• Sign up for our weekly vintage fashion newsletter
  • search
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Vintage Dancer

  • Ask the Vintage Dancer!
  • Victorian
    • Women
      • Dresses
      • Skirts
      • Blouses
      • Nightgowns
      • Boots & Shoes
      • Hats
      • Sewing Patterns
      • Makeup & Beauty
      • More clothing….
    • Men
      • Suits & Coats
      • Boots & Shoes
      • Hats
      • Pants
      • Shirts
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • Victorian Outfit Guides
      • Easy Victorian Costume Guide
      • Civil War Costume Guide
      • Bustle Dress Costume Guide
      • Men’s Victorian Clothing Guide
    • Victorian Fashion History
    • Steampunk
      • Women
        • Dresses and Costumes
        • Plus Size Clothing
        • Jackets
        • Skirts
        • Boots & Shoes
        • Hats
        • Sewing Patterns
        • More clothing….
      • Men
        • Shirts
        • Vests
        • Pants
        • Jackets
        • Hats
        • Boots and Shoes
        • Goggles, guns
        • More clothing…
      • Steampunk Costume Guides
        • Women’s Steampunk Essentials
        • Men’s Steampunk Essentials
        • More Steampunk Ideas
  • 1910s
    • Women
      • Shoes & Boots
      • Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Evening Gowns
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Blouses
      • Skirts
      • Hats
      • Makeup & Beauty
      • Costumes
      • Sewing Patterns
    • Men
      • Suits and Coats
      • Formal Wear
      • Shirts
      • Pants
      • Hats
      • Shoes
      • Costumes
      • Men’s Sewing Patterns
    • 1900-1910s Outfit Guides
      • DIY 1910-1915 Dresses
      • Tea Dress Guide
      • Mens Formal Suit Guide
      • Men’s 1910s Fashion
    • 1900s-1910s Fashion History
  • 1920s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • Daytime Dresses
        • Evening Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Shoes
      • Hats
      • Hair / Headbands
      • Costumes
      • Sewing Patterns
      • More clothing…
    • Men
      • Shoes & Boots
      • Hats
      • Shirts
      • Pants
      • Suits
      • Vests
      • Men’s Patterns
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • 1920s Outfit Guides
      • Flapper Costume Guide
      • Women’s Outfit Ideas
      • Casual Women’s Outfits
      • Men’s Outfit Ideas
    • 1920s Fashion History
  • 1930s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Evening Dresses
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Tops
      • Skirts
      • Pants
      • Shoes
      • Sewing Patterns
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • Men
      • Suits
      • Shirts
      • Pants
      • Shoes
      • Hats
      • Men’s Patterns
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • 1930s Oufit Ideas
      • 1930s Women’s Fashion
      • 1930s Outfit Ideas
      • Men’s Fashion Guide
      • Men’s Outfit Ideas
      • 1930s Men’s Workwear
    • 1930s Fashion History
  • 1940s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Evening Dresses
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Tops
      • Pants
      • Skirts
      • Shoes
      • Sewing Patterns
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • Men
      • Costumes
      • Suits
      • Pants
      • Shirts
      • Shoes
      • Hats
      • Men’s Patterns
      • More clothing…
    • 1940s Outfit Ideas
      • Women’s 1940s Fashion
      • Women’s Outfit Ideas
      • 1940s Fall Winter Outfits
      • Men’s 1940s Fashion
      • Men’s Outfit Ideas
    • 1940s Fashion History
  • 1950s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • House/Day Dresses
        • Cocktail Dresses
        • Evening Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Skirts
      • Pants
      • Tops
      • Shoes
      • Makeup Guide
      • Costumes
      • Sewing Patterns
      • More clothing…
    • Men
      • Suits, Coats
      • Pants, Jeans
      • Shirts
      • Jackets
      • Shoes
      • Hats
      • Men’s Patterns
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • 1950s Outfit Ideas
      • Women’s 1950s Fashion
      • Women’s Outfit Ideas
      • Men’s Fashion: Suits
      • Men’s Fashion: Casual
    • 1950s Fashion History
  • 1960s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Evening Dresses
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Pants
      • Skirts
      • Tops
      • Jackets
      • Shoes
      • Makeup & Beauty
      • Costumes
      • Sewing Patterns
    • Men
      • Suits
      • Pants
      • Shirts
      • Jackets, Sweaters
      • Hats
      • Shoes
      • Costumes
    • 1960s Fashion Guides / History
      • 1960s Women’s Fashion
      • 1960s Outfit Ideas (Women)
      • 1960s Mens Outfits
      • 1960s Men’s Fashion, 60s Fashion for Men
  • 1970s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • Plus Size Dresses
        • Evening Dresses
        • Wedding Dresses
      • Shirts
      • Pants, Jeans
      • Jumpsuits
      • Workout Clothes
      • Shorts
      • Skirts
      • Jackets
      • Shoes
      • Costumes
      • More clothing…
    • Men
      • Suits
      • Pants, Jeans
      • Shirts
      • Jackets & Sweaters
      • Shoes, Boots
      • Costumes
    • 1970s Outfit Ideas
      • Disco Fashion (Women & Men)
      • Women’s Fashion
      • Women’s Outfit Ideas
      • 1970s Fashion History
  • 1980s
    • Women
      • Dresses
        • Prom Dresses
      • Jeans/Leggings
      • Tops
      • Jackets
      • Sweatshirts, Sweaters
      • Workout Clothes
      • Shoes
      • Hats
      • Costumes
    • Men’s Clothing
  • Fashion History
    • Men’s Fashion
    • Victorian Fashion
    • 19100-1910s Fashion
    • 1920s Fashion
    • 1930s Fashion
    • 1940s Fashion
    • 1950s Fashion
    • 1960s Fashion
    • 1970s Fashion
    • Vintage Inspired Fashion
Vintage Dancer | Victorian Fashion History | Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide

Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide

Mens Fashions History· Victorian Fashion History

27 Mar 2014
Men's Victorian costume guide. How to create Victorian era menswear looks with repro or new inspired clothing. Learn and shop at VintageDancer.com

How to dress like a Victorian Gentlemen using new clothing

Living out in the Wild West, we have a lot of history that dates back to the mid-to-late Victorian era during the Gold and Silver Rushes of Northern Nevada and California. Since we have several Victorian themed reenactments to attend each year, it is essential we learn to dress the part. For men, it is not an easy task but it is doable, regardless of your budget. You can pull together a look from second hand or new clothing shops, buy new reproduction clothing, or sew your own.

This guide (and infographic above) will help you figure out the essential clothing pieces you need and how to get them within your budget.

PS. The infographic above represents an era perfect for the Charles Dickens time period. While styles did change over the 100 year Victorian era, this guide will work just as well for the 1840s as it does for the 1880s.

Victorian Men’s Hats

Victorian mens hat. Top hat, Bowler (or Derby), Gambler and fez. Some of the most common styles of men's hats. VintageDancer.com/Victorian

Every man needs a hat. The top hat with its tall round crown and curled side brim was the only hat a Victorian gentleman needed. Its was made of fine beaver felt that was as shiny as silk. In the later years, silk top hats were made and worn. The height of the hat went up and down in fashion year by year.

Most affordable men’s Victorian hats today are made from felt and are a happy medium height. They come in black or grey and will run about $60 plus. In a pinch, a magician’s satin top hat (costume shop) can work OK for a one time costume or event.

The Bowler hat (also known as Derby hat) came about in 1865. It had a completely round crown and curled side brims. Charlie Chaplin made them famous in later years. It was a good hat for day wear as a gentleman in town or country.

For a lower class or sporty look, try a Deer-Stalker hat (Sherlock Holmes hat) which was called a Fore N-Aft hat. A Tam o’ shanter is similar to the Blamoral cap, and the floppy newsboy cap in plaids or tweeds is another good choice. All of these hat styles are available at most men’s hat stores.

Buy Victorian style men’s hats here. 

Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide 1880s Bollman Collection Topper $100.00 AT vintagedancer.com
BollmanHatCo
$100.00
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide 1860s Bollman Collection Wide Awake $100.00 AT vintagedancer.com
BollmanHatCo
$100.00
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide 1860s Bollman Collection Wide Awake $100.00 AT vintagedancer.com
BollmanHatCo
$100.00
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide 1860s Bollman Collection Wide Awake $100.00 AT vintagedancer.com
BollmanHatCo
$100.00
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide DH Hand Made 100% Wool Hard Top Churchill Homburg Felt Trilby Hat New £27.99 AT vintagedancer.com
AmazonUK
£27.99
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Big Boss Homburg - Exclusive $39.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Hatscom
$39.99
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Wool Greek Fishermans Cap $48.48 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$48.48
ViewMore

Victorian Men’s Shirt and Shirt Collar

Victorian mens shirts: styles for gentlemen, wild west outlaws, and Steampunk time travelers. At VintageDaner.com/VictorianFor most of the Victorian era, men’s shirts were white or off white. They were quite baggy to wear, although you would never know it since vests and coats were never taken off in good company. The shirt collar was attached and folded up around the neck. Sometimes, the tips were folded down into a wingtip design. In the 1850s, the detectable collar was invented, which saved on laundering but also introduced heavy starching to keep collars crisp and regal.

A plain button down white dress shirt with the collar folded up is all you need for most costumes. If you are going for a formal look, you can sew on ruffles or tucks in vertical rows 12 inches down from the neck.  A wingtip collar shirt is another formal option and easier to buy.

Shop Victorian men’s Shirts here.

Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Brand new Starched Stiff Detachable Shirt Collar DOUBLE ROUNDED. (Collar ONLY) $23.27 AT vintagedancer.com
Etsy
$23.27
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Coulter Edwardian Club Collar Dress Shirt $59.95 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$59.95
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide American Civil War Mens Cotton Shirt With Pleating $120.00 AT vintagedancer.com
Etsy
$120.00
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Round Tip Detachable Stiff Collar Sizes 15
Etsy
$24.00
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Amazon Brand - Goodthreads Mens Long-Sleeve Slub Thermal Henley $17.40 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$17.40
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Scully Western Shirt Mens Long Sleeve Print Button Stone F0_RW296 $58.76 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$58.76
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Dobell Mens White Tuxedo Dress Shirt Regular Fit Wing Collar Double Cuff Plain Fly Front £19.99 AT vintagedancer.com
AmazonUK
£19.99
ViewMore

 

For stiff detachable collars, try Premier Clothing (order 1/2 size up for comfort). For softer collars (that you can starch to make stiffer), Gentleman’s Emporium carries several collars. In the AU, try BespokeCollars and in the UK try Classic Wardrobe or Darcy Clothing (same brand as Premier).

To sew a men’s shirt try these patterns:

Folkwear #202 for upper classes and #204 for lower classes. Laughing Moon shirt and Past Patterns are excellent as well.

Victorian Neckties

A wrapped Victorian Knecktie

A wrapped Victorian Necktie

The necktie as we know it today didn’t come about till after the 1900s. In the Early to mid Victorian Era, men wore neckstocks tied into simple knots or a fancy ascot. White was popular until the 1840s, when black and colored silk added cheerfulness to a man’s outfit. Later in the century, plain colors turned into paisley patterns in rich jewel tones.

To make a simple Neckstock, take a 60 inch rectangle cloth and fold it several times so it is 4 to 6 inches wide. Wrap it from front to back and around to the front again. Tie it in a simple knot, a one or two sided bow, or an ascot. You can make an ascot cut tie, too.

Pre-made Ascot Cravats are nice to have and are less bulky then long pieces of cloth. They are sometimes sold where in men’s formal wear stores. Premier Clothing also carries them.

Shop ascots and other Victorian men’s ties.

Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Historical Emporium Mens Satin Floral Puff Tie $25.95 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$25.95
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide  Solid Ascot - All colors $9.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$9.99
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Formal Cravat $150.00 AT vintagedancer.com
BrooksBrothers
$150.00
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Champagne Paisley Wedding Vest Set by Paul Malone $59.97 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$59.97
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Historical Emporium Mens Cotton Stock Ties $19.95 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$19.95
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Silk Ascot Patterned Mens Cravat for Designer By Epoint $13.95 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$13.95
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide TieMart Merlot Kentucky Colonel Tie $9.95 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$9.95
ViewMore

 

Victorian Men’s Vests

Men's Victorian Vests Waistcoats

Victorian Men’s Vest Styles

Next comes a waistcoat or vest. It was often the most colorful and decorated item a man wore. It contrasted with his pants and coat, usually in lighter tones. Because men’s pants were worn high up, the vest is rather short, ending just a tad below the natural waist.  It was cut straight across the bottom or with a slight bowl shape edge for portly figures.  Vests were single breasted before 1850, and either single or double after 1850. It was made of wool, tweed, velvet or plain cloth for day looks and satin or brocade for evening wear.  Vests had at least two pockets, one on each side, and a notched lapel collar. The lapel collar could be made of the same fabric or in a contrasting fabric (such as velvet). The round shawl collar lapel was another option that came in and out of fashion. Ties or a belt at the back were pulled tight for a very snug fit. It was the equivalent of women’s corsetry for men.

Victorian mens vests waistcoats

Men’s Vests

Most modern vests lack collar lapels and usually have pointed edges. In a pinch, you can sew under the points to make a straight line vest.  For a better look, buy a reproduction Victorian vest such as those made by Scully Rangewear or Wahmaker. You can find these brands on Amazon.com

SEW it: Make a Victorian vest and other clothing. See this complete list.  Simplicity pattern 2895 for men’s Western Victorian vests is another good source.

Shop more Victorian Men’s Vests.

Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide 4Buttons Wool Herringbone/Tweed Tailored Collar Suit Vest $39.00 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$39.00
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide VATPAVE Mens Victorian Suit Vest Steampunk Gothic Waistcoat $32.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$32.99
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Frock Coat vest Mens Costumes Size MEN (Small (34-36) Medium (38-40) Large (42-44) X-Large (46-48) XX-Large (50-52)) $8.65 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$8.65
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide ManChDa Pocket Watch Double Albert Chain T-Bar Watch Chain Link 16 inch 3 Hook Bronze Classic Antique $18.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$18.99
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Filson Mackinaw Western Vest $195.00 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$195.00
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Tailorsun Tweed Vintage Notch Lapel Rustic Wedding Vest Brown $29.00 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$29.00
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Retro Antique Bronze Skull Shaped Pocket Watch with 31 Inches Full Round Pocket Chain $6.99 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$6.99
ViewMore

 

Victorian Men’s Pants or Trousers

Victorian Men's Pants

Victorian Men, solid colors and plaid pants

Initially in the 1840s, men’s pants fit tight from the high waist band down to the ankle, and were held down by a “stirrup” piece under the foot. In 1850, the stirrup piece disappeared and pants loosed up slightly, but still fitted. By 1860, the A-line, or what I call a barrel fit pant, came about. It fit very loose around the waist (held up with suspenders) and fit loose down through the leg, tapering to the ankle. Pants had fly fronts with buttons and they fit up above the navel.  Colors for formal wear were black. For day wear, light grey or “fawn” (light tan) were popular. For the lower classes or dandies, vivid prints like large plaid, checks, or stripes were common. In the late Victorian years, men’s morning pants were striped but with a subtle pattern, not bold like the early years.

Victorian Men's Pants

You Can Use Modern Pants as Victorian pants if you go up a size or two.

Most modern pants fit low — well below Victorian standards. You can remedy this by buying classic fit (not low cut) pants in a size or two up. I like the pants at Jos A. Bank because of the natural high rise and loose fit. Look for textured materials like wool, tweed or synthetics that look like wool.  Use button-on suspenders to hold up your pants high. The width of the pant leg will depend on the decade you are recreating. To create a tapered look, fold the pant legs at the ankle and safety pin. Sew a tapered line if you have the sewing skills for a better look. For extra snug fitting pants, look at men’s baseball pants made of a stretch material.

Sew pants: Past Patterns has several pants for all the Victorian styles. Laughing Moon also makes a good pattern.

Shop Men’s Victorian style pants 

Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Mens Berle Flat Front Classic Fit Plaid Wool Trousers Size 38 x Unhemmed - Red $175.00 AT vintagedancer.com
NORDSTROMcom
$175.00
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Historical Emporium Mens Canvas Stagecoach Y-Back Suspenders $27.95 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$27.95
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Railhead Stripe Pants Scully Wahmaker Mens Wahmaker Railhead Stripe Pants - 592402 Tau $84.00 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$84.00
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide High Waist 100% Wool Melville Dress Trousers $75.95 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$75.95
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Scully Rangewear Mens Rangewear Canvas Pants $51.90 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$51.90
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide 100% Brushed Cotton Trousers $59.95 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$59.95
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Game Technical Apparel Mens Light Derby Tweed Breeches Breeks Trousers £44.95 AT vintagedancer.com
AmazonUK
£44.95
ViewMore

Victorian Coats

Victorian mens coats

L & R- Frock coat, Middle-Tail Coat

There are four types of coats worn in Victorian times. The frock coat, the morning coat, the tail coat and the sack coat.

Victorian Frock Coat

Victorian Frock Coat

Frock Coat: The frock coat replaced the tailcoat in the 1830s and remained very popular in the 1840s. It was worn off and on till the 1900s, too. It came in black, blue, brown or mulberry red. Frock coats had a form fitting single or double breasted jacket with a long skirt that fell to just above the knee.  It is a style of coat that is the most difficult to find in new, modern clothing. Because it is a popular “Wild West” style, there are a few repro brands.

Victorian morning coat

New Victorian Style Morning Coat

Morning Coat: Also called a cut away coat, it fit like a frock coat on top but the skirt was cut away from the front around to the back on an arch. It was a common day coat style starting in the mid 1850s, and is what Charlie Chaplin is famous for wearing. It was a style based on a Hunting or Riding coat, and as such it is still sold as a formal coat for equestrian competitions. Some formal tuxedo shops also still sell newer versions of the morning coat.

Victorian mens tailcoat

Victorian Style Tailcoat (Modern)

Tail coat: This was worn as a daycoat up until the 1830s, and afterwards was worn as a formal coat. It is still a formal coat style for white tie events and as a music conductor’s uniform. It is fitted in the waist, just like the others, but cut higher to expose an inch or so of the vest undernearth. It could be buttoned up but is often left open. The long tails in the back began at the side seams and tapered down to the back of the knee. It was always black.

Sack coat: Our modern suit coat is an updated version of the sack coat. It had no shaping at the waist like the other coat styles, and instead hung straight down to mid thigh or above with a single breasted row of buttons to hold it in place. It came about in the 1850s and gradually became the primary day coat style into 1900.  It differed from modern coats by buttoning up very high, although it was common only to wear the highest buttons buttoned and the others open. It was a country look, not proper enough for city gentlemen until after 1900.

Victorian Sack Coats

1900 Victorian Sack Coats

The front edges of the sack coat are rounded. The simplest way to turn a modern high buttoning suit coat into a sack coat is to round out the front edges (yes, sewing required). Stick to informal colors, tweed or plaids, for sack coats.

Note: Unless you can find a tailcoat at a thrift store (I did) or modify a new suit coat into a sack coat, then a Victorian coat is likely to be an expensive purchase. They are also not easy to sew if you have no experience sewing tailored menswear. Because of the expense, it is perfectly fine to not wear one. As you get into Victorian reenactements more and more, however, it will be a treat to add one to your wardrobe.

Shop Victorians men’s suits and coats:

Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Mens Big And Tall Raincoat Overcoat Topcoat 4XL 5XL 6XL Charcoal Grey $185.00 AT vintagedancer.com
MensUSA
$185.00
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Herringbone Light Weight Black Wool With Silk Piping Morning Coat $586.00 AT vintagedancer.com
MENSITALY
$586.00
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Classic Black Drill Duster Coat $79.95 AT vintagedancer.com
Etsy
$79.95
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Mens Norfolk Wool Blend Herringbone Tweed Jacket $149.95 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$149.95
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Cotton Frock Coat Mens 100% Brushed $149.95 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$149.95
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Frock Coat vest Mens Costumes Size MEN (Small (34-36) Medium (38-40) Large (42-44) X-Large (46-48) XX-Large (50-52)) $8.65 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$8.65
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Dobell Mens Black Morning Suit Tailcoat Regular Fit Peak Lapel Classic Wedding Jacket £129.99 AT vintagedancer.com
AmazonUK
£129.99
ViewMore

 

Victorian Men’s Shoes

Victorian mens boots for sale

Victorian Style Boots

Men wore boots. They either buttoned up with the use of a button hook or laced up. Some also had elastic panels on the sides so they could be pulled on. Boots had pointed toes and were sometimes worn with spats over them.  The ankle-length lace-up shoe came about in the later years. Today, you can find lace up boots, elastic boots (called Chelsea boots), and some mock button boots (with a zipper on the inside leg).  My favorites are Stacy Adams Madison boots and shoes. With a narrow toe, cap detail and lace up style, they are identical to men’s vintage Victorian boots.

Shop men’s Victorian Style boots and shoes.

Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Frye Bowery Lace-Up Black Stonewash Mens Lace-up Boots $357.95 AT vintagedancer.com
Zapposcom
$357.95
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Stacy Adams Madison Cap Toe Mens Black Boot 7.5 M $134.95 AT vintagedancer.com
Shoemallcom
$134.95
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Madison Stacy Adams Mens Madison Cap Toe Kidskin Classic Demi Boot boots dress $135.00 AT vintagedancer.com
StacyAdams
$135.00
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Historical Emporium Mens Deluxe Leather Military Gaiters $49.95 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$49.95
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Stacy Adams Madison Spat Mens Black Boot 7 D $139.95 AT vintagedancer.com
Shoemallcom
$139.95
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Cotton Button Spats by Historical Emporium $31.95 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$31.95
Men’s Victorian Costume and Clothing Guide Funtasma Mens Carribean Combat Boot $53.23 AT vintagedancer.com
Amazon
$53.23
ViewMore

 

Men’s Accessories

To complete you outfit down to the last details, you’ll need just a few optional accessories:

Victorian Style Gloves

Brown Leather Gloves

Gloves: Thin leather gloves in brown for daywear or black for mourning. They button at the wrist and sometimes were lined in fur for winter. Winter is the best time to find men’s leather gloves in shops. Otherwise, cloth gloves sold at costumes shops will work ok too. White gloves were worn with strict formal attire only.

Victorian pocket watch

Pocket Watch

Pocket Watch: A round pocket watch on a chain, clipped to the vest and placed in one of the vest pockets. A pocket watch is an accessory that is a favorite to wear (even if its doesn’t keep time)!

Walking Cane: An ornate gold top walking cane, or ivory or wood carved short handle cane is another fun accessory. They do get annoying to carry around all day so its best to use them for short events or for photo ops.. A rolled black umbrella is another option (the old fashioned kind, not modern small collapsible types.)

Handkerchief: Practical white handkerchief should be kept tucked out of site. They were not worn as decoration in breast pockets until the 20th century.

Shop Men’s Victorian accessories.

Where to Buy Victorian Repro Clothing:

Victorian mens clothing

Victorian Men’s Clothing

There are only a handful of companies that make repro Victorian clothing for men. Scully is the main one with lines Wahmaker and Rangewear. The line has shirts, pants, vests and coats. They are oriented to Wild West reenactors and not “gentlemen’s” clothing, however most items work for both looks.

Popular source to look at are RiverJunction, Wild West Mercantile, Sutlers (UK), Recollections and Premier Clothing.

For custom made Victorian men’s clothing, I highly recommend Mr, Allen Jeffries. I have ordered several items from him and they are extremely well made with accurate historical fabrics and trim. Another online option is Denver Bespoke.

If you want to sew your own garments, look at this big list of pattern suggestions from Wearing History or here for links to patterns.

Need help?

Feel free to contact me anytime for additional help putting together your Victorian costume.

debbie
We are Debbie and Oscar, your guides to dressing up like decades past. We are here to help you find clothing online and learn about vintage fashions as worn by everyday people, just like you. Need help with your outfit? Ask us anytime.
« 1940s Men’s Shoes: Men’s Vintage Shoe History
Wearing History Pattern Giveaway! »

Comments

  1. Shoelier says

    October 5, 2018 at 3:19 pm

    This article made my life much easier. As someone here already mentioned, it is way more difficult to find information on mens’ clothing, especially in my native language. Like really, this exactly what I had been looking for, everything I needed in black and white. Thank you so much for the work done)))

    • Debbie Sessions says

      October 5, 2018 at 3:32 pm

      You are very welcome!

  2. shilpi says

    June 26, 2017 at 2:02 am

    Your detailed blog on men’s attire was so helpful.A woman’s clothing is easier to describe but its the technicalities of the men’s attire that i had a hard time with,this page turned out to be my beacon in the dark!!!thanx a lot for your hard work!!

    • VintageDancer says

      June 26, 2017 at 2:21 pm

      I am so happy this article helped!

  3. Hollie Ramsey says

    January 19, 2017 at 10:11 am

    Thank you SO much for all of this. My group (the cast and crew of the Texarkana Renaissance Faire) is participating in a Mardi Gras parade and our theme is victorian. I have waaaay too many people to try to coach on how to create victorian costumes so this and your other articles are a super time and stress saver for me. Thank you sooooooo much again.

    • VintageDancer says

      January 19, 2017 at 1:37 pm

      You are very welcome. I hope your parade is a big success!

  • Home
  • About The Vintage Dancer
  • Site Map
  • Privacy Policy & Disclosure

Disclosure:

This website is supported by advertising in the form of product links, banners, and sponsored articles. We may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking a link.  As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Read: Privacy Policy, Disclosure, Terms and Conditions

About Us

  • About VintageDancer.com
  • Newsletter eMail Sign Up
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Site Map
  • Privacy Policy & Disclosure

Follow Us

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Google +
  • Twitter
  • Tumbler
  • Blog Lovin
  • RSS Reader

How to Buy:

Click on the picture or title of the product and you will be redirected to the online merchant selling that item. Questions about sizing and shipping are answered on the merchants website.

VintageDancer.com links to clothing for sale online to make finding vintage inspired clothing easier.

Our Story

Dressing in vintage style clothing for a themed event or personal fashion is our passion. We turned a hobby into this website to make it easy to find vintage inspired clothing for women and men online spanning 1900-1960s. Our fashion history blog helps you create the look from decades past using vintage, vintage inspired and thrifty clothing, Need help? Ask us anytime.

Copyright © 2021 ·