The Suit

• Victorian trousers were not much different than the pants worn by men today.Unlike today's low-rise pants, the tops of Victorian trousers sat just below the navel. Pants were worn with a flat front. There were no belt loops, as there were no belts worn with trousers. Designs were plain fabric, checkered or striped. Shirts were similar to the dress shirts of today, with a fuller cut. Tuxedo shirts work well for a Victorian costume. Suit coats varied in style. Frock coats that hung full and long, landing above the knee, were the most common. Tailcoats, hanging to the knee in the back and landing at the waist in the front, were popular as formal attire. Coats were sometimes closed only with one button at the top so the waistcoat could be seen underneath.
  
  

The Waistcoat

• The Victorian vest, or waistcoat, was a key staple in a man's wardrobe during that era. The Victorian waistcoat was the equivalent of today's tie, worn as an accessory to a suit, selected to represent an individual's personal style. When choosing your vest, select any color and cut that suits your tastes, as they were worn in a wide variety of designs during that era. The most common fabric was silk, followed by wool and cotton. Many men wore vests that were longer than the suit coat, allowing the vest to stick out and be seen. What you choose for your costume depends on the look you are trying to achieve. Silk vests should be worn when going for an elegant Victorian style, while wool or cotton is better suited for a casual look.
  
  

Hats

• Gentleman's hats were a staple wardrobe piece during the Victorian era. The Victorian man owned several hats and would use whatever style the occasions demanded. Much like the waistcoat, there were a variety of hat styles and designs to choose from. Derbies, or bowlers, were felt hats with a rounded crown and were common for day wear, as were top hats. For formal occasions, top hats were the No. 1 choice in head wear. These hats have not changed much over the years, so finding one for your costume should be simple.
  
  

Accessories

• The pocket watch is one of the most common accessories that is associated with Victorian men's costumes. Hanging out of the vest pocket from a chain, pocket watches came in a wide variety of finishes, including silver, gold, pewter and bronze. Some were basic with a smooth finish and others were rich with intricate designs. Other accessories to add to the authenticity of a Victorian costume are sleeve garters, monocles, opera glasses, leather dress gloves, a brass compass and a walking stick.