The History of Exotic Clothing for Men in the British Commonwealth and the United States
Exotic clothing for men, throughout
history, has been a symbol of both fashion and status, serving as a
reflection of cultural influences and the blending of different
traditions. In both the British Commonwealth and the United States, the
evolution of exotic clothing styles for men has been shaped by
colonialism, trade, cultural exchange, and evolving attitudes towards
masculinity and fashion. From the bright silks and intricate patterns
of the 18th century to the bold and eclectic styles of modern fashion,
exotic clothing has made a profound impact on men's wardrobes in both
regions.
Early History: Colonialism and Cultural Exchange
The idea of "exotic" clothing for men in
the British Commonwealth and the United States can be traced back to
the colonial era when European powers began establishing trade routes
across the globe. British colonial expansion, especially in the 17th
and 18th centuries, exposed Europeans to various textiles and clothing
styles from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Exotic fabrics such as
silks, cottons, and intricate brocades from China, India, and the
Middle East, as well as furs, leathers, and woven textiles from Africa
and the Americas, began to infiltrate Western fashion.
In the British Commonwealth, exotic
clothing became associated with the upper classes who could afford such
luxury items. The East India Company, in particular, played a central
role in introducing Indian silk, cotton, and embroidered textiles to
Britain. Wealthy men began incorporating these luxurious fabrics into
their attire, often in the form of waistcoats, jackets, and neckties.
These exotic materials not only signaled wealth but also symbolized a
connection to the expanding British Empire and the riches it brought.
The United States, as a former British
colony, shared in the appreciation for exotic textiles but also
developed its own unique history of clothing influenced by its diverse
immigrant population. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Native
American attire, as well as clothing styles from African slaves and
Caribbean workers, became significant components of American fashion,
especially in the southern states where cotton plantations were
prevalent. African-inspired textiles, including brightly colored prints
and handwoven fabrics, made their way into mainstream American clothing
by the 19th century.
19th Century: Romanticism and the Influence of the Orient
The 19th century saw the rise of the
Romantic movement, which romanticized exoticism, adventure, and the
idea of the "other." This fascination with the Orient, Africa, and
South America influenced the clothing styles of men in both the British
Commonwealth and the United States. During the Victorian era, British
men often embraced "orientalist" styles in their fashion choices,
incorporating details such as loose-fitting trousers, turbans, and
embroidered sashes into their wardrobes. This was particularly true
among those who had traveled to or had a personal interest in these
distant lands.
In America, the 19th century also saw
the development of "cowboy" and "Western" fashion, which borrowed
elements from the clothing of Native American tribes, as well as from
Spanish colonial dress. Men in the United States embraced rugged,
functional clothing, such as fringed leather jackets, buckskin
trousers, and wide-brimmed hats, which were associated with the
frontier lifestyle. This "exotic" style was symbolic of American
individualism and the pioneering spirit.
Early to Mid-20th Century: Exoticism and High Fashion
The early 20th century saw an increase
in the adoption of exotic clothing by men in both the British
Commonwealth and the United States, largely as a result of increased
travel, globalization, and the influence of Hollywood and European
fashion houses. The "Jazz Age" of the 1920s brought an appreciation for
the vibrant and daring styles of the African-American community,
especially in cities like Harlem, New York. Men embraced bold, colorful
suits, hats, and accessories, many of which featured African-inspired
prints or fabrics.
Meanwhile, the 1930s and 1940s brought a
fascination with the exoticism of the Far East. Hollywood films
featuring adventure and romance in places like India, China, and Egypt
contributed to the popularity of exotic clothing among men. Fabrics
such as silk, linen, and cotton, with their bright patterns and light
textures, became more common in menswear, especially for summer wear.
British and American men were now increasingly drawn to lightweight
tropical fabrics, reflecting both the colonial influence and the desire
for leisure and travel.
In the post-war years of the 1950s and
1960s, there was a growing cultural interest in African-American
fashion and the clothing worn by musicians like jazz players and early
rock stars. The so-called "Zoot Suit," with its oversized jackets and
wide trousers, became a symbol of defiance and non-conformity. At the
same time, the popularity of the "beatnik" movement, which embraced a
bohemian style, saw men adopting clothing that was heavily influenced
by global travel, particularly to North Africa and Asia. The influence
of the hippie movement of the 1960s and 1970s also brought exotic
influences from India, such as loose, flowing garments, tie-dye shirts,
and sandals, which were popularized by figures like The Beatles.
Late 20th Century to Present: Globalization and the Commercialization of Exotic Fashion
The late 20th century saw the
democratization of fashion, with exotic styles becoming more accessible
to a wider audience. In the 1980s and 1990s, the rise of street fashion
and the influence of hip hop culture brought African-inspired prints,
textiles, and jewelry into mainstream fashion. Designers like Jean-Paul
Gaultier and Vivienne Westwood, among others, incorporated elements of
"exotic" fashion into their collections, bringing attention to ethnic
and cultural motifs that had previously been relegated to niche markets.
In the United States, the popularity of
Hawaiian shirts became a mainstay in casual men’s fashion during
the 1950s and 1960s, reflecting both the rise of tourism in the Pacific
Islands and the global fascination with tropical paradises. By the
1990s, brands like Tommy Bahama and Hawaiian Tropic turned these
garments into symbols of relaxation and leisure, making them a
ubiquitous part of summer wardrobes across the U.S.
Today, exotic clothing for men continues
to influence mainstream fashion. The global fashion market now embraces
a wide variety of ethnic and cultural influences, with designers
incorporating fabrics and designs from Africa, India, and the Middle
East into their collections. Men's fashion has become a platform for
the expression of identity, and exotic clothing serves as a way for
individuals to connect with or express their heritage, while also
celebrating cultural diversity.
Literature Recommendations
- “The History of Men’s Fashion” by Nicholas Storey
- “Exotic Fashion and the Rise of the Global Designer” by Anne Hollander
- “The Anthropology of Fashion: A Reader” by Susanne Küchler
- “Fashions of a Decade: The 1960s” by Lesley B. Cormack
- “Global Fashion Culture” by L. A. Jacobus
