Its interesting to consider how the Industrial Revolution, a period of intense technological and social change, also subtly influenced menswear towards a more minimalist aesthetic. While ornate aristocratic styles still lingered, the rise of the middle class and their focus on practicality started to shift clothing trends.
thinking about it, the need for functional clothing for factory work and urban living likely played a significant role. Imagine trying to operate machinery in overly elaborate garments! The emphasis on darker, more easily maintained fabrics like wool also makes sense in the context of pollution and grime. Did this era inadvertently lay the groundwork for future minimalist movements by prioritizing utility and durability over flamboyant displays of wealth?
I’d love to hear other’s thoughts on this. What are some specific examples of clothing from that period that you see as notably minimalist, and how do you think that minimalism reflected the values of the time?