The Suit: Form, Function and Style

For over 400 years the tailored suit has dominated wardrobes the world over. Its simple forms, inspired by royal, military, religious and professional clothing, have provided a functional and often elegant uniform for modern life. But whether bespoke or tailor-made, on the street or in the office, during times of celebration or crisis, we typically take the suit for granted, ignoring its complex construction and many symbolic meanings. The Suit unpicks the story of this most familiar garment, from its emergence in western Europe at the end of the seventeenth century to today. For all those interested in the history of menswear, this beautifully illustrated book offers new perspectives on this most mundane, and poetic, product of modern culture.