There was a growth of garment production in the 1900s, immigrants from all over Europe entered New York in order to make a better life for themselves and their future families. But it was hard work, they worked six days a week, not five, did mostly hand labor. Some sewed buttons as sewing machines didn't have a button sewing function, others sewed dresses, coats, waistcoats, trousers, suspenders, undergarments, etc. Everyone worked hard and they made sure to save up as much money as they could in order to buy "Sunday Clothes." This was an outfit that was formal, they could wear it out for a date or to their preferred religious institution. There were many parts to "Sunday Clothes" and we're going to go over them.
Coat: This is the simple coat that you wear on the outside of your ensemble. It usually has two patch pockets, one on each side of the hip, and a single breast pocket to carry a handkerchief. It's usually made of tweed for winter or cotton for summer and is always paired with similar trousers.
Waistcoat: Most would know this as a vest but it wasn't called that at first, it was known as a waistcoat since a coat was worn passed the waist with long sleeves versus the waistcoat which had the sleeves cut off and ended at the waist. Usually with two to four pockets. It could match the coat and trousers or it could match the shirt but not always.
Dress Shirt: These were stiff and had buttons in the back, not the front. Regular shirts had the collars that stuck up around the neck whereas for formal wear, they were folded over to resemble wings. The shirt also had a detachable collar in case it wasn't wanted for formal wear or special occasions.
Tie/Ascot/Bow Tie: Ties were much longer and thinner than today's ties but were commonly worn with regular casual clothes. Always tucked into the waistcoat so that it would have a clean appearance and show formality. Ascots have a narrow neckband with wide pointed wings, traditionally made of pale gray patterned silk. This tie is folded over and fastened with a stickpin or tie tack, they are reserved for Sunday morning dress and day time weddings.The Bow Tie is a form of tie that is much smaller and folds over to make a bow. They were always white and worn only for special occasions with a matching shirt.
Footwear: The chosen shoes were always wingtips or a form of bowler shoe since those were the most formal looking type of shoe. Always black or white and black toned, it matched the formal wear and the "Sunday Clothes" motif quite well and is still worn today although with more colors to choose from.
For now that's the basics, hope it's been helpful and educational as it gives a better understanding of the evolution of fashion but then again, this is only the formal wear of the 1900's. See you next time and don't forget to comment or like our facebook page (located in the top right corner of the site.)
Coat: This is the simple coat that you wear on the outside of your ensemble. It usually has two patch pockets, one on each side of the hip, and a single breast pocket to carry a handkerchief. It's usually made of tweed for winter or cotton for summer and is always paired with similar trousers.
Waistcoat: Most would know this as a vest but it wasn't called that at first, it was known as a waistcoat since a coat was worn passed the waist with long sleeves versus the waistcoat which had the sleeves cut off and ended at the waist. Usually with two to four pockets. It could match the coat and trousers or it could match the shirt but not always.
Dress Shirt: These were stiff and had buttons in the back, not the front. Regular shirts had the collars that stuck up around the neck whereas for formal wear, they were folded over to resemble wings. The shirt also had a detachable collar in case it wasn't wanted for formal wear or special occasions.
Tie/Ascot/Bow Tie: Ties were much longer and thinner than today's ties but were commonly worn with regular casual clothes. Always tucked into the waistcoat so that it would have a clean appearance and show formality. Ascots have a narrow neckband with wide pointed wings, traditionally made of pale gray patterned silk. This tie is folded over and fastened with a stickpin or tie tack, they are reserved for Sunday morning dress and day time weddings.The Bow Tie is a form of tie that is much smaller and folds over to make a bow. They were always white and worn only for special occasions with a matching shirt.
Footwear: The chosen shoes were always wingtips or a form of bowler shoe since those were the most formal looking type of shoe. Always black or white and black toned, it matched the formal wear and the "Sunday Clothes" motif quite well and is still worn today although with more colors to choose from.
For now that's the basics, hope it's been helpful and educational as it gives a better understanding of the evolution of fashion but then again, this is only the formal wear of the 1900's. See you next time and don't forget to comment or like our facebook page (located in the top right corner of the site.)