coat was usually made from wool or a wool-blend fabric and was worn with a waistcoat and cravat.
Trousers:
By the late 1700s, trousers began to replace breeches as the standard lower garment for men. These trousers were made from sturdy fabrics like wool and were cut straight and narrow, offering greater comfort and practicality than breeches. Trousers also reflected the growing interest in individualism and a shift away from aristocratic luxury.
Shirts and Neckwear:
Shirts in the late 1700s became more fitted, often made from cotton or linen. Men continued to wear cravats, although the style became simpler, with less emphasis on complex knots and more focus on practicality. The cravat was still considered an essential part of a gentleman’s attire but was worn more casually in this period.
Fabrics and Colors in 1700s Western Fashion
During the 1700s, the types of fabrics used for men’s clothing varied significantly depending on the time period and social class. The wealthiest men wore clothing made from luxurious materials such as silk, velvet, and brocade, while the middle and lower classes typically wore wool and linen.
Rich Fabrics for the Aristocracy:
In the early part of the century, silk and velvet were the preferred fabrics for aristocratic men. These materials were often dyed in rich, deep colors, such as burgundy, navy, and forest green. Brocade fabrics, which were heavily woven with intricate patterns, were also highly prized during the Baroque and Rococo periods.
Simpler Fabrics for the Middle Class:
As fashion became more practical in the late 1700s, men from the middle class began to adopt simpler fabrics like wool, linen, and cotton. These fabrics were more affordable and easier to maintain. Trousers, waistcoats, and frock coats were often made from wool, with more muted colors like gray, brown, and navy becoming common.
The Role of Accessories in 1700s Men’s Fashion
Accessories played a significant role in shaping the overall appearance of men’s clothing during the 1700s. While the emphasis was on structured garments, accessories were often used to make a statement of wealth and style.
Hats:
Hats were an essential accessory for men during the 1700s. The tricorne hat, which had three points, was particularly popular during the early part of the century. These hats were made from felt or silk and were often decorated with feathers or ribbons. In the late 1700s, the bicorne hat, which had two points, replaced the tricorne as the preferred style for formal occasions.
Gloves:
Gloves were another important accessory for men in the 1700s. They were worn as a symbol of refinement and politeness, especially during social occasions. Gloves were made from fine leather or silk and were often decorated with embroidery or lace.
Jewelry and Watches:
Men also wore jewelry during this period, although it was less ostentatious than the jewelry worn by women. Pocket watches were common among wealthy men, and rings, particularly signet rings, were worn as a symbol of status and family heritage.
The Legacy of 1700s Western Clothing for Men
The 1700s were a transformative period for men’s fashion in the Western world. The evolution from the opulent Baroque styles of the early century to the more practical and refined clothing of the late 1700s reflects broader social and political changes. While the styles and materials may have varied depending on social class and geographic location, one thing remains clear: the clothing of the 1700s played a pivotal role in shaping the way men were viewed in society, emphasizing refinement, elegance, and sophistication.
As we look back on the traditional Western clothing for men in the 1700s, we can trace the roots of many of today’s fashion trends, including tailored suits, cravats, and the continued use of waistcoats in modern formal wear. The legacy of 18th-century fashion continues to influence designers and clothing makers to this day, making the fashion of the 1700s an enduring testament to style and sophistication.
