What is a suit?

Clothing is the most important component of modern life. Many, many generations of people cannot imagine those times when a completely naked person in society was the norm. A suit plays an important role in a person’s life, not only protecting him from the external environment, but also making him self-confident, emphasizing his individuality and his own style..

Expanding the concept of “suit”. What does he look like?

“Costume” is a rather broad concept. The fact is that in the broadest sense it means the entire set of clothes that existed in a given period of time. For example, when describing the history of the formation and development of clothing, they often write “the history of costume.” In a narrower sense, it is understood as a distinctive style of clothing inherent in different people according to regional or national characteristics, social status, lifestyle and taste.

The broad concept of “costume” includes the complete image of a person, that is, not only the items of clothing themselves, but also hairstyle, makeup, accessories (hats, jewelry, bags, gloves, etc.). A narrow understanding is commonplace and familiar to us, because in this case it is an indispensable element of business style clothing: a trouser suit, a three-piece or a four-piece.

What types of costumes are there?

A costume is not only a way to express yourself, but also to try on a new role that is unusual in everyday life. In this case, they are called masquerade, theatrical or acting.

Masquerade

Masquerade costumes are widely used among both adults and children. The tradition of dressing up dates back to the deep Middle Ages, it was then that the first masquerade balls took place in Europe. Nowadays, many children's parties are held with the obligatory condition of having a fancy dress.

They can be completely different and consist of either a mask or a full set of clothes. Choosing such an outfit is a creative matter, because you can transform into any fairy-tale or cartoon character, historical character or living person.

Theater

The character's image is created by the actor using both external resemblance and character traits and temperament. The clothes worn by an actor in a theater or film are part of a theatrical costume, which is also complemented by makeup, hairstyle, accessories and demeanor.

Elegant

An elegant suit is an ideal option for a holiday or a romantic date. It can be understood as any item of clothing that people do not wear on a daily basis. Its peculiarity is that Each person has their own understanding of whether a suit is smart. For some it’s shiny fabric or bright colors, for others it’s the presence of high-heeled shoes, for others it’s a dress instead of trousers.

Men's

A men's suit is a classic wardrobe item that includes a jacket and trousers.. Even if in everyday life or at work a man does not require strict adherence to a business style, he may need it for festive events or going out. The following types exist:

• “two”. Consists of a jacket and classic trousers. The jacket can be single-breasted (with one row of buttons) or double-breasted (two rows of buttons). The most common and suitable option for all men;
• "troika". In addition to the jacket and trousers, the set includes a vest made from the same fabric. Etiquette rules allow you to take off your jacket at a formal event without asking permission.

Women's

A classic set for women consists of a jacket and a skirt (trousers). A women's suit can be made of various fabrics (cotton, wool, tweed) and a variety of colors and is suitable for wearing both to work and in everyday life. There are non-standard options:

• "troika". Women wear it very rarely, mainly representatives of certain professions (for example, flight attendants);
• with shorts. Relevant in recent years. Worn with tights and pumps, ballet flats or other lightweight shoes.

National

Costumes of the peoples of the world are the calling cards of countries, representing the historical development, way of life and traditions of the population. They carry a piece of the past and reflect the individuality of the people, weather and climatic conditions. Many of them have already become associated with their countries of origin, so their brightness and uniqueness remain firmly in people’s memory.

Some of the outfits are now difficult to see in everyday life. For example, Russian costume has long become history, and you can get acquainted with it in museums, on performers in folklore ensembles, in cinema. In many other countries, national costumes are still part of everyday life:

• in India, girls from the age of 10–12 are taught the art of wearing a sari - a dress made of a long, wide strip of fabric that is skillfully draped over the body;
• Bhutan is the only state where citizens are required to wear national dress. Driglam Najma - local etiquette rules - include wearing a gho (belted robe). Without it, it is impossible to enter a government office, school or any public place;
• In Scotland, kilts (skirts for men) and women's skirts are made from tartan, a large-checked fabric. Its color depends on the area and clan. In everyday life you rarely see people wearing these costumes, but for important events such as weddings, diaspora meetings, national holidays, residents wear kilts.

Interesting Facts

1. a women's Russian sundress was passed down from generation to generation if they got married in it;
2. Peter I, by his decree, prohibited nobles from wearing Russian dress, and fines were imposed for this. Only peasants were allowed to wear folk costume;
3. After much debate, it was believed that in a men's suit, the bottom button should always be undone, and the top button should only be undone when sitting;
4. Previously, there were no buttons on the sleeves of the jacket; their appearance is associated with the activities of Napoleon. He taught his soldiers not to wipe their noses with their sleeves, but to use a handkerchief, as the aristocrats did. The buttons supposedly served to wean them from this habit;
5. in the USA there is no national costume as such, but many consider cowboy hats or warm sweaters in the north of the country to be such.