Fashion Culture: Suitable: The Sartorial Revolution and the Fashioning of Modern Men

Two hundred and fifty years after the American Revolution, historian and costume designer Dr. Chloe Chapin traces the evolution of modern men’s suits to answer big questions about fashion. When men adopted plain, dark, uniform suits to symbolize rationality and modernity, they simultaneously cast “fashion” as a superficial, feminine pursuit. Suitable unpacks this hidden history to explore fundamental ideas about style, identity, and the architecture of power.

A book signing will follow.

Fashion Culture programs are organized by The Museum at FIT to provide new perspectives on the culture of fashion. All programs are free unless otherwise indicated. However, reservations are strongly encouraged, as space is limited. See a full calendar of fall 2026 Fashion Culture Program events on the museum website.

This event is free and open to the public.