Early 19th Century
A Dress Code Emerges
The beginnings of a dress code can be traced back to the early 19th century when Beau Brummel, a close friend of the Prince Regent, decreed that men of elegance should wear waisted black coats and white cravats with pantaloons. Mr. Brummel is credited with introducing, and establishing as fashion, the modern men’s suit, worn with a necktie. He established the mode of dress for men that rejected overly ornate fashions for one of understated, but perfectly fitted and tailored bespoke garments. He claimed he took five hours a day to dress, and recommended that boots be polished with champagne.