The summary of ‘Why Did Men Stop Wearing Long Overcoats?’

The video explores the decline of long overcoats in men's fashion, citing various reasons such as changes in transportation, cultural shifts post-World War II, and the evolution of outerwear styles. The historical evolution of overcoats, the impact of fast fashion, and the cultural associations affecting the popularity of long overcoats are discussed. Factors like the rise of sportier outerwear, slimmer and cheaper menswear options, and negative historical connotations have all contributed to the decline in wearing long overcoats. Despite their reduced availability, the video emphasizes the enduring appeal and versatility of long overcoats for enhancing formal outfits and providing warmth, encouraging viewers to consider adding them to their wardrobe.

00:00:00

In this segment of the video, the focus is on the decline of long overcoats in men’s fashion. It discusses how long overcoats, reaching the knee or lower, designed to be worn over a suit, have become less common. Five key developments contributing to this trend are outlined, including changes in transportation, cultural shifts post-World War II, and the evolution of outerwear from capes and cloaks to overcoats. The importance of long overcoats in protecting clothing from elements like mud and dust is highlighted. The narrator also mentions that while some men, like those at Gentleman’s Gazette, still wear long overcoats, their numbers have decreased.

00:03:00

In this segment of the video, it discusses the historical evolution of overcoats and their decline in popularity. The shift from walking or using mass transit to owning cars made long overcoats less essential. Changes in transportation and coat styles, such as the rise of more casual jackets, contributed to the decrease in overcoat usage. The areas with strong commuter cultures and cold weather still favor long overcoats. The association of long overcoats with formal, old-fashioned attire compared to the rise of leisure and sport suits also impacted their decline.

00:06:00

In this segment of the video, it is discussed how changes in popular coat and jacket styles were influenced by overall aesthetic shifts. The rise of slim, athletic figure-emphasizing suits in the 1960s led to shorter coats and jackets that exposed more of a man’s build, especially athletic legs. This trend towards sportier outerwear, aided by performance fabrics, continues today. However, the decline of suit-wearing also affected outerwear choices, with long overcoats becoming less popular due to bulkiness when worn without a suit. The rise of fast fashion in the 1970s led to a proliferation of trendy, cheap garments, impacting the demand for well-made long overcoats that were more expensive to create. Shorter coats became more prevalent as a result of their cost-effectiveness, reflecting the shift from classic to casual style in the latter 20th century.

00:09:00

In this segment of the video, it is discussed that menswear became slimmer, trendier, and cheaper, leading to the decline of long overcoats. One reason for this decline is the cultural associations of long overcoats as being old-fashioned or associated with women. There is a notion that long overcoats can be seen as effeminate, but it is highlighted that one should not let gender conventions dictate personal style choices. The historical significance of long overcoats in classic menswear is mentioned, with references to shows like “Peaky Blinders” and movies that popularized them in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Ultimately, the stigma around long overcoats led to their decline in mainstream fashion.

00:12:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the decline in the popularity of long overcoats. They mention historical associations with military, anti-war movements, and negative connotations such as ties to neo-Nazism. The speaker explains that changes in heating technology made long overcoats less necessary. Additionally, the disappearance of coat check services in public places contributed to the decline in wearing long overcoats. This led to decreased demand for long overcoats in stores due to poor sales.

00:15:00

In this part of the video, it is discussed how the reduced availability of long overcoats has led to a decrease in their popularity. Evening overcoats, once essential for formal attire, are now hard to find and often need to be custom made or bought secondhand. Despite the challenges, long overcoats are praised for their ability to enhance formal outfits, provide warmth, and come in various styles. The video concludes by emphasizing the enduring appeal and versatility of long overcoats, encouraging viewers to consider adding them to their wardrobe.

00:18:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker describes his outfit which includes a French cuffed shirt with gold-plated cufflinks, a camel hair jacket, plain brown trousers, and medium brown cap-toed Oxfords. Further, he showcases accessories like two-tone socks, a green mini carnation boutonniere, an olive green bow tie, a vintage fedora, and a reversible wool-silk blend scarf with different patterns. The accessories are all from Fort Belvedere, and the speaker directs viewers to the shop for similar items.