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Suit

1870–79
Not on view
This is an early form of the leisure suit, composed of a loose fitting jacket originally known in England as a "lounge jacket" and straight-legged pants. The style was introduced in the 1860s to be worn casually on a country retreat or for sporting activities. It was favored because it gave the appearance of a suit while being less constricting due to its soft material and basic construction. The style was later popularized by King Edward VII (1841-1910) before he was King.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Suit
  • Date: 1870–79
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: wool
  • Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Margaret D. Leverich, 1964
  • Object Number: 2009.300.341a, b
  • Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute

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