Books like Men's Victorian Fashions, 1867-1898 by Millicent René

"Home of haute couture and the world's leading fashion houses, Paris and its inhabitants represent sophistication and refinement to the rest of the world. In the city's elegant neighborhoods, debonair Parisian men continue to participate in a centuries-long tradition of sartorial craftsmanship and quality. The Parisian Gentleman is like a dream shopping excursion to the leading men's style-makers, from hidden ateliers and little-known studios to internationally renowned labels such as shirtmakers Charvet, shoemakers Berluti, and the recently revived trunk makers Moynat. The stories behind each house, and the creative minds and artisans who give each brand its unique identity, bring the clothes alive, capturing an unceasing dedication to quality in an era overrun with new, mass-produced trends. Author Hugo Jacomet's portraits of these often-inaccessible marques (or brands) are intimate and illuminating, thanks to his personal connections to many of the leading figures associated with each. His text is accompanied by beautifully shot photographs of the designers, studios, garments, and locations, the majority of which were taken exclusively for this book"--Publisher's description.

Waugh sews through the evolution of men's dress styles using a series accurately scaled down diagrams from patterns of garments. There are photographs of suits of some diagrams while other diagrams are reproduced from paintings and old prints. These illustrate complete costumes with accessories. Waugh also quotes contemporary sources: diaries, travelers' accounts and tailors' bills to supplement her text.

"Everything you ever wanted to know about men's clothing - and so much more - from the exact hour Nelson lost his right eye to the type of palm needed for a Panama hat, what Cary Grant's tailor had to do to his shoulders - and those all-important questions of what to where, when and why, including when to wear a bow tie (surely 'never' is the only answer?). A quirky book full of facts that you never realised you needed to know, including the exact thickness of animal hair used to create must-have fashion items, including suits. Provocative, and controversial at times - but always very well dressed."--Publisher's description.