Suit Up: Class, Economics, Manhood, and Menswear

Fashion #2 of 4. The suit has been the standard of Western men’s fashion, with some slight alterations, since at least the late 1600s. Not only that, but since the 1970s, even women, when they need to signal their professionalism, are expected to wear a feminized version of the suit. Why has the suit become the standard for professional wear? How have suits changed over the centuries? And what do suits represent in our society – and what have they represented historically? Ready? Suit up! Find show notes and episode transcripts here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices