History of color part 4

Victorian

  As the Victorian era progresses even more materials are now available; including such luxuries as velvets, satins, alpaca, and rich silks. Life has gotten exciting with the advent of aniline dyes; with black and dark colors reserved

only for those in mourning or over the age of 40. And while you could never tell from the faded relics that populate our museum’s; the garments when new, featured brilliant and frequently shocking combinations of color. You had purple with cerise, and veridian with royal blue, etc..
  Regrettably for men the three piece lounge suit has made its appearance and now there are plaids, checks and other abominations to be seen sauntering down the street as well as the knickerbockers still on occasion seen at the golf courses of today!

 Mid Victorian

 
 The 1870’s: the bustle is becoming a fashion force with fabrics lighter in weight with such additions as sateens and cashmeres to choose from. Fabrics are striped, spotted, or are embroidered with small sprigs and the colors are mainly lights and pastels. Men’s fashions while mainly black are showing some striped fabrics occasionally used for trousers and the waistcoats have lightened and are showing some patterns.

 In addition to the fabrics used just prior to the 1880’s fur trimmings embellish mantles and coats. 

 Late Victorian

The late Victorian sees a narrowing of skirts and a diminishing bustle with Scotch plaids, serge, twill, velveteen and poplins swelling the fabric ranks. The colors chosen by both sexes is dark and somber and the costumes achieve richness by the juxtaposition of textures and the complexity of the trims.
  By the mid 1880’s the skirts are so narrow movement has been compromised and as to fabrics; for men checks and plaids made up into three piece lounge suits are very popular.The women have lightened and varied their palette greatly and soft autumn shades accented by bottle green and peacock blue are in wide use.