The 19th century was an era of enormous transformation. During this time fashion changed from reflecting social, political and technological changes in society to a more symbolic meaning. From the grace of Regency empire styles on to the excess of the Victorian age, 19th century fashion is here! Here’s how fashion has changed from the beginning of this century, and influenced clothing trends now.

Early 19th Century Fashion

Fashion in the opening years of the 19th century reflected a world at war. Simplified, more relaxed silhouettes appeared in the Regency period in Britain and also in France’s Empire style. For women, this translated to high-waisted dresses of light fabrics such as muslin. The dresses were more column-shaped, often taking cues from that old Grecian and Roman style.

There were tendencies in early 19th century men’s fashion toward a more refined look. They were clad in tailcoats, waistcoats and breeches. These garments were typically of costly materials like silk and velvet. Fashion was all about elegance and it made an impoverished lot feel wealthy and dignified.

The Rise of the Victorian Era

As the 19th century wore on, fashion made a stark turn. The Victorian period (named after Queen Victoria of England) was a return to formal and ornate attire. For women, fashions changed from the Empire silhouette in favor of more fullness in the skirts supported by crinolines or petticoats. These voluminous skirts signified modesty and prosperity.

The Victorian era also popularized the corset. Corsets snugly shaped the waist and contributed to a curved, hourglass silhouette. Fashion for women of this time focused on expressing femininity, and featured a lot of complicated, layered styles. Dresses were constructed of luxuriant fabrics such as silk, satin and brocade which were usually richly trimmed with lace, ribbons and ruffles.

Men s fashion of the Victorian era also became more complex.. Men’s formal wear became defined by the frock coat with its knee-length cut. Suits were cut close-fitting, with a waistcoat as an undergarment below the frock. Everybody also wore top hats to make the male outfit look even more finicky.

Fashion During the Mid-19th Century

After c. 1860, less decorative and more practical styles emerged. Women’s fashion started to show that increased need for comfort, although it was far from practical. For the wide skirt, women wore a crinoline – a stiffened or structured petticoat – and later in the century, bustles to produce volume at the back.

For men, the mid-century was when the sack suit made its debut which eventually developed into the modern equivalent. This looser, more comfortable cut heralded the dawn of practical men’s everyday fashion. The 3-piece suit – jacket, trousers and waistcoat – became a sign of respectability for the middle-classes.

Late 19th Century Fashion

The latter half of the 19th century was a time of luxury and excess, especially during America’s Gilded Age. Wealthy individuals embraced extravagant styles. Women’s clothing was adorned with luxurious fabrics including lace, silk and velvet; elaborate beading and embroidery were also used. The waists were crushed in by tight corsets, and the skirts became full hemisphere shapes supported by crinolines and petticoats.

Men still wore their three-piece suits, but cuts grew more tailored. The upper classes adorned themselves in morning coats, frock coats and tailcoats, with the bowler hat was an indicator of respectability. Men also adopted more informal styles for casual occasions including the sack suit and blazer.

How 19th century fashion influences today

Because even in 19th century fashion, there are things we still wear today. The precise tailoring that arrived on the scene during this period is continued in menswear to this day. The idea of a suit being fitted to the body was an innovation during the Victorian age and established what we know today as business wear.

Modern women’s underwear is largely derived from corsets and dress reformers who helped shed the typical constrictive undergarments men AND women wore. The layering of clothing as well as rich cloth became characteristic if high fashion today. Victorian and regency eras are a big reference for a lot of designers, who design intricate gowns and dresses.

Fashion for the Working Class

Rich folk would dress more elaborately, but the poor class had simpler style. At the beginning of any decade working class clothing was plain and practical. For men, that meant trousers with waistcoats or jackets to match and women embraced the outdoor look with dresses made of relatively durable fabrics like wool and cotton.

Factory works and laborers especially started wearing more work-styled clothing during the century – overalls, aprons. With the coming of the industrial revolution, fashion became more standardized and ready-made clothing was available.

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Conclusion

The 19th Century was a period of tremendous change in fashion. This was a transformative time, when fashion style exploded as evidenced by the loose and updated designs that included much easier fits for the female form after which early 19th century styles served. The tailoring and fabric innovations that occured in this time period were the foundation of a number of today’s styles. From the tailored suits of gentlemen to gowns serviceable for street or home, 19th century fashion still holds a strong presence in the world of dress, and will continue to be taught as long as we consider what to wear.

FAQs

1. What was the key fashion trend for women in the 19th century?

The key trend for women was the large skirts supported by crinolines and petticoats, as well as tightly fitted corsets to create an hourglass figure.

2. How did men’s fashion change during the 19th century?

Men’s fashion evolved from formal tailcoats and breeches to more practical sack suits and three-piece suits. This marked the rise of business suits.

3. What was the most extravagant fashion period in the 19th century?

The late 19th century, particularly the Gilded Age, was marked by excessive and luxurious styles, including heavily embellished dresses for women and refined suits for men.

4. Did the working class follow the same fashion trends?

No, the working class wore more practical and modest clothing, made from durable fabrics like wool and cotton, and later adopted industrial-style clothing such as overalls.