Jackets and Shirts

• Most gentlemen wore white shirts with starched stand-up collars; though light colors and stripes found their way into their wardrobes. Popular jackets of the day were "sack jackets," often single breasted, made of wool or cotton just reaching the hip bone. The waistcoat was another frequently worn jacket which cinched at the waistline, skirting out to midcalf length.
  
  For formal wear men wore dark colored jackets fitted at the waist, either double or single breasted with tails in the back. Collars were often lined in satin or velvet. At-home attire consisted of smoking jackets in either velvet or silk topped off with a small matching cap. Outer coats were made of heavy wool and sported collars in fur and velvet with heavy brocade closings.
  
  

Pants and Vests

• Gentlemen wore loosely fitted trousers with knife pleats made of wool or cotton in dark colors and subtle stripes at the beginning of the Victorian era. Towards the end of the 1800s men's pants were more fitted and tapered to the ankle, with button-up front closures.
  
  Vests added versatility to men's rather dark and somber suits. By changing vests frequently more outfits were created. Vests for daytime wear were made of cotton and wool offered in many colors and patterns. For evening attire vests constructed of silk and velvet created an outfit worthy of any social event.
  
  

Accessories

• Accessories made up a big part of men's wardrobe during the Victorian age. Gold-handled walking sticks added style to the Victorian man's wardrobe. Ties were adored with fancy stick pins and men showed off large gold rings on each hand. Many men carried large gold watches with chains coming from vest pockets, as well as monacle eye glasses attached to strings to accompany their outfits. Gloves were often part of an outfit for added style as well as warmth. For several years during the middle Victorian years men wore shawls when venturing outside.
  
  

Hats and shoes

• Men wore lace-up shoes during the first part of the Victorian era and moved into black patent leather, making a fashion statement, throughout the remainder of the 1800s. Men wore hats when venturing outdoors for work or social occasions. The hats were made of wool and straw, with bowler and derby styles the most popular for work and daytime events.. For evenings out men wore high top hats. to complement their elegant suits and accessories. Well dressed gentlemen wore caps for social and casual occasions.
  
  

Hair

• During the beginning of the Victorian era, men wore fairly long curly hair reaching their collars. Towards the later part of the century, shorter hair become a more popular style for men. The hair was held firmly in place with heavy oils. Men parted their hair in the center or slightly off. Styles of beards went through different phases during the 1800s to totally clean-shaven at the end of the era. Men often wore mustaches during the Victorian era -- from very bushy to handlebar style.