Fashion From the 1850s: History's Best Sellers

Extra! Extra! On the home front and across the nation, 1850s saw a swell surge of swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship in the world of fashion! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like Cardigan and Designer clothing, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like James Brudenell and House of Worth proved their mettle with essential classics, delivering craftsmanship that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. Cardigan (sweater)

   Released in 1853 by James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan

   The cardigan, a venerable staple in wardrobes worldwide, emerged from the battlefields of the Crimean War, quickly transitioning from a military necessity to a sartorial sensation. Its immediate success lay in its practical design: a button-front knitted garment offering easy layering and warmth without the bulk of a pullover. Popularized by a British military leader, it represented a functional innovation that perfectly suited the needs of the era for adaptable clothing. From its humble origins, it gained traction as a comfortable yet smart alternative to traditional waistcoats and jackets, setting the stage for its enduring legacy as a versatile fashion essential.

2. Designer clothing

   Released in 1858 by House of Worth, Charles Frederick Worth

   The concept of 'designer clothing,' as we understand it today—garments conceived and branded by a specific, identifiable creative visionary—revolutionized the fashion world in the mid-19th century. Prior to this, dressmaking was often an anonymous craft, with clients dictating styles. However, with the emergence of figures like Charles Frederick Worth, clothing transformed from a mere necessity into an artistic statement and a marker of status. Worth, establishing his maison de couture in Paris in 1858, became the first to dictate styles to his wealthy clientele rather than merely executing their requests. This pivotal shift marked the birth of haute couture and set the stage for the global phenomenon of designer fashion, immediately garnering immense popularity among European aristocracy and setting a new precedent for luxury and exclusivity in dress.