The History of Men's Trousers. A Beautiful Future

Have you ever wondered how the modern men's wardrobe came to be? Let's skip the medieval male attire; it would be too much for today's fashionistas.

Let's start right from the era of princes. Before the 18th century, noblemen wore culottes—as they were called in France—short breeches that were the prerogative of the wealthy. During the French Revolution, the rebellious commoners were called "sans-culottes," meaning "without culottes": the working class wore long trousers, which were practical for labor.

These garments were made from expensive materials like velvet, silk, and satin. Suede culottes were especially fashionable, a trend introduced by King Charles X. Less wealthy aristocrats used broadcloth and wool. Culottes were predominantly yellow, fawn, or gray. Stockings were worn underneath this finery, with white ones being the most expensive (later, they were worn only to balls). The trousers were paired with shoes—always with high heels and decorated with buckles.

These were the rules dictated by court fashion, which was gradually displaced by more practical long trousers. They came from England, where noblemen spent time on their estates and frequently went horseback riding. By the mid-19th century, expensive fabrics had completely disappeared from the men's wardrobe, replaced by practical wool suitable for hunting and riding in any season.

Thus, the famous "dandy" was formed—a well-groomed yet deliberately nonchalant man whose look was carefully curated down to every detail. Gradually, trousers acquired the look they have today, which freed men from many inconveniences and allowed for an active lifestyle.

By the way... Ladies "stole" culottes as early as the 19th century, but this issue was (incredibly!) considered at the legislative level. Only ladies who owned a bicycle were allowed to wear wide culottes; everyone else faced a serious fine!

Fortunately, today neither fashionistas nor fashionistos have to think too hard about their clothing choices—if you have the desire, you can sport any outfit that matches your inner world.