Fashion From the 1890s: History's Best Sellers

Extra! Extra! On the home front and across the nation, 1890s 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 Polo neck and Sweater, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Unknown and Various artisans and manufacturers proved their mettle with Sneakers, 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. Polo neck

   Released in 1890 by Unknown

   The polo neck, often known as the turtleneck, began its remarkable journey not on the fashion runways, but on the sporting fields of late 19th-century England. Initially designed as a pragmatic piece of athletic wear for polo players around the 1890s, its high, protective collar offered respite from cold weather and chafing equipment. This humble beginning belied its future as a true fashion chameleon. By the 1920s, it had already made its first leap into mainstream fashion, adopted by forward-thinking women and intellectuals, marking the start of its enduring appeal as a garment that seamlessly blends practicality with sophisticated style.

2. Sweater

   Released in 1890 by Various artisans and manufacturers

   The sweater, a ubiquitous garment in wardrobes worldwide, didn't begin its journey as a fashion statement but rather as a practical utility item. Emerging in the 19th century, especially within the strenuous world of sports, its primary purpose was to induce sweating—a then-popular method for weight reduction among athletes like boxers and rowers. This humble knitted garment quickly proved its worth, offering unparalleled warmth and comfort. Its rapid adoption by athletes, particularly in the late 1800s, marked its first significant popularization, laying the groundwork for its eventual transformation from functional sportswear to a mainstream casual and fashionable staple by the early 20th century, cementing its place as an enduring commercial success.

3. Sneakers

   Released in 1892 by U.S. Rubber Company

   The advent of sneakers marked a revolutionary shift in footwear, moving away from the noisy, rigid leather shoes of the past. Their defining feature, the rubber sole, offered unprecedented quietness and comfort, earning them the moniker 'sneakers' in 1917 from advertising agent Henry Nelson McKinney. Initially embraced for athletic pursuits and leisure, these canvas-topped, rubber-soled shoes quickly transcended their utilitarian origins, becoming symbols of an emerging casual lifestyle. Their instant appeal lay in their blend of practicality, affordability, and a nascent sense of relaxed style, laying the groundwork for a global fashion phenomenon that continues to redefine personal expression and performance across generations and cultures.

4. Barbour (company)

   Released in 1894 by Barbour, John Barbour

   The Barbour brand, founded by John Barbour in 1894 in South Shields, England, swiftly became synonymous with superior outdoor protection, particularly through its iconic waxed cotton jackets. Initially, the company's robust oilskins and outerwear were designed to meet the rigorous demands of fishermen, sailors, and dock workers facing the harsh North Sea climate. Its immediate success stemmed from an uncompromising commitment to quality and practicality, offering unparalleled durability and weather resistance that quickly earned the trust of its working-class clientele and set the foundation for its enduring legacy as a global heritage brand.