History's Best Selling Products of 1890

1. How the Other Half Lives

   Released in 1890 by Jacob Riis, Charles Scribner's Sons

   Published in 1890, "How the Other Half Lives" stands as a monumental work in American history, marking a pivotal moment for photojournalism and social reform during the Gilded Age. Jacob Riis, through his stark photographs and vivid prose, compelled a largely oblivious middle and upper class to confront the grim realities of urban poverty in New York City's tenements. This book was instrumental in shifting public perception of the poor, transforming them from an abstract social problem into a visible human crisis, thereby laying crucial groundwork for the burgeoning Progressive Era movements focused on housing reform, sanitation, and child welfare.

2. 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.

3. 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.