American Men's Clothing at 1860

By 1860, the availability of sewing machines meant that men's clothing could be produced faster and more cheaply. Fashions in men's clothing favored looser fitting coats and trousers. Coat sleeves were very wide at the elbows, narrowing at the shoulder and cuff, a design sometimes referred to as a "balloon sleeve". Aniline dyes (made from coal tar) were new and produced brighter colors than natural dyes (made from plants) and did not fade as quickly. Clothes in bright colors and a variety of woven patterns were popular; but so were more staid garments made from extremely fine wool in black and other somber colors.

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