Suit: A set of clothes worn together.

Today's suit for men evolved during the 20th Century. We begin our look at the creation of the suit with the frock coat. During the 1900's through about 1920 it was worn by conservative men, such as preachers, and by others for formal occasions. It was fitted at the waist and was knee length. (far left)

During the 1910's, the sack coat became popular for the youngn gentlemen. It is a forerunner of today's business suit. Its straight cut makes it comfortable and allows it to fit many different sizes and shapes of men. (2nd from left)

World War II forced rationing of fabric and simplified the suit's design. The Zoot suit was created in protest of the restrictions. The oversized, double-breasted jacket was teamed with peg-top trousers with a narrow hem. A long, fine watch chain hung from the belt. Zoot-suiters saw their clothes as a defiant statement of modernity and coolness. (2nd from right)

The popular British band the Beatles inspired, in the 1960's, a revival of the frock coat with the album Sargent Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. It helped to spark the "Mod Look" for men. (far right)

Donors: Marion Ronsberg, Myrene Peterson, Zelda Zimmerman and Peter Munton