Imagine a tuxedo… What do you see? An aristocrat at the ball? A film star at the Oscars? Yes, this iconic suit has developed a unique image over the years, known as the epitome of men’s formal wear. However, the history behind it is fascinating and centuries long.
The first mentions
One of the earliest instances associated with the tuxedo is believed to be in Britain, in the mid-19th century. During this period, the United Kingdom had a huge separation between lower and upper classes. The latter was getting increasingly into outdoor activities that required a formal yet comfortable attire.
The first suit, with likeliness to the modern tuxedo, was made for King Edward VII. In 1865, he commissioned a well-known tailor, Savile Row, to create a formal jacket. His request was more formal than a lounge suit, but less ornate than a tailcoat. He paired it with matching trousers and wore it in informal dining settings. This point in history has marked the beginning of tuxedos.
American influences
However, the tuxedo did not gain its widespread recognition until later in the 1880s, when it became a popular suit in the United States. It’s believed that a millionaire from the US met King Edward VII on his trip to Britain, where he was introduced to the new fashion item. Back in America, he wore it to the annual Autumn Ball in 1886, hosted at the Tuxedo Park in New York (hence the name). Becoming a true sensation amongst the attendants, the tuxedo carried on to gain huge popularity in the 20th century, as well as gained the iconic name “tuxedo”.
The evolution
While the tuxedo was originally designed as an informal alternative to wearing a tailcoat, over the years it became a more formal attire. It has quickly become a staple in the American high society, where people wore it to black tie events.
But, it wasn’t always the same suit as we know it today – its appearance and shapes changed a lot over the years. The first versions of tuxedo were often in midnight blue, with a double-breasted design. During the World War II, it saw a decline in popularity, but it soon came back in the 1950s, gaining a new shape and understanding.
The Golden Age of Hollywood
The 1950s were a turning point for the tuxedo – this is when the suit became a true symbol of elegance and sophistication. This was due to its many depictions in world-famous films, especially James Bond. The male Hollywood stars quickly picked it up and wore it to the most glamorous events, as the ultimate formal attire.
Over the next few decades, the tuxedo has changed its shapes a few more times. For instance, in the 1970s, huge bow ties and bell-bottom trousers were on the rise, while in the 1980s, the tuxedo became the most similar to what it looks like today.
The modern era
In recent years, the style of tuxedos have continues to evolve, with introductions of new materials and designs. However, one thing remained – the tuxedo is still seen as a timeless choice for high-profile events, such as weddings or celebrity events.
Final word
Regardless of the many transformations the tuxedo had over the centuries, it was always a symbol of elegance. Whether a red carpet or a personal celebration, it will always be a fashionable statement.
