Suit

Unknown

1870–79 · wool · Costume Institute

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1870–79

Medium

wool

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Margaret D. Leverich, 1964