The Evolution of the Suit: From Royal Courts to Custom Craftsmanship
The modern suit is more than just a symbol of style—it’s a visual history of culture, class, power, and personality. Worn through revolutions, renaissances, and red carpets, the suit has continually evolved to reflect the era and the icons who wore it best. Let’s explore the fascinating story behind the suit, one stitch at a time.
1600s – Royal Order & the Origins of the Suit
What Happened:
In 1666, King Charles II of England literally changed the course of menswear by mandating a uniform for his court: a long coat, waistcoat, cravat, and breeches, all in subdued tones. Tired of the flamboyant French court style, Charles wanted something dignified and unified. This decree marked the beginning of coordinated menswear and introduced the concept of structured elegance—essentially the first form of what we now recognize as a three-piece suit.
Why It Matters:
This was the first time dressing became codified for men—introducing the idea that a coordinated outfit could project authority and taste.
Early 1800s – The Dandy’s Revolution
What Happened:
The suit as we know it owes a debt to Beau Brummell, the original style icon of Regency England. He stripped away the frills of 18th-century fashion in favor of dark, well-cut coats, clean cravats, and polished boots. His insistence on simplicity, sharp tailoring, and hygiene redefined masculine elegance and helped popularize the understated suit among aristocrats and intellectuals alike.
Why It Matters:
Brummell didn’t just dress well—he shifted the entire paradigm. Today’s love for minimal, perfectly fitted suits traces directly back to his influence.
Mid–1800s – Industrial Elegance & the Lounge Suit Emerges
What Happened:
As city life expanded and the industrial revolution took hold, suiting became more practical. Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband, helped popularize the lounge suit—a less formal alternative to the frock coat. His own love of tailored morning coats and formal wear influenced the rising middle class to adopt structured, wearable suits made from durable fabrics like wool and tweed.
Why It Matters:
This era birthed the idea of the suit as daywear for the professional man—not just court attire. It laid the groundwork for suiting in both social and business life.
1920s–1930s – Swagger & Sharpness in the Jazz Age
What Happened:
In the Roaring Twenties, style became a performance—and Duke Ellington was the headliner. The jazz legend’s bold pinstripe suits, slick tailoring, and fearless attitude captured the energy of the Harlem Renaissance. His stage presence and dapper style helped redefine the suit as a symbol of power, pride, and artistry—especially within Black culture.
Why It Matters:
The suit became a stage of self-expression, showing that tailoring could be just as much about individuality as conformity.
1950s–1960s – Hollywood Cool & The Streamlined Silhouette
What Happened:
Nobody wore a suit like Sean Connery’s James Bond. On screen, his suits were weapons of charm: clean lines, narrow lapels, and minimal fuss. Behind the scenes, designers like Anthony Sinclair created the “Conduit Cut”—a trim, modern silhouette that combined British tradition with contemporary flair. Bond’s image reshaped global menswear, turning the suit into the ultimate cool-guy uniform.
Why It Matters:
The sleek, effortlessly confident vibe of modern suiting started here. Every modern slim-fit suit owes something to Bond’s silhouette.
1970s – Wide Lapels, Bigger Statements
What Happened:
In the '70s, tailoring went off-script—and Mick Jagger led the charge. His suits were electric: crushed velvet, brocade, flamboyant colors, and rockstar confidence. The suit became an extension of the counterculture—far from the corporate uniform. It was daring, rebellious, and unapologetically expressive.
Why It Matters:
Jagger’s flamboyant tailoring paved the way for fashion as performance. Statement suiting in bright colors or bold fabrics still channels this disco-era daring.
1980s – Corporate Power & Executive Armor
What Happened:
As Wall Street boomed, so did the “Power Suit.” Gordon Gekko (played by Michael Douglas) embodied the era with bold pinstripes, wide lapels, and suspenders. Though fictional, Gekko’s style influenced a generation of businessmen. The suit became a symbol of authority, wealth, and control—an armor for corporate warfare.
Why It Matters:
The structured silhouette of today's business suits still borrows from this era’s demand for impact, presence, and dominance.
1990s–2000s – Relaxed Refinement
What Happened:
As office culture softened, suits became looser, lighter, and more laid-back. Giorgio Armani led the way with unstructured jackets and muted tones, allowing men to feel both comfortable and elegant. The suit transformed from rigid uniform to relaxed luxury—ideal for creative industries and modern workplaces.
Why It Matters:
Today’s soft tailoring, casual fabrics, and relaxed cuts are direct descendants of Armani’s cool, confident approach to menswear.
2010s–Today – The Era of Customization
What Happened:
In the age of personal branding, the suit became a canvas. LeBron James turned heads at events like the NBA Finals in tailored shorts suits and bold fabrics. Red carpet suits became statements, not just staples. With technology and tailoring advancing, custom suits now reflect your story, personality, and even your values (hello, sustainable fabrics).
Why It Matters:
We’re now in the golden age of suiting freedom—where you define the rules, the fit, and the flair.
TruTailor’s Take: A Suit with a Story
Each era—and each icon—reshaped the suit to reflect the spirit of their time. At TruTailor Custom Suits, we’re here to help you craft your own chapter in that legacy. Whether you draw inspiration from Brummell’s refinement, Bond’s cool, or Jagger’s flash, we’ll tailor a look that’s distinctly you.
Come write your style story with us!