
19th-century fashion
Nineteenth-century fashion was characterized by distinct styles that reflected social status and cultural shifts. Men typically wore tailored coats, waistcoats, and trousers, often with top hats, while women favored voluminous dresses with full skirts supported by crinolines or bustles, emphasizing the waist and hips. Fabrics ranged from luxurious silks to sturdy cottons, with intricate lace and embroidery accents. The century saw transitions from elaborate, restrictive garments to more practical attire toward the end. Fashion was influenced by industrialization, leading to mass-produced clothing and new styles like the Victorian look, blending elegance with evolving notions of modesty and social identity.