How to Read a Suit: A Guide to Changing Men's Fashion from the 17th to the 20th Century

Trace the transformation of men's tailoring across four centuries with this comprehensive visual reference. Through period-by-period analysis and meticulously annotated photographs, explore how menswear evolved in cut, construction, and ornamentation from the 17th through 20th centuries.

Understand the historical context behind each silhouette and learn how social position, occasion, and era shaped sartorial choices. The detailed color plates reveal the technical aspects of garment construction while highlighting the subtle progressions that distinguish one period from another.

An indispensable resource for fashion scholars, curators, and collectors seeking to authenticate and interpret historical menswear with precision and confidence.

Author Biography

Lydia Edwards is a Lecturer at Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia.