The genesis of the modern suit can be traced back to the courts of 17th century Britain, where sartorial laws delineated attire based on social hierarchy.
Initially, reserved for nobility, the privilege of donning luxurious fabrics and vibrant hues was exclusive to the upper echelons of society.
A pivotal moment in fashion history occurred in the wake of the plague outbreak in 1660, when King Charles II mandated a shift towards modest attire to bridge the class divide.
This decree birthed a new era of elegance, characterised by the adoption of subdued office colours such as navy, grey, and taupe.
The amalgamation of a simple jacket, shirt, and trousers ensemble captivated the imagination of merchants and aristocrats alike, laying the groundwork for the evolution of the modern suit.
Fast forward to the 18th century, and we witness another metamorphosis in men's fashion.
The tailored garments of the upper class evolved into the iconic morning suit, a precursor to the timeless tuxedo.
Initially deemed more casual attire, the morning suit continues to grace weddings and formal occasions to this day.
The advent of the tuxedo, famously donned by the Prince of Wales, heralded a new era of sartorial sophistication, as the upper class embraced it for evening affairs.
As we step into the 20th century, the modern suit emerges as a symbol of refinement and versatility.
Its origins shrouded in mystery, the suit quickly became a staple in both elite circles and the working class. The morning suit and tailcoat gradually faded from prominence, making way for the ubiquitous men's dress suit.
The dawn of the 21st century witnessed a renewed emphasis on fit and functionality in suit design. Drawing inspiration from military, medical, and sporting realms, tailors embarked on a quest to perfect the construction, fit, and aesthetic of the modern suit. From working buttonholes inspired by surgical needs to padded shoulders reminiscent of military uniforms, every element of the contemporary suit tells a story of innovation and adaptation.
Now at Tailor Made London we use the latest body scanning technology as well as custom software and processes throughout the production and logistic stages to ensure that creating a suit with us is as simple, straight forward and stress free as possible.
