text: Man felt a need for garments from prehistoric times. Initially garments were used as a protection from climatic changes, as an adornment and for modesty. History is a witness to the fact that civilizations across the world have been wearing draped garment rather than cut and stitched, be it Roman togas or Indian Sari. Initially, garments were made from bark of trees, skins of animals and much later in fabric.
  As the population size increased and man started staking territories, the role of armies developed as a consequence of this. Man needed a set of uniforms to identify the group formed as an army and as a result of the war, need of protective clothing from weapons also arose. The Armours made of steel plates were the first kind of uniforms which developed as a result of this, which were functional and provided necessary protection.
  Cutwork has made a major comeback and will continue to be a technique to incorporate in your attire during the next season too, Update your wardrobe with a cutwork shrug (a cropped open-fronted lightweight jacket) with flowy sleeves, to give a wow effect to loose jumpsuits prom dresses and boho-chic dresses and blouses.
  The Armours were made of a number of steel plates that were structured around the body in a manner so as to provide for a better movement, hence, a more functional outfit. This was the start of manufacturing industry as highly skilled personnel were required to make these Armours and this led to the start of pattern making. Armours are considered as a foundation for jackets, men wore jackets to look regal, and it immediately provided them with a stature. Initially jackets were structured like Armour; a traditional jacket had enough support to make it stand on its own when kept on a table. With passage of time they have become lighter and malleable
  In the modern era the three piece suit has been the standard bearer for masculine western dress. Most dress historians attribute the rise of modern suit to 1820's when pantaloons, vests and coats had become recognizable assembly - a suit- embodying a male aesthetic of dynamism and self control. Good fit has conventionally been the prerogative of upper classes and depended upon the skills of the bespoke tailors i.e. 'spoken for'. The three piece suit today is an accepted standard formal menswear, generally almost all business men wear suits to work every day.
  The traditional three piece suit for men includes a trouser, paired with a jacket/ coat and a shirt. Jacket is a very important piece of garment as it makes the first impression regarding the person wearing it and how they present themselves. For centuries design details and workmanship of men's tailoring have been borrowed by women's-wear. Contemporary designers are employing tailoring techniques which are increasingly using latest hi-technology that eliminates the need of hand stitching which was once and essential element of a well made Savile Row jacket.
  Usually unstructured and with an open front, a drape jacket is a great way to soften up an ensemble. You can use it to balance out tailored trousers or layer it over a loose and lightweight T-shirt. A cowl neck scarf tee in a neutral colour works brilliantly with a pastel drape jacket.
  Traditional tailoring or classical tailoring was made to measurement for an individual, it was also referred as bespoke tailoring, and that till today implies highest standards in menswear construction. Till today, bespoke tailoring implies that no fusible interlining is used while constructing a garment. The entire jacket structure is created by custom fitting and using processes or hand stitching that reinforce and pad the interfacing and interlining.
  Men's dresses were very formal till 1860 when Prince of Wales got a bespoke tailor Henry Poole to make an evening suit which had no tails. An influential American James Potter saw the suit and got his tailor to copy the suit. Potter wore it to his club called Tuxedo, where it caught the eye of others and became kind of unofficial club uniform. Later, it came to be known as a Tuxedo. YSL (Yves Saint Laurent) introduced the Tuxedo in Women's wear in 1960's. A cross between dressing gown and dinner jacket was called a Smoking jacket that was generally worn at home and was usually made of dark velvet and was trimmed with braids and piping.
  The Nehru jacket has emerged as the hottest menswear staple on Indian ramps this season. Keep yourself warm in one, but wear it differently. Instead of the usual dark Nehru jacket over a white kurta, team a bright orange printed one with a black kurta for sharp contrast.