Part 4 of the series: Baroque Fashion
While Baroque women's fashion was primarily characterized by its voluminous skirts and artfully designed bodices, men's clothing also underwent fundamental changes during the 17th and early 18th centuries. Between the Early Baroque and the transition to the Rococo, cuts, silhouettes, and garments changed multiple times.
The French court under Louis XIV, in particular, significantly influenced European men's fashion. However, this development was not uniform everywhere. Regional differences and temporal delays meant that older forms of clothing continued to be worn in some countries for a long time.
The Ideal of Beauty
The Baroque ideal of beauty for men differed significantly from today's conceptions. An upright posture with broad shoulders, a seemingly narrow waist, and long legs was sought after. Elegance was demonstrated less by muscle strength and more by posture, high-quality clothing, and a well-groomed appearance.
At court, a harmonious overall appearance was considered an expression of education, prosperity, and social standing.
Clothing was also created in multiple layers
Men's wardrobes also consisted of several layers.
A complete courtly garment could consist of:
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Linen shirt
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Cravat or jabot
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Waistcoat
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Justaucorps
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Breeches
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Stockings
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Shoes with heels and buckles
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Coat or cloak, depending on the occasion
Which garments were worn depended on the time, region, and social status.
From the doublet to the justaucorps
In the early 17th century, the doublet still dominated – a close-fitting, tailored upper garment whose origins dated back to the Renaissance. It was worn over a linen shirt and, together with breeches, formed the core of men's clothing at the time.
Throughout the 17th century, the doublet gradually lengthened and lost its original form. At the same time, a new type of multi-layered clothing emerged. From the formerly dominant doublet, two distinct garments developed: the waistcoat as a close-fitting undergarment and the justaucorps as a long, representative overcoat.
From about the 1660s, the justaucorps increasingly became popular at European princely courts. It was characterized by its tailored cut, long skirts, wide sleeve cuffs, and a row of decorative buttons. It was always worn over a long, often richly embroidered waistcoat.
This combination of waistcoat, justaucorps, and breeches became the characteristic appearance of courtly men's fashion of the High Baroque and remained – with fashionable changes – well into the 18th century.
A silhouette that shaped European men's fashion well into the 18th century.
Breeches and Stockings
Breeches were an integral part of Baroque men's attire. They reached just below the knee and were fastened there with ribbons, buttons, or buckles.
Long silk or wool stockings were worn with them. Especially at court, finely knitted silk stockings were among the visible signs of wealth.
Fabrics and Colors
High-quality materials were preferred for courtly attire.
These included, among others:
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Silk
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Velvet
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Brocade
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Damask
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Fine wool fabrics
Particularly festive garments were embroidered with gold or silver threads. Lace on cuffs and necklines was also part of courtly fashion.
The color palette was diverse. Deep red, blue, green, and purple were considered particularly representative. In the early 18th century, lighter shades also became increasingly popular.
Wigs and Hairstyles
One of the most striking features of men's fashion was the large wigs.
Wigs already came into fashion in the 17th century, but they reached their peak under Louis XIV. The so-called full-bottomed wigs consisted of long, curled sections of hair and gave their wearer a particularly distinguished appearance.
However, not every man wore such an elaborate wig. Its size and design depended on wealth, social rank, and occasion.
Shoes and Accessories
Baroque men's shoes were usually made of leather and had a heel. Characteristic features were large metal buckles or decorative bows.
The courtly appearance also included:
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Gloves
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Walking stick or sword cane
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Hat, often with feather trim
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Sword as a sign of status
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Lace cuffs
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Orders or decorations on official occasions
Many of these accessories had not only a practical but also a representative function.
Clothing as an expression of social status
As with women's fashion, men's clothing also reflected social status. High-quality fabrics, elaborate embroidery, and precious accessories made wealth immediately visible.
At the court of Versailles, clothing and appearance were subject to strict rules. The nobility invested considerable sums in their wardrobes to meet courtly expectations and underscore their social standing.
Baroque men's fashion evolved from the still Renaissance-influenced forms of the early 17th century to the elegant and representative garments of the High Baroque. Justaucorps, waistcoat, breeches, wigs, and richly decorated fabrics became characteristic features of the era.
In the next part of our series, we will focus on the fabrics, colors, and embellishments of Baroque fashion. We will show which materials were particularly sought after, how luxurious textiles were made, and the significance of colors and embroideries in courtly Europe.
Interested? Deepen your knowledge & get creative
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Historical fashion can not only be observed but discovered in detail. Historical costume studies, fashion illustrations, and coloring pages offer a closer look at silhouettes, cuts, and details of past eras.
Historical Costume Studies
Detailed studies of historical clothing – for discovery, design, coloring, and as inspiration for your own historical designs.
→ Discover historical costume studies
The Art of Historical Fashion – Baroque
30 detailed Baroque dresses for coloring, inspired by historical depictions – a creative journey through the fashion of the Baroque.
→ Discover the Baroque coloring book with 30 dresses
Each historical dress tells its own story. Would you like to get creative yourself? Discover our historical costume studies, fashion illustrations, and adult coloring pages – for designing, coloring, and as inspiration for your own historical designs.
1 comment
Molto interessante; mi piacerebbe saperne di più sulla pulizia personale!?!