The Spice Of Life In Fashion

The spices of life are more to some and less toHowever there is no truth in this — the
others. Contrary to a captain with no hull beneathAdmiralty were at one time considering the
his deck, but a good steady wind and a pair ofmerits of two stripes as against three. Sailors
Denim flares more befitting a weatherworn sailorwere assigned to various jobs according to their
feeling his years, to the Far East in search ofskill. ... Before 1857 there was no uniform for
spices. Time and tide won’t let a sailorRoyal Navy seamen, who usually wore baggy
sleep.trousers ... The modern sailor's uniform is the
Now it’s the spices of fashion for men, theculmination of centuries of tradition and innovation.
rising tide: And, dandyism still contrasting BeauFrom silk stockings, frock coats and night caps.
Brummell rejection of 18th century frills, hisIn 1756 a children’s uniform of 'sailor's
mandate; a dark blue coat, buff-coloureddress' with distinctive leather caps was adopted,
pantaloons and waistcoat, black boots and a cleaninstead of the uniform based on what the
white neck cloth.pensioners wore. ...
The modern sailor’s uniform, endures andThe sailor's collar deserves a special mention.
has remained a popular choice for designers toTarred pig tails disappeared rapidly after 1815 and
mimic idiosyncratic characters, a simple uniform tothe last is recorded as having been seen at sea in
draw inspiration from; each changing style to suit1827. On the other hand, the first broad collars
forms and functions.were worn after 1830. Contrary to popular belief,
A little more evidence on how history in fashiontherefore, the two were never worn together.
repeats itself: Bell bottomed trousers wereEnough sea faring stories; now, the gentleman,
another 'icon' of the square rig uniform. Theseendowed with wisdom, true to word and
were practical garments for men who workedhonourable handshake. Bereft of principles; no
sailing ships since they could be rolled up securelygentleman.
to clear the feet and ankles when working theSo, clothes befitting is not distinguishable enough
rigging. In common with all other items of a sailor'sto judge mans true character, he chooses to
kit, trousers were kept folded ready for use in awear governed by mood, taste, budget, status or
kit bag. Kept inside out to avoid fluff on the outeradvice? A pair of faded jeans and linen shirt and
surface and to avoid 'shine' by ironing, they weresneakers, or the best cut suit from Savile Row
folded horizontally at about a hand's width andand a pair of Floorshiems for the feet
taped into a rectangular 'block'. When worn, thisHowever it’s what suits the individual taste
produced inverted vertical creases down the sidein fashion. The things that add spice to menswear
of the leg and five or seven, depending on theclothing are the accessories, like silk ties, cravats,
height of the wearer, horizontal creases down theor scarves. Men wear label badges as recognition
leg. In time these were accepted as the thing toof status or club membership. Then there are
have and were pressed firmly into place from theendless choices of cufflinks in silver Swarovski
early years of the century. Since the First Worldcrystals and most traditionally enamels.
War bell bottoms were purchased for traditionEven more fortunate for the modern man are
rather than any practical use but were replaceddesigners who mark a new creative direction for
by flared trousers in 1977.men’s clothing and accessories. A few fine
The three white tapes were said toexamples, Vivienne Westwood, Timothy Everest,
commemorate Nelson’s three great battlesIan Flaherty.
— The Nile, Copenhagen and Trafalgar.