Costume for Men During the Period 1650-1680
Men’s fashion during 1650-1680 went through a shift from the earlier, more flamboyant style to a more sober and structured look. Here are two main options for a costume depending on the specific year within this period. In this article, we explain the Costume for Men During the Period 1650-1680.
Costume for Men During the Period 1650-1680
Shirts
Collars & bands were other a part of the shirt or a separate piece. These enlarged at the front to form of bib like, often lace-trimmed, construction. After 1665 a long linen tie served as an alternative to the collar. Changes in the doublet caused shirts to become more visible & more important. The shirt was the common costume for men during that period.
![Mens Shirt 1650-1680; Costume for Men During the Period 1650-1680](https://www.textileindustry.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mens-Shirt-1650-1680.webp)
Doublet:
This garment shortened ending several inches above the waist. Straight & unfitted through the body doublet sleeves ended the elbow. There were also some sleeveless forms.
![Doublet 1650-1680; Costume for Men During the Period 1650-1680](https://www.textileindustry.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Doublet-1650-1680.webp)
Breeches:
The most important variations were these.
- Full & drawn in to tie at the knee.
- Petticoat breeches or rhine graves: a divided skirt rather like a modern culotte, that was cut so full that it gave the appearance of a short skirt.
- Petticoat Breeches (1650-1680)
- Wide ruffles attached at the bottom of breeches were called canons.
![Footwear 1650-1680; Costume for Men During the Period 1650-1680](https://www.textileindustry.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Breeches-1650-1680.webp)
The origin of these breeches, popular from about 1650 to 1675 is uncertain, but the name Rhine Graves would indicate that they may have originated by Germany.
Vests:
The origin of prototype of what eventually provided into the three-piece suit is thought to be a garment that was introduced to the English court by Charles II in 1666.
![Vests 1650-1680](https://www.textileindustry.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Vests-1650-1680.webp)
Called by contemporaries a “vest” a term used in clothing similar to Persian garments of somewhat short-cut. It is thought to have oriental antecedents. The basic pattern of a long coat & long vest underneath worn over a shirt & breeches did become the basic components of men’s dress not only in England but also in France by around 1680.
Outdoor garments
These included cloaks or capes & coats which were cut full, some versions ending at the knee & obscuring the costume beneath.
Hair & headdress:
Hair:
Some men shaved their heads & wore long curling wigs. Others dressed their own hair in long curling styles.
Hats:
Men wore hats indoors & outdoors and in church.
The most important styles were.
- Wide-brimmed, low-crowned, feather-trimmed hats. (This style was associated with “ Cavaliers” or supports of the British royal family.)
- High-crowned, small-brimmed captains. ( This style was associated with supporters of the Puritan faction, opposed to the king, in England.)
Footwear
Footwear was the another attractive costume for men. Shoes had elaborate rosette, ribbon & buckle trimmings. Shoes were preferred to boots for fashionable dress. Boots were worn for riding & in bad weather. The term galosh appears in contemporary records.
![Footwear 1650-1680](https://www.textileindustry.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Footwear-1650-1680-300x225.webp)
Remember, this is a general guideline for that specific period. You can choose elements from both styles or personalize them for your costume!