Object in focus: man's wedding suit

This exhibition focuses on a magnificent eighteenth-century man's suit, worn for a wedding,
revealing details that tell a story about the fashions of the day and the men
who wore them.

Colours and materials

In the mid eighteenth century pastel colours were very fashionable for the aristocracy. Easy to get dirty and difficult to clean, they needed a lot of attention from servants. Men and women alike wore pale shades to show their wealth and status.

The suit is made of silk and linen.

The original lace still hangs at the cuffs.

Craftsmanship

A suit like this represents thousands of hours of work, from spinning the threads to weaving the cloth, to the embroidery and lace.

Details

Large pocket flaps were very popular, but there were not always pockets underneath.

S-shape

Men’s clothing uses stiff reinforcement in waistcoats and jackets to give a fashionable body shape. Although they look less restrictive than women’s clothes, men’s suits encouraged similar stiff, formal poses and graceful movement.

Curve-shape

Sleeves are cut with a curve to allow the arm to bend without needing the sleeve to be too wide.

Breeches

Breeches were buttoned just below the knee, showing off knitted silk stockings.

Coat tail

Coat tails were divided at the back for horse riding.