Men’s Clothing Comes to Terms With Its Origins
Researchers here have buttonholed the origin of some of the terms for men’s clothing, including the practice of calling one article of clothing a “pair” of trousers: Until the 14th century each leg covering was separate, not sewn together, making it literally a pair of trousers.
Slacks: It was in 1926 that the Haggar Co. started business, making what founder J.M. Haggar Sr. and his son Ed called slacks--pants that didn’t match a suit jacket.
Blazer: This term for a solid-color sports coat traces its roots to the sea. During the 1860s, the captain of the HMS Blazer ordered all of his sailors to wear identical jackets, which had metal British Navy buttons; the jackets were, of course, navy blue.
Tuxedo: In 1886, Griswold Lorillard shocked New York society by wearing a black jacket without the then-obligatory tails to the exclusive Tuxedo Club. A new standard for men’s formal attire was born.
Jeans: Although jeans didn’t become popular casual wear until the 1950s, the word originated in 1810 as pants made of jean, a twilled cotton fabric.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
