HAPPY BIRTHDAY TUXEDO: 150 Years In The Life Of Man's Sexiest Suit

The tuxedo was born in 1861, when a Savile Row tailor stitched an informal suit for a friend of the Prince of Wales to wear to dinners in Tuxedo Park, NY.

Library of Congress

Jean Robert-Houdin (1805-1871), the father of modern magic, said the uniform of "real magicians" was a tuxedo.

Library of Congress

Source: Learn Great Magic Tricks

 

In 1986, the normal tuxedo had tailcoats and men wore bowler hats to complete the outfit.

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A tuxedo was a man's jacket for semi-formal evening dress, and traditionally was black or dark-blue, with satin or grosgrain lapels.

Library of Congress

In this tuxedo, not only were the tails cut off, but the bottom of the pants legs were, too.

Library of Congress

After World War II, the tuxedo re-emerged with traits that deviated from the strict black-and-white interpretation. Some were all-white, while others were beige.

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In the 1980's, the tux took on traits of a business suit, with details such as two- and three-button styling, flap pockets, and center vents.

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James Bond always wore a tuxedo in the movies. Sean Connery's white tuxedo in 1964's "Goldfinger" is particularly iconic.

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In 2002, Jackie Chan starred in "The Tuxedo." In the film, his tux gave him super powers.

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The tux has appeared in film again and again. In 2009's "I Love You Man," Paul Rudd posed in his wedding tuxedo, imitating James Bond.

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Generations of pubescent males have worn tuxedos with ties matching their dates' dresses to prom.

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The tuxedo has also crossed genders. Actress Anne Hathaway famously sported one for a song at the 2011 Oscars.

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One notable non-tuxedo wearer? Prince William, who opted for traditional military wear for his 2011 wedding to Kate Middleton.

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Today, the former uniform of the upper crust can be found everywhere, from waiters to puppies.

Want to see how men's formal wear is made?

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