As a reenactor across the 16th/17th century period you were detailing a lot of my regulars and I am deeply disappointed that you believe people were not washing their undergarments. Their outer woollens would indeed be brushed and aired rather than washed to increase the lifetime of the item, but linens that sat close to the skin would be regularly washed and many techniques used to keep them clean and bright
Agreed! They missed a lot in here and looked down on several perfectly acceptable items. Of course, if you only work by going into an office, you could be forgiven for missing on why a long shirt tail on a work shirt is so nice! I have had a couple of 1880's workshirts made for me and plan to have more. They are not quite 18th century long but still much longer than a typical modern shirt.
We can actually learn a bit from the wigs. The powder acted as a form of dry shampoo, keeping the scalp clean without interfering with the hair's natural oils. Wet shampoo will dry out the hair oils, which is why it ought not to be used excessively, and why conditioner is applied alongside it. And the pomade used alongside the powder was so effective, we still use it today in one form or another. I've heard lawyers in England describe the feeling of wearing a wig as providing anonymity. It will make a younger man look older and more dignified, but blur the age of an older man, making him look wise. Wearing it today would make you stand out like a sore thumb, but in a context where others are wearing it, much like Black Tie, it would make every man feel as though he is well-attired and respectful of the event. And, Preston, regarding the wig, I think you can pull it off, ha ha.
A couple of historical footnotes: The term "Powder room" derives from the fact that wealthy people often had a closet devoted to powdering their hair so that said powder wasn't drifting all over the bedroom. Second, before the discovery of germ theory in the early 19th century, people thought disease was carried by bad odors. It was not practical for people to take full baths, and at times people did believe that dunking oneself in a tub of water. That's not surprising given that this would have been dunking yourself in tub of , at best lukewarm water in a poorly heated room. They were concerned about body odors and sponged off important areas on a regular basis. That is what a wash basin and pitcher (for hot water) is used for. While nice outer clothes made of expensive fabrics were rarely ever washed, the long undershirts, intended to protect their outer clothing were washed as often as people could afford to do so. Wearing an obviously stained shirt was a distinct mark of social inferiority.
Linen and hempen undergarments were washed *very* regularly and completely sanitized (by boiling) at least seasonally. There's a number of in-depth videos available on 18th century laundering practices, and Abby Cox has a video on how disgusting modern laundry is, by comparison. There are also numerous videos on sponge baths and how not submerging yourself in a kettle-heated bathtub every day does not equate to never washing. This is all widely available information. But to reiterate - undergarments were changed out frequently and laundered often. It's the other (usually woolen garments, frequently lined with silk or fur) garments that get reworn and don't get washed very often, except spot cleaning. And honestly, how often do you launder your suit jackets? I feel like this is an area where people wearing classic menswear really ought to get it in a way that people wearing t-shirts on bare skin might not.
In my country it was common for households to use cotton diapers up untill the 1980s. They were economical and only needed to be washed and boiled to be reused. Heck, some people do it nowadays too.
"...not submerging yourself in a kettle-heated bathtub does not equate to never bathing." So true! People have such an odd obsession with this thing. You really only need to bathe or shower daily if you're working long hours in dirty or physically demanding work. For the majority of us who aren't sweating profusely the entire day, these rituals are just overkill. It wouldn't be so bad if people weren't so uptight about this thing, with people acting like if you even shower every other day, you're some sort of dirty pig. It isn't even healthy to shampoo your hair daily! I'm just not sure what sort of filth or immense odor people assume they're getting by being in an office and car all day.
Are you trying to say that people in the XVIII century were cleaner than us? I don't think so! Also, who had the time and resources (plenty of wood) to boil water just to "sanitize" some garments? Really clean people must have been very scarce as the prevailing idea was that bathing or washing was no good for your health.
I sanitize my kitchen sink and tools by boiling water (scalding). Actually, I think boiling undergarments or bed linen will come back as diseases are evolving and spreading very fast (as seen during CoVid).
1. Why don't we like the chaperon? I quite like the look! 2. I am curious about your source for the origin of the chaperon. I've seen the same explanation for its origin presented as a theory by Jason Kingsley on RUclips, so I would be curious to know if he was the source of that (perhaps he deserves accreditation in that case) or perhaps both GG and he got the idea from the same place, or some different other places, etc. I only mention because, as far as I recall, Kingsley presented the idea as a product of his own personal speculation, so if indeed it was, I feel he deserves a shout! 3. Small point, but during the discussion of breeches, Preston is discussing court uniforms, whilst the image depicts what I understand to be the men-at-arms at the House of Commons.
I won't defend the mass market polyester of the 1970s but I do think the tailoring has merit. A sort of playful hyper-masculine take on the suit that is probably closer to the classic 30s silhouette than our modern stuff. I'd take flares over anything described as skinny to be honest.
In my country it was common for households to use cotton diapers up untill the 1980s. They were economical and only needed to be washed and boiled to be reused. Heck, some people do it nowadays too.
Breeches and stockings were absolutely epic, I don't get why you put them on the list. Very aesthetically pleasing items. They may look feminine from the more modern perception of masculinity that was solidified in the 20th century, but when you look outside of that - it's rather very pretty stuff.
@@Bebronyoukh GG have in recent years toned down the snobbery and endorsed individuality. Instead of "This is the proper way and every other way is wrong", it's "This is what we consider best, take from it what you like, but it's no gospel (unless it's black or white tie)." It's not clickbait in the sense that they don't deliver what's in the title, but the whole video is meant to get views with its sensational attitude. I do understand why they did it, but it's sad they had to do it.
If you enjoy wearing breeches and stockings, we applaud you! The video is meant as a fun way of looking back at historical menswear in the same way we all look back at old photos of ourselves and go "wow, did I really used to wear that?!"
Etiquette consultant here: Shirts are still considered underwear today. There is a story of a Savile Row tailor who had a new hire. Tailors would remove their jackets to work. One of the tailor’s assistants had to send a message to another tailor across the street. He ran outside in his shirt and was berated by his tailor to never be out in public without his coat. Also, the reason we wear military style trousers today is because the Duke of Wellington was wearing his battle trews and was not let into a party, because he was not wearing the appropriate dress breeches at the time. After that, royal decree shifted from his experience gradually taking over the contemporary style.
I love this thanks for the playful video!! Who knew that watching a RUclips could change my fashion game for the better?! Thanks to Gentlemans Gazette, I'm finally stepping up my style game and feeling like a true gentleman. Keep the videos coming!
People of these historical times would probably consider the modern men's suit plain and unembellished- as we're in a period of minimalism with western mens fashion at the moment. Throughout the past thousand years there's been a wax and wane of maximalist to minimalist styles. For example the Tudor ruffs with great slashed breeches began to give way to the knee high stockings and the ancestors of the modern trousers and shirt collars when the Puritans with their more conservative way of life were in charge. After that was the rise of the Tricorn with the Stewarts reign, which became huge wigs and long coats in the Georgian times. But by the end of the Georgian period, the wigs became smaller again, the suits figure hugging. This went through the Victorian age where the waistline dropped and the embellishments became few until finally landing on the styles which we've kept through several Windsor reigns- from after Victoria's death to the present. What we have today is just a visual few steps away from those things, and without the past what we wear and consider fashionable might be very different. Consider China or Japan, who's style of dress has evolved without western influence up until the Edo period (japan) and the clothes were built mainly upon straight squares wherein the signs of class were the quality of the embellishments on the fabric or the amount of layers one could afford was a far greater indicator of style and class. If we went in a time machine to them, to the ancient Romans, to the Elizabethans, they wouldn't drop to their knees praising our modernity and grace. They'd probably consider Us wearing strange garb from a far off distant culture, and wonder why we have squares of fabric in our pockets and knots around our necks with no gold or pearls to be seen save for maybe around the wrist. Anyway, the past is not so long ago and the future is not so far ahead haha, remember the foundations because nothing was made in vacuum, despite how in many other ways we are advanced. I wonder what our great grandchildren will laugh and point at if they saw pictures of us.
I disagree that breeches and stockings were a fashion fail. They even sorta made a comeback in the 1920's for sports wear, although with looser fit pants. I think they're a more stylish alternative to modern day shorts. Although the 1700's version with a frock coat was a very different look from the modern suit, I've always thought that was a neat looking style. Otherwise I agree with this list.
I don't mind the breeches and knee high stockings, but, the codpiece... I don't need that glaring out at me all the time! This codpiece thing was news to me! How did it get the name? Do barristers in the UK still wear powdered wigs when trying a case? This was so much fun Preston! Thank you very much! Lisa
Codd is Old English for a pouch or sack (which by Middle English is ... the kind of sack a fella's balls come in). So, a codpiece is a piece of clothing for one's codd!
I wouldn't call all of these "fails". Coifs were functional and served their purpose well, breeches and stockings were actually subtly elegant in the 18th century IMO and not that uncomfortable, ruffs are comparable to modern neckties and cravats (although the larger ones looked too showy and unpractical), and tie-on glasses don't seem that difficult to handle (especially if you know how to fasten your own cummerbund). Codpieces, poulaines and the nether-above-upper-hose look were definitely gaudy, and wigs were a tad too fussy to work with, though. Also, the idea that people were so unhygienic in the past is erroneous, people did clean their bodies and under garments regularly. Just because germ theory wasn't realized yet, it didn't mean people didn't see the value of cleanliness.
Hi guys, massive fan for a long time. The "old money aesthetic" is becoming increasingly popular on many platforms like tiktok and youtube shorts with people aiming to achieve a classy, sophisticated but also very relaxed look usually with a classic country style shirt, knit sweaters, tweed and wax jackets and gilets (body warmers) for winter looks; alongside loose and unbuttoned linen shirts and shorts for the warmer climates, all from different brands. Can you address this style in your next video and give us some tips or do's or don't's? This would be helpful for the younger, more discerning gentleman who is exposed to such content on the daily. Also, would be great to have a video all about hunting style, its history and origins and rather nifty inventions and changes to garments in this subsection of menswear!
A fail today is not tucking in your shirt. It is lazy, looks either like a dress if too long, or you are hiding the fact that you have a belly. It is also a waste of a good belt or cinch trouser waistband.
9:58 - D. Pedro II lived in the 19th century and the use of that kind of collar was just for ceremonial purposes. During his life he was known for his quite sober and discret way of wearing.
The dress has been _the_ default unisex clothing for humanity for most of its history. Many cultures worldwide have a men's clothing style that could be considered a dress in different circumstances. For example: The toga, chiton, kilt, kurta, poncho, yukata/kimono, sarong, justacorps/cassock/habit, boubou, gho, deel, fustanella, thobe/thawb, etc... Even the 18th century long coats worn by the most prominent men of the period were called "frock coats" because they resembled "frocks" or dresses. Even the basic word for putting on clothing of any type is to "dress."
Looking good. Actually thought lace would have made the list. There is a BBC children’s show called horrible histories which features sketches mocking the trends. In one sketch wigged Prince Regent George IV gets news from his man servant. Sire: I am afraid I have bad news. George IV: powdered wigs are not coming back?! He then shows off the padding to show off his ‘manly’ calves. Another sketch has a modern fashion guy redressing medieval and Georgian men with his bossy charm. At least you do not need to wear white make up and rouge to be aristocrat or permit bloodletting to get that pale complexion. Haha
I heard a theory that codpieces back then were used as a means to... ease the discomfort caused by one funny disease, the one Al Capone had. Also a funny historical fact regarding wigs, the king of Lithuanian-Polish Republic(that's the most direct translation from both Lithuanian and Polish btw), Michal Korybut Wyszniowecki actually had to get an approval from the country's parliament to wear a french style wig.
This might be sacrilegious for this channel but... we might need to face the fact that the necktie will be on a list like this in the near future. The necktie serves no practical purpose. It's now merely a decorative tradition that doubles as a status symbol - which is the endgame of all of those other fancy but useless status symbols on this list. At least the cravat served to protect your skin from your collar and vice-versa. Moving it to the outside of your shirt material defeated that functionality. I suppose a necktie covers up your shirt buttons, but that also is merely aesthetic.
I had quite a laugh. This was without doubt the best episode ever, and rather educational too, who knows when one might decide to rattle up the faithful cogpiece again. Everyone will instantly know they are no devoted followers of the gentlemans gazette, that'sfor sure. Chapeau lads!👏👏👏
A note to whigs/Perücken. Years ago i was invited to a meeting of coin collectors. As Special Guest the Direktor of württembergian coin cabinet appeared . He showed a number of Taler coins from late 17th century, which had been produced by order of the same württembergian Duke. Most of the coin pictures showed his face and head with ,modern' french whig. But one coin picture showed him in Armour and with german style short cut natural hair. The coin was produced in wartime, and the Duke wanted to show: I am a brave german noble, who protects Germany against the French.
Sorry but you quaff a tankard of ale. The head cloth is pronounced as Koif. Having worn most of these I can say that they're no more ridiculous than kippers ties, ripped jeans or winklepickers. They're just a fashion that goes a little too far.
as others have said under clothing was washed very regularly and one of its functions was to protect the outer garments which were more costly and made of largely on washable fabrics like silk and wool. Linen and then cotton shirts were certainly washed as well as underpants and under breechrs. I've worn these things for a great length of time myself and can testify that it's perfectly clean and comfortable and nobody regardless of time., Wants to stink.
Don't start making powdered whigs! Or I guess I shouldn't care. Make them if you want. If you can sell them, good for you. I might buy ties & socks from you if and when I can afford them. I do like how you have different tie lengths & the short ones are perfect for short men like myself.
Best one I heard was that the tudor ruff was invented by Queen Elizabeth 1 to hide her Adams apple cos she was actually a dude!...and the thick makeup to hide the 5o'clock shadow lol🤣
Do not quit your day job to become a fashion historian. Your “information” was nothing more than a mass of ignorant stereotypes regurgitated with out any research into the truth which is EASILY available on the internet now a days. A gentleman should know better. Think about the myths perpetrated on the clothing you are genuinely knowledgeable and passionate about and how wrong they are.
Nothing compared with what we women had to put up with just to fit in socitys trending , small feets , no waist, no head above,big inplants where ever on the body, putting on my weil now, Love history lessons with Mr. Preston , I will go back to the leaves some ancient folks wore..before they were thrown out from paradise...... funnny pfotos 😄what will tomorrows designer come up with, something for space , who will laugh or wonder why.....we dress for succses.......
Dear Gentlemen! Could you make a video where you discuss about shirts from Seidensticker (Germany)? In my opinion, they produce well fiting shirts with a quite high quality. I really like them. Thank you!
In 2150: "historical fashion mistakes of the 19th and 20th century. 1, the bowtie. These strips of fabric, often in bright patterns and colors were tied in a knot around ones neck similar to a collar. It was popular in the late 19th to early 20th but was still worn up into the mid twenty first century. I's quiet certain we can all be glad these are no longer worn.
This one, sadly, I didn't enjoy so much. I'm a bit disappointed as I expected better quality of research from you tbh. I don't see why we would need another "people back then were soo dumb, we are today soo much smarter"-bs. History of fashion is first and foremost very interesting, because it shows us what solutions people back then with their resources found. As a second step we can give our opinion , if we like it or not, but I would rather know a bit more on why they were doing it this way. I.e. check out videos by Abby Cox and Nicole Rudolph, if you want to learn more.
You can't really fail in fashion in most cases. It's just a popularity contest and what is popular changes. It's ultimately arbitrary aside from practical considerations like ability to move, how easily you can wash something, how durable an item is, how expensive it is, etc. I go with what is popular enough in my time that is also practical in the ways i mentioned. If something becomes popular and is very expensive, i don't bother with it. If it's affordable enough and actually good quality while not making me stand out too much, then fine. Clothing doesn't matter much to me. I only follow a channel like this to see what trends there currently are. So i don't have to think much about it.
Well. I don’t know. I don’t agree with some things. I have late 18th century and regency clothes and breeches are okay. There were roomier breeches and tighter breeches (for more formal occasions). But all had quite much space in in the back. Try to look to the original pieces. I wear breeches for historical events, balls and dance in them and the. Much more comfortable than modern skinny fit trousers.... especially jeans.
The darker side of the story concerning powered wigs is Louis XIII went bald from syphilis so he started wearing wigs. The Stuart Charles II also starting wearing wigs for the same reason.
I disagree with most of these choices powdered wigs are beautiful and all fashion from the 17th and 18th centuries is rather beautiful also Breeches and stockings are quaint and sweet as well but I do love most other vids on this channel but this one is not exactly aligned with my opinion.
some controversial takes but it’s ok love you anyway preston this is a W in my bookk 😩😩😩😢😢❤️🧀👍🤮🎉🎉🎉🔔🔔‼️‼️👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😍😍🥰🥰♒️🔯🔯♍️✡️♐️🔯♋️🖤🖤🤍💕💔💞🏹🏹☕️☕️❌⭕️❌⭕️❌⭕️❌⭕️
@@gentlemansgazette Sure, although it is still somewhat strange to talk about men’s fashion fails from history as a channel that advocates a style that is practically just as historical as anything shown in this video, in the sense that it does not represent contemporary fashion or style. Perhaps my issue is more with the title than anything else…
You've made the same mistake again. "The Taste" is a very subjective and volatile term glued to the "common sense" of the era which is not "objective" but rather the "sum of subjectives". It's like trashing other genres from position of a Classical Music Expert. Lots of people can say the same things about neck scarf under shirt.
How is he making a "mistake" when he here is precisely expressing his subjective preferences and trying to persuade people about them? if you disagree, then you disagree.
These aren't all "fails", most of these are just different styles and customs that seem weird to us today because it's been hundreds of years.
As a reenactor across the 16th/17th century period you were detailing a lot of my regulars and I am deeply disappointed that you believe people were not washing their undergarments.
Their outer woollens would indeed be brushed and aired rather than washed to increase the lifetime of the item, but linens that sat close to the skin would be regularly washed and many techniques used to keep them clean and bright
These guys only put their due diligence to the 30s and 40s fashion but everything else their research is somewhat lacking.
Agreed! They missed a lot in here and looked down on several perfectly acceptable items. Of course, if you only work by going into an office, you could be forgiven for missing on why a long shirt tail on a work shirt is so nice! I have had a couple of 1880's workshirts made for me and plan to have more. They are not quite 18th century long but still much longer than a typical modern shirt.
Us barristers in the UK still wear the wigs for most court appearances. They're still handmade from horsehair, but I don't think they're powdered!
We can actually learn a bit from the wigs. The powder acted as a form of dry shampoo, keeping the scalp clean without interfering with the hair's natural oils. Wet shampoo will dry out the hair oils, which is why it ought not to be used excessively, and why conditioner is applied alongside it. And the pomade used alongside the powder was so effective, we still use it today in one form or another.
I've heard lawyers in England describe the feeling of wearing a wig as providing anonymity. It will make a younger man look older and more dignified, but blur the age of an older man, making him look wise. Wearing it today would make you stand out like a sore thumb, but in a context where others are wearing it, much like Black Tie, it would make every man feel as though he is well-attired and respectful of the event.
And, Preston, regarding the wig, I think you can pull it off, ha ha.
Interesting idea, thanks for sharing!
A couple of historical footnotes: The term "Powder room" derives from the fact that wealthy people often had a closet devoted to powdering their hair so that said powder wasn't drifting all over the bedroom. Second, before the discovery of germ theory in the early 19th century, people thought disease was carried by bad odors. It was not practical for people to take full baths, and at times people did believe that dunking oneself in a tub of water. That's not surprising given that this would have been dunking yourself in tub of , at best lukewarm water in a poorly heated room. They were concerned about body odors and sponged off important areas on a regular basis. That is what a wash basin and pitcher (for hot water) is used for. While nice outer clothes made of expensive fabrics were rarely ever washed, the long undershirts, intended to protect their outer clothing were washed as often as people could afford to do so. Wearing an obviously stained shirt was a distinct mark of social inferiority.
Linen and hempen undergarments were washed *very* regularly and completely sanitized (by boiling) at least seasonally. There's a number of in-depth videos available on 18th century laundering practices, and Abby Cox has a video on how disgusting modern laundry is, by comparison. There are also numerous videos on sponge baths and how not submerging yourself in a kettle-heated bathtub every day does not equate to never washing. This is all widely available information.
But to reiterate - undergarments were changed out frequently and laundered often. It's the other (usually woolen garments, frequently lined with silk or fur) garments that get reworn and don't get washed very often, except spot cleaning. And honestly, how often do you launder your suit jackets? I feel like this is an area where people wearing classic menswear really ought to get it in a way that people wearing t-shirts on bare skin might not.
One of the major advantages of linen compared to other fabrics was ease of washing.
In my country it was common for households to use cotton diapers up untill the 1980s. They were economical and only needed to be washed and boiled to be reused. Heck, some people do it nowadays too.
"...not submerging yourself in a kettle-heated bathtub does not equate to never bathing."
So true! People have such an odd obsession with this thing. You really only need to bathe or shower daily if you're working long hours in dirty or physically demanding work. For the majority of us who aren't sweating profusely the entire day, these rituals are just overkill. It wouldn't be so bad if people weren't so uptight about this thing, with people acting like if you even shower every other day, you're some sort of dirty pig. It isn't even healthy to shampoo your hair daily! I'm just not sure what sort of filth or immense odor people assume they're getting by being in an office and car all day.
Are you trying to say that people in the XVIII century were cleaner than us? I don't think so! Also, who had the time and resources (plenty of wood) to boil water just to "sanitize" some garments? Really clean people must have been very scarce as the prevailing idea was that bathing or washing was no good for your health.
I sanitize my kitchen sink and tools by boiling water (scalding). Actually, I think boiling undergarments or bed linen will come back as diseases are evolving and spreading very fast (as seen during CoVid).
1. Why don't we like the chaperon? I quite like the look!
2. I am curious about your source for the origin of the chaperon. I've seen the same explanation for its origin presented as a theory by Jason Kingsley on RUclips, so I would be curious to know if he was the source of that (perhaps he deserves accreditation in that case) or perhaps both GG and he got the idea from the same place, or some different other places, etc.
I only mention because, as far as I recall, Kingsley presented the idea as a product of his own personal speculation, so if indeed it was, I feel he deserves a shout!
3. Small point, but during the discussion of breeches, Preston is discussing court uniforms, whilst the image depicts what I understand to be the men-at-arms at the House of Commons.
Everything in this video was infinitely more stylish and pleasing to the eye than anything that was worn during the 1970s.
I won't defend the mass market polyester of the 1970s but I do think the tailoring has merit. A sort of playful hyper-masculine take on the suit that is probably closer to the classic 30s silhouette than our modern stuff. I'd take flares over anything described as skinny to be honest.
In my country it was common for households to use cotton diapers up untill the 1980s. They were economical and only needed to be washed and boiled to be reused. Heck, some people do it nowadays too.
In reenactor circles, it is pretty common when wearing a codpiece to put a squeaky toy inside it.
💀
Breeches and stockings were absolutely epic, I don't get why you put them on the list. Very aesthetically pleasing items. They may look feminine from the more modern perception of masculinity that was solidified in the 20th century, but when you look outside of that - it's rather very pretty stuff.
Sadly, because of RUclips economies, GG have to put out a clickbait now and then to keep their viewership.
@@vaclav_fejt well it's not a clickbate, quite some of the listed items were hillarious, I just don't get why would these two be put there
@@Bebronyoukh GG have in recent years toned down the snobbery and endorsed individuality. Instead of "This is the proper way and every other way is wrong", it's "This is what we consider best, take from it what you like, but it's no gospel (unless it's black or white tie)."
It's not clickbait in the sense that they don't deliver what's in the title, but the whole video is meant to get views with its sensational attitude. I do understand why they did it, but it's sad they had to do it.
@@vaclav_fejt maybe maybe, maybe it would be more according to call the video "haha look at these hillarious centuries old thingies"
If you enjoy wearing breeches and stockings, we applaud you! The video is meant as a fun way of looking back at historical menswear in the same way we all look back at old photos of ourselves and go "wow, did I really used to wear that?!"
Etiquette consultant here: Shirts are still considered underwear today. There is a story of a Savile Row tailor who had a new hire. Tailors would remove their jackets to work. One of the tailor’s assistants had to send a message to another tailor across the street. He ran outside in his shirt and was berated by his tailor to never be out in public without his coat.
Also, the reason we wear military style trousers today is because the Duke of Wellington was wearing his battle trews and was not let into a party, because he was not wearing the appropriate dress breeches at the time. After that, royal decree shifted from his experience gradually taking over the contemporary style.
1. Coifs were for helmets and lice protection . And it was really cold all the time .
"Cold all the time"?
These are not (most of them) fails, these are simply what people used in other times. The tight breeches are not bad at all.
Agreed. Cod pieces, those are a fashion fail as well as ruffled collars. The rest though, it was just evolving styles. We had to start somewhere!
I love this thanks for the playful video!! Who knew that watching a RUclips could change my fashion game for the better?! Thanks to Gentlemans Gazette, I'm finally stepping up my style game and feeling like a true gentleman. Keep the videos coming!
Glad to be a part of your journey, Shaw! 🥂
People of these historical times would probably consider the modern men's suit plain and unembellished- as we're in a period of minimalism with western mens fashion at the moment. Throughout the past thousand years there's been a wax and wane of maximalist to minimalist styles. For example the Tudor ruffs with great slashed breeches began to give way to the knee high stockings and the ancestors of the modern trousers and shirt collars when the Puritans with their more conservative way of life were in charge. After that was the rise of the Tricorn with the Stewarts reign, which became huge wigs and long coats in the Georgian times. But by the end of the Georgian period, the wigs became smaller again, the suits figure hugging. This went through the Victorian age where the waistline dropped and the embellishments became few until finally landing on the styles which we've kept through several Windsor reigns- from after Victoria's death to the present. What we have today is just a visual few steps away from those things, and without the past what we wear and consider fashionable might be very different. Consider China or Japan, who's style of dress has evolved without western influence up until the Edo period (japan) and the clothes were built mainly upon straight squares wherein the signs of class were the quality of the embellishments on the fabric or the amount of layers one could afford was a far greater indicator of style and class. If we went in a time machine to them, to the ancient Romans, to the Elizabethans, they wouldn't drop to their knees praising our modernity and grace. They'd probably consider Us wearing strange garb from a far off distant culture, and wonder why we have squares of fabric in our pockets and knots around our necks with no gold or pearls to be seen save for maybe around the wrist. Anyway, the past is not so long ago and the future is not so far ahead haha, remember the foundations because nothing was made in vacuum, despite how in many other ways we are advanced. I wonder what our great grandchildren will laugh and point at if they saw pictures of us.
I disagree that breeches and stockings were a fashion fail. They even sorta made a comeback in the 1920's for sports wear, although with looser fit pants. I think they're a more stylish alternative to modern day shorts. Although the 1700's version with a frock coat was a very different look from the modern suit, I've always thought that was a neat looking style. Otherwise I agree with this list.
I have a pair from my 18th century re-enacting days. I love them as they are super comfortable. I still wear them from time to time.
I don't mind the breeches and knee high stockings, but, the codpiece... I don't need that glaring out at me all the time! This codpiece thing was news to me! How did it get the name?
Do barristers in the UK still wear powdered wigs when trying a case?
This was so much fun Preston! Thank you very much!
Lisa
Codd is Old English for a pouch or sack (which by Middle English is ... the kind of sack a fella's balls come in). So, a codpiece is a piece of clothing for one's codd!
@@habituscraeftig Thank you! I'm getting a chuckle out of this, but I do love learning new things!
Lisa
Thanks for your support as always, Lisa - happy to hear you enjoyed our light-hearted romp through historical menswear!
@@gentlemansgazette Yes, I enjoyed it very much! Thank you!
I wouldn't call all of these "fails". Coifs were functional and served their purpose well, breeches and stockings were actually subtly elegant in the 18th century IMO and not that uncomfortable, ruffs are comparable to modern neckties and cravats (although the larger ones looked too showy and unpractical), and tie-on glasses don't seem that difficult to handle (especially if you know how to fasten your own cummerbund). Codpieces, poulaines and the nether-above-upper-hose look were definitely gaudy, and wigs were a tad too fussy to work with, though.
Also, the idea that people were so unhygienic in the past is erroneous, people did clean their bodies and under garments regularly. Just because germ theory wasn't realized yet, it didn't mean people didn't see the value of cleanliness.
Hi guys, massive fan for a long time.
The "old money aesthetic" is becoming increasingly popular on many platforms like tiktok and youtube shorts with people aiming to achieve a classy, sophisticated but also very relaxed look usually with a classic country style shirt, knit sweaters, tweed and wax jackets and gilets (body warmers) for winter looks; alongside loose and unbuttoned linen shirts and shorts for the warmer climates, all from different brands. Can you address this style in your next video and give us some tips or do's or don't's? This would be helpful for the younger, more discerning gentleman who is exposed to such content on the daily.
Also, would be great to have a video all about hunting style, its history and origins and rather nifty inventions and changes to garments in this subsection of menswear!
I guess you can call the Hoodie the new coif.
Thank you Preston for the nice selection of headwear 😂
A fail today is not tucking in your shirt. It is lazy, looks either like a dress if too long, or you are hiding the fact that you have a belly. It is also a waste of a good belt or cinch trouser waistband.
Chaperons are extremely cool, if this was XV th century guys like us would wear them!
9:58 - D. Pedro II lived in the 19th century and the use of that kind of collar was just for ceremonial purposes. During his life he was known for his quite sober and discret way of wearing.
Most of the Sixties and nearly ALL of the Seventies, Eighties and part of the Nineties.
There, Preston... I saved you some time.🤣
Well, as this video focuses on the fashions pre-1900s, perhaps we should do a follow-up for later styles?
As a huge history buff I can assure you that this isn't even the half of it. LOL
A whole lot of Why bro in this one
16:12 I'm definitely looking forward to the age of the Space Raphaels ;-)
And history repeats itself! Men wearing dress in hiphop awards 🤣🤦🏻♂️
The dress has been _the_ default unisex clothing for humanity for most of its history. Many cultures worldwide have a men's clothing style that could be considered a dress in different circumstances.
For example: The toga, chiton, kilt, kurta, poncho, yukata/kimono, sarong, justacorps/cassock/habit, boubou, gho, deel, fustanella, thobe/thawb, etc... Even the 18th century long coats worn by the most prominent men of the period were called "frock coats" because they resembled "frocks" or dresses.
Even the basic word for putting on clothing of any type is to "dress."
@@TheSultan1470 LOL
Sorry gentlemans, but this time dissagree with you in most of the cases...
Me too! I like most of the mentioned items.
@@samuelclaessens7699 yeah!!! Exactly!
I'd PAY to see you two get "dressed up"! 😂
Cheers
I'm completely on Preston's side.
Most of those things made people look like clowns
Ascots are just pretentious
Looking good. Actually thought lace would have made the list.
There is a BBC children’s show called horrible histories which features sketches mocking the trends.
In one sketch wigged Prince Regent George IV gets news from his man servant.
Sire: I am afraid I have bad news.
George IV: powdered wigs are not coming back?!
He then shows off the padding to show off his ‘manly’ calves.
Another sketch has a modern fashion guy redressing medieval and Georgian men with his bossy charm.
At least you do not need to wear white make up and rouge to be aristocrat or permit bloodletting to get that pale complexion. Haha
Love it, thanks for the video!
I heard a theory that codpieces back then were used as a means to... ease the discomfort caused by one funny disease, the one Al Capone had.
Also a funny historical fact regarding wigs, the king of Lithuanian-Polish Republic(that's the most direct translation from both Lithuanian and Polish btw), Michal Korybut Wyszniowecki actually had to get an approval from the country's parliament to wear a french style wig.
Ruffs and powdered wigs may have been the worst fashion items ever existed.
This might be sacrilegious for this channel but... we might need to face the fact that the necktie will be on a list like this in the near future. The necktie serves no practical purpose. It's now merely a decorative tradition that doubles as a status symbol - which is the endgame of all of those other fancy but useless status symbols on this list.
At least the cravat served to protect your skin from your collar and vice-versa. Moving it to the outside of your shirt material defeated that functionality. I suppose a necktie covers up your shirt buttons, but that also is merely aesthetic.
The ties are fading away today like the hats in the 50s.
Of course, there's always the argument that the fewer people that *have* to wear ties, the more people will *want* to wear them 😉
I had quite a laugh. This was without doubt the best episode ever, and rather educational too, who knows when one might decide to rattle up the faithful cogpiece again. Everyone will instantly know they are no devoted followers of the gentlemans gazette, that'sfor sure. Chapeau lads!👏👏👏
Well the long point shoes (botas tribaleras) are still popular in Mexico...
A note to whigs/Perücken. Years ago i was invited to a meeting of coin collectors. As Special Guest the Direktor of württembergian coin cabinet appeared . He showed a number of Taler coins from late 17th century, which had been produced by order of the same württembergian Duke. Most of the coin pictures showed his face and head with ,modern' french whig. But one coin picture showed him in Armour and with german style short cut natural hair. The coin was produced in wartime, and the Duke wanted to show: I am a brave german noble, who protects Germany against the French.
Sorry but you quaff a tankard of ale. The head cloth is pronounced as Koif.
Having worn most of these I can say that they're no more ridiculous than kippers ties, ripped jeans or winklepickers. They're just a fashion that goes a little too far.
Thanks for the tip! Glad to hear you understood the point of the video - maybe we should do one for fashion 1900s onwards?
as others have said under clothing was washed very regularly and one of its functions was to protect the outer garments which were more costly and made of largely on washable fabrics like silk and wool. Linen and then cotton shirts were certainly washed as well as underpants and under breechrs. I've worn these things for a great length of time myself and can testify that it's perfectly clean and comfortable and nobody regardless of time., Wants to stink.
Thank you for not ridiculing the doublet
Don't start making powdered whigs! Or I guess I shouldn't care. Make them if you want. If you can sell them, good for you. I might buy ties & socks from you if and when I can afford them. I do like how you have different tie lengths & the short ones are perfect for short men like myself.
Best one I heard was that the tudor ruff was invented by Queen Elizabeth 1 to hide her Adams apple cos she was actually a dude!...and the thick makeup to hide the 5o'clock shadow lol🤣
Preston you are the best 👍🏻
A lot of these would be more comfortable than skinny jeans
These were mostly all fashion triumphs imo, but I always respect the GG's attempts at silliness!
You have made blue and orange stylish, for once.
Do not quit your day job to become a fashion historian. Your “information” was nothing more than a mass of ignorant stereotypes regurgitated with out any research into the truth which is EASILY available on the internet now a days. A gentleman should know better. Think about the myths perpetrated on the clothing you are genuinely knowledgeable and passionate about and how wrong they are.
I actually like the Ruff Collars.😄
The piano tie
Nothing compared with what we women had to put up with just to fit in socitys trending , small feets , no waist, no head above,big inplants where ever on the body, putting on my weil now, Love history lessons with Mr. Preston , I will go back to the leaves some ancient folks wore..before they were thrown out from paradise...... funnny pfotos 😄what will tomorrows designer come up with, something for space , who will laugh or wonder why.....we dress for succses.......
Dear Gentlemen!
Could you make a video where you discuss about shirts from Seidensticker (Germany)?
In my opinion, they produce well fiting shirts with a quite high quality. I really like them.
Thank you!
So is a coif a medieval baseball cap 😅
imagine wanting to cover your head from the elements or hide your hair... no need for fedoras these guys like so much
That's certainly a fun way to look at it! I wonder what the Stussy coif would look like? 🤔😂
The chaperon doesn't look all that bad tbh
I don’t get the point of the whole video. I find almost all mentioned items to be rather good looking for the fitting period!
I'd laugh but I still wear square toed shoes (so so so comfortable)
Yeah no Ruff collars were dope
First time Im really early for a gentleman’s gazette video, very happy
This video is the Gazette's top failure. :
It's not April Fool's yet!
No it is very enlightening for those who has to be reminded of history gone bye , so far so entertainingto Preston 💕
They did say it was lighthearted, we can forgive them
Powdered wigs and breeches were the pinnacle of men's fashion though...
you seem to forget that people didn't had washing machines in those days.
And for the shirt it was function above style.
Breeches and stockings are still looking better than "jogging"-trousers. Let's only hope that this trend will not last for centuries...
In 2150:
"historical fashion mistakes of the 19th and 20th century.
1, the bowtie. These strips of fabric, often in bright patterns and colors were tied in a knot around ones neck similar to a collar. It was popular in the late 19th to early 20th but was still worn up into the mid twenty first century. I's quiet certain we can all be glad these are no longer worn.
... I quite like ruff collars actually... 😊
I gotta check our fort belvedere
Preston has the best videos on this channel, followed closely by Raphael.
This one, sadly, I didn't enjoy so much. I'm a bit disappointed as I expected better quality of research from you tbh. I don't see why we would need another "people back then were soo dumb, we are today soo much smarter"-bs. History of fashion is first and foremost very interesting, because it shows us what solutions people back then with their resources found. As a second step we can give our opinion , if we like it or not, but I would rather know a bit more on why they were doing it this way. I.e. check out videos by Abby Cox and Nicole Rudolph, if you want to learn more.
In a 1000 years they Will proably look down on how we dress to.
I’m sure ppl in the future think of this eras fashions as gauche and gaudy
You can't really fail in fashion in most cases. It's just a popularity contest and what is popular changes. It's ultimately arbitrary aside from practical considerations like ability to move, how easily you can wash something, how durable an item is, how expensive it is, etc. I go with what is popular enough in my time that is also practical in the ways i mentioned. If something becomes popular and is very expensive, i don't bother with it. If it's affordable enough and actually good quality while not making me stand out too much, then fine. Clothing doesn't matter much to me. I only follow a channel like this to see what trends there currently are. So i don't have to think much about it.
And now we have more proof that the past was the worst.
there is nothing wring with breeches...this is just your personal taste
If you enjoy wearing breeches, that's great! As you say, this is just our lighthearted take on fashions of previous centuries 🙂
LOL @ the "Men in tights" reference!
... I wouldn't be displeased if my husband wore tight breeches... but only at home😊
Light hearted. History. Better be good.
Ok
Weren't those wigs powdered with lead powder? Which is highly toxic.
Come on, no reference to Cameo's lead in the codpiece section?
And here I thought the 70's fashion was bad , nope. Before that glasses were held on a string or pinched on the nose.
nooo!!!! all of these are awesome…
Just our light-hearted take on things! 🙂
Well. I don’t know. I don’t agree with some things. I have late 18th century and regency clothes and breeches are okay. There were roomier breeches and tighter breeches (for more formal occasions). But all had quite much space in in the back. Try to look to the original pieces. I wear breeches for historical events, balls and dance in them and the. Much more comfortable than modern skinny fit trousers.... especially jeans.
Your breeches sound much nicer than the super tight ones mentioned in the video!
These britches and hose ain't loyal
Quaff also known as a durag
The darker side of the story concerning powered wigs is Louis XIII went bald from syphilis so he started wearing wigs. The Stuart Charles II also starting wearing wigs for the same reason.
I disagree with most of these choices powdered wigs are beautiful and all fashion from the 17th and 18th centuries is rather beautiful also Breeches and stockings are quaint and sweet as well but I do love most other vids on this channel but this one is not exactly aligned with my opinion.
9:58 Dom Pedro ll of Brazil 🇧🇷
Thought the ruffled coller was for Armour comfort and air conditioning
some controversial takes but it’s ok love you anyway preston this is a W in my bookk 😩😩😩😢😢❤️🧀👍🤮🎉🎉🎉🔔🔔‼️‼️👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😍😍🥰🥰♒️🔯🔯♍️✡️♐️🔯♋️🖤🖤🤍💕💔💞🏹🏹☕️☕️❌⭕️❌⭕️❌⭕️❌⭕️
Rare GG L.
I like #2
Mostraram o dom Pedro ll 🥰
Despite my strong dislike of the look of powdered wigs, I can honestly say that Preston manages to pull it off very well with the ascot
Athleisure will be next in the list. Ghastly
You missed the entire decade of the 1970's.
Although this list is based on fashions before the 1900s, you're right that the 1970s certainly had some questionable styles!
SO DISAPPOINTED YOU DIDN'T TALK ABOUT MERKINS
The Cod Piece was still alive and kicking in English Prog Rock, best shown off whilst standing on one leg.
Jethro Tull?
Funny idea for a video
I rather like your channel, but this video is just silly, and you know that it is.
Spot on! Just our light-hearted look back at fashions of previous years
@@gentlemansgazette Sure, although it is still somewhat strange to talk about men’s fashion fails from history as a channel that advocates a style that is practically just as historical as anything shown in this video, in the sense that it does not represent contemporary fashion or style. Perhaps my issue is more with the title than anything else…
I think shorts are just as ridiculous as breeches and stockings. I'll be glad when shorts go away, too.
You've made the same mistake again. "The Taste" is a very subjective and volatile term glued to the "common sense" of the era which is not "objective" but rather the "sum of subjectives". It's like trashing other genres from position of a Classical Music Expert. Lots of people can say the same things about neck scarf under shirt.
How is he making a "mistake" when he here is precisely expressing his subjective preferences and trying to persuade people about them? if you disagree, then you disagree.
@@David-ri2uc well I just thought this should be objective. My mistake then..
The big question is King Charles going to wear the traditional outfit with the breeches ?💙
It might be a little out of your field, but would you consider doing a video on Western styles? Buckaroo versus Cowboy for example?
there are better channels for that,
@@OntarioBearHunter could you point me to one please? I asked here because i like the Gentlemen's Gazette's style, and I think they'd do a good job.
@@4hedgesfamily Thanks, Buck - we appreciate your support! We'll see whether we're able to touch on Western style in the future 🤠