William Hamilton

Has the suit become irrelevant in today's more casual workplace? For more than a century, suits have been a traditional part of the American male wardrobe. Today, however, new businesses and clothing fads are threatening the status of this fashion staple. Relaxed office dress codes are making formal attire optional all or part of the week, reducing the association between wearing a suit and being considered a professional. In addition, some younger companies have abandoned suit culture altogether. Software engineers in Silicon Valley, California-the heart of the computer industry-are legendary for favoring T—shirts and jeans.

In this article, author William Hamilton provides a brief history of the suit, noting how current designs are still influenced by earlier lifestyles and activities. For instance, modern suit styles still have their origins in riding apparel...