The Epic History of Military Style

Esquire ^ | February 1, 2016 | Scott Christian

[C19fan]

If there's a silver lining to the havoc wreaked by Napoleon Bonaparte on Europe during the early 19th Century, it's that menswear today would look considerably different without it. The main thrust of the Napoleonic Wars of 1803 to 1815 may have been to advance the First French Empire, but the undercard was all about military style. The monarchs of France, Russia, England, and Prussia were obsessed with how their soldiers dressed. It was fashion week on steroids, the legacy of which can still be seen in the wardrobes of men today, not to mention in the continuing influence of the military on men's apparel. And we're not just talking about Olivier Rousteing's War-and-Peace-by-way-of-Michael-Jackson designs at Balmain. The fact is, nearly everything men wear today has its roots in military dress. From chinos and bomber jackets to suits, ties, dress shoes, and overcoats, it's impossible to separate the history of menswear from the history of the military uniform.

[C19fan]

Also, one might add khakis were invented by a British soldier serving in India who got rid of his wool uniform for something more comfortable in that climate.

[Robert A Cook PE]

All designed to make the man more impressive, more masculine (taller, wider shoulders, more “flash” in the uniforms.

As opposed to today’s metrosexual Justin Biebers-look of androgynous drag-queen nothings.

[chajin]

one might add khakis were invented by a British soldier serving in India who got rid of his wool uniform for something more comfortable in that climate.

About 25 years ago I was invited to a CSA re-enactment wedding as the chaplain. The wedding was outdoors, in central Florida in early July, with the temperature and humidity both in the mid-90s, and I was required to wear a full uniform, 100% wool. I get you could say it was the wursted I ever got. The Raj would never have lasted into the 1940s in wool.

[C19fan]

I have read Beau Brummell is credit with making it fashionable to wear trousers instead of breeches.

[Billthedrill]

Well, mebbe so, mebbe no. Dang it, I find BDU's with boots perfectly comfortable! There was, as well, the Eisenhower jacket for those old enough to remember it. Other than that military chic has pretty much spared the haute fashion scene around here.

Now, you want military fashion, check out Hugo Boss, who designed the Nazi breeches, boots, and trenchcoats that are so famously associated with the San Francisco gay scene. SS, Gestapo, Wehrmacht, you name it, Hugo had it covered (so to speak).

The ancient Greek gods used to fight with edged weapons perfectly nekkid, which does not strike most mortals as a particularly sound idea unless you intend to leave yer danglers as gooey mush on the well-trampled battlefield. Makes for great pottery but they had neither blood transfusions nor anaesthetics back in The Day, so I think I'll pass, thanks. But speaking of the San Francisco gay scene...

[IronJack]

There's also the legend that the buttons on a man's suit jacket sleeve are a relic from Napoleon's Grand Armee. The story is that the General was sick of seeing his men wipe their snotty noses on their sleeves, so he had buttons sewn on to make it more difficult.

Hard to know if there's any truth to it, but it's difficult to explain otherwise ...

[katana]

The ancient Greek gods used to fight with edged weapons perfectly nekkid

Except for a coat of blue pigment so did the Celts. To some extent the Scots continued that tradition with the answer to the question of "What's under" their kilts. And if the Olympic Games returned to its roots, well let's just say womens' gymnastics would have a much bigger audience.

[ozzymandus]

Not seeing a lot of Napoleonic uniforms where I live.

[Oatka]

About 25 years ago I was invited to a CSA re-enactment wedding as the chaplain.

We were married in 1961 at the old Liberty Chapel on board the base at Ft. Lee, Va. during the North-South Skirmish there. Very cool as my brother was a Confederate (3rd South Carolina) and I was a Yankee (9th New York, Hawkin's Zouaves). The press made a big deal over the "brother-against-brother" thingy.

A nice touch was a an exit under an ad hoc arched sabers by the 2nd New Jersey cavalry. Every body wore wool, but this was in May, so the temps weren't too bad.

The wedding reception was held in a 60-man army tent and I was a bit embarrassed at the humble surroundings. The next morning, a couple of the guys said it was the best one they ever attended - when they got blitzed, they "could easily crawl back to my tent."

[Daveinyork]

I’ve read it was the French revolution that replaced the breeches with the trousers, sans-culottes, without breeches. The breeches, culottes were associated with the aristocracy.

[JoeProBono]

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

He is also credited with making black and white and understatement the masculine ideal for formal wear. He introduced the idea of washing and changing your underwear daily.

For the later he should be made a saint or at least have a holiday in his honor.

[dljordan]

The brides glasses are classic!

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

And the girls love it!

ON LEAVE

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

***with the answer to the question of "What's under" their kilts.***

THAT was answered here.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carry_On..._Up_the_Khyber