The Suit Vest

A formal business suit includes a Jacket, pants and sometimes a suit vest. A suit is considered standard and traditionally male clothing. The Jacket evolved from Waistcoats worn in Britain 400 years ago. Now since abandoned, at that time a hat and wig were also a standard part of the suit. Instead of pants, breeches were worn.

The modern version of the suit became a standard after World War 2. The same time that the Tuxedo became popular for formal wear. Suspenders were gradually replaced by belts on the pants .

Women adopted the popular business uniform for themselves as they came into the work force. Dropping the hem line of the jacket, replacing the pants with skirts. Padded shoulders in woman’s business suits made a raging fashion statement in the 1980s.

The downfall of the suit can perhaps be traced back to the 1960’s when men wearing them were looked down on as lacking individual character. It was a social statement not to wear a suit.

In the last ten years suits have become less and less popular. Casual dress codes prevail at businesses and suits are only worn for formal business or personal occasions. Unmatched jackets remain popular when worn with casual clothing. For a while at least, it seems the suit may fade away until resurrected in a new fashion trend.