A brief history of trousers

[Monkey@Arms]

Just thought this was interesting.

Pull up your trousers - look smart!

By : Matthew Pressman

Fashion may change, styles come and go, but dressing up for society's formal occasions has changed little over the last one hundred years. For the ladies it's the chance to wear an elaborate gown in the latest style, but for men it still involves sticking to a traditional formal dress code that dictates the wearing of a jacket, appropriate tie and smart trousers.


The first identifiable pair of formal trousers can be traced back to the 15th century when they were known as individual hose, one on each leg. Easy to make, they fastened with ties called points to a doublet at the waist. As time went by the hose were joined, firstly only at the back then eventually across the front. However, despite being joined to form a single garment, trousers were still referred to as a 'pair', just as they are today.


As with most fashion of the age, the French were responsible for introducing full length trousers to Britain during the 19th century. In order to differentiate themselves from despised aristocrats, the French working class adopted full length trousers in place of the highly stylized aristocrats' breeches, and the fashion soon crossed the channel.


Other notable developments in trouser fashion include the adoption of wearing denim. However, contrary to popular belief it was sailors - not cowboys - that first pulled on a pair of jeans. Indeed, sailors have long influenced trousers' wearing habits around the world as they travel between ports and countries, picking up different styles and types and taking them to other parts of the world.


In the 21st century, appearance is important in many societies across the world where dress codes communicate a message claiming personal or cultural identity and also define social norms. In every culture fashion plays a big part in what people wear. For example, wearing expensive designer clothes communicates the wealth of the wearer in most societies. And, in most western societies it is customary for men to wear formal trousers in preference to skirts at society events with the notable exception of Scotland, where many men opt to wear kilts instead of formal trousers on special occasions.


However, when it comes to formal wear the code applies more rigidly to men rather than women. Ladies can wear any type of dress whereas men must strictly abide by the dress code in which formal suits, accompanied with shirt and tie are normally required to be worn. The 'rules' are recognized widely throughout Europe, Australasia and Japan whereas the USA is much more relaxed about such formal occasions.

But, wherever such formal dress codes apply, then formal trousers, a smart jacket and appropriate tie are mandatory for male guests!


About the Author:

Matthew Pressman is a freelance writer and frequent flyer. When not traveling, he enjoys golf and fishing.

Best regards,

Jake

[Navyguy]

And, in most western societies it is customary for men to wear formal trousers in preference to skirts at society events with the notable exception of Scotland, where many men opt to wear kilts instead of formal trousers on special occasions.

Do I have to get rid of my kilts and buy suits, because I dont live in Scotland?

[northernsky]

Great little article. I must say though he is a little behind the times if he thinks kilts are only acceptable formal attire in Scotland. I see them at formal functions here in Canada and I'm sure others will attest to them being worn on 'non-Scottish' occasions throughout the world.

[Rex_Tremende]

Thanks for posting that. I think the history of costume is indeed fascinating. I enjoy going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in NYC when I'm there, and visit regularly online when I'm not.

Since this is off-topic, I will add to this my surprise at finding out these shoes were the fashion for wealthy men in the 17th century.

The French Court championed excessively ornamented clothing and accessories, perhaps as a manifestation of the romantically exuberant decorative arts, or as a reflection of the gross superficiality of social custom. In the same fashion that the formal women's robe à la francaise was designed to showcase the luxurious embroideries and silk damask fabrics of the century, so too did the impossibly tight breeches, skirted waistcoats, and shapely shoes of menswear provide an adequate canvas for the period's woven artistry. Men's adornment was every bit imbued with the elegance, tactile variance, and ostentation that marked women's clothing of the era. The fashionable eighteenth–century man was expected to convey a certain grace, and was required to enjoy the fine arts, music, and dancing. The romantic curviture of these shoes encourages the voyeuristic eye, each arc paralleled by the sensuality of the male arch and calf.

Before pants, men's leg's were the ones being ogled, not the ladies' in their voluminous skirts.

Regards,
Rex.

[Woodsheal]

The writer's history is a tad off. Trousers date to MUCH earlier than the 15th century, having been worn by ancient and Dark Age Celts, Germanic tribes, and Scandanavians, not to mention various horse-riding cultures in both the near and far east....

[McClef]

The article also reinforces the "special occasions" mentality about when (besides where!) kilts can be worn!

[Rex_Tremende]

The article also reinforces the "special occasions" mentality about when (besides where!) kilts can be worn!

I think it's a slight of omission. I would venture to say that most people who own kilts reserve them for special occasions. It's just the few of us who tend to wear them more often. The author is not wrong, he's just not thorough.

Regards,
Rex.

[7 miles]

Might wear pants ,but i am not wearing those shoes!!!! HA HA

[Pleater]

The shoes would - I believe - have been ornamented with lavish buckles on the front, just to be entirely over the top.

[sharpdressedscot]

The writer's history is a tad off. Trousers date to MUCH earlier than the 15th century, having been worn by ancient and Dark Age Celts, Germanic tribes, and Scandanavians, not to mention various horse-riding cultures in both the near and far east....

Beat me to it.


So do I have to wear trousers? Wait, I already am...