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Men's Portrait Gallery
1860

Gentlemen in Long Coats

Gentlemen in Long Coats

Secretary of the Interior Usher (left) displays a fine example of a tailcoat and elaborate cravat that was often used for dress occasions. While Secretary of State for the CSA Hunter (right) shows us the frock coat ensemble that was worn by established businessmen during the early 1860's.  His trousers clearly show the high-waist that was favored throughout the mid nineteenth century.  Notice the wide, elaborate cravats that were worn during the early 1860's.  By mid-decade gentlemen were most often seen with narrow string-style cravats. 

To recreate these looks: choose a notch- or a shawl-collar vest. For the latter part of the decade a high cut notch collared vest would be ideal.  The Tombstone and Wing Tip Shirts would reflect the collared white shirts. Finish with a Frock Coat that suits the look.

Secretary of State William Seward

Secretary of State
William Seward

Secretary of State Seward shows the complete outfit for the distinguished Victorian gentleman. His ensemble combines an unmatched coat and trousers. But most interesting in this photo are his fine top hat and walking stick.

Matthew Brady (1861)

Matthew Brady (1861)

Photographer Matthew Brady, clearly a man of style and confidence, shows his working clothes in this portrait taken in 1861 just after Bull Run. His high-waisted work trousers have a subtle stripe similar to several styles we offer. His long duster is a bit unusual for that era but would work well to keep him dry and protected while in the field.

? Q&A About 1860s Men's Fashion

What did men wear in the 1860s?

Men in the 1860s primarily wore layered outfits consisting of coats, vests (waistcoats), trousers, shirts, and hats. The silhouette evolved from a boxy, oversized look in the early part of the decade to a slimmer, taller silhouette in the latter half, with clothing options including frock coats, sack coats, cutaway coats, and various styles of trousers and accessories.

How did men's fashion change during the 1860s?

Men's fashion in the 1860s underwent a significant transition from the boxy, oversized silhouette of the early decade to a narrower, taller look in the latter half. This evolution was characterized by a shift from loosely cut coats with wide lapels and wide-legged trousers to slimmer-fitting coats with defined waists, narrower sleeves, and more tapered trousers, foreshadowing the sleek style that would define the 1870s.

What factors influenced men's fashion in the 1860s?

Men's fashion in the 1860s was heavily influenced by the American Civil War, advancements in manufacturing technology, the rise of ready-to-wear clothing, and social customs like mourning dress following Prince Albert's death in 1861. The standardization of sizing resulting from military uniform production and the invention of synthetic dyes in the 1850s also played significant roles in shaping the decade's fashion trends.
MORE Q&A

Want to learn more? Visit our 1860s Mens Fashion Guide.

Uncommon Products, Extraordinary Service

Uncommon Products,
Extraordinary Service