Suiting Separates

"In suits as in legislation, man does not proceed by chance, he is always guided by the mysterious acts of his mind. In every fashion, in every form of dress, the Architectural Idea is ever-present. The body and the suit represent the place and the material on which — and with which — one must construct the splendid edifice of the entire personality."

— Thomas Carlyle

Just before the French Revolution, aristocrats ruled the roost bedecked in knee breeches and tunics of lace, silk and satin. But once guillotines started falling, they got the heady idea that looking too flamboyant was downright undemocratic, and dangerous. So they traded their silks for clinging pantaloons and shortwaisted jackets with tails.

The Industrial Revolution helped fuel the finish of that foppishness, however. As it churned along its all-business way, more and more men of industry and purpose started wearing two-piece suits, garments that looked like they meant business. By the end of the 19th Century, pantaloons were out of the picture.

How did Victoria's grief for her beloved Prince Albert advance the popularity of suits? Well, men all around the world commiserated with the saddened monarch. Plainness, practicality and sobriety reigned in her honor. Ah, how powerful the regal torrent of a woman's tears!