Fashion Fads and Classics: The Surprising Stories Behind Them
Cowboys and Rhinestones
How did cowboys, known for their rugged masculinity, come to embrace flashy outfits adorned with rhinestones? The answer lies in Nudie Cohn, a Ukrainian-born tailor who settled in Hollywood in 1940. With his distinctive name, Nudie quickly made a name for himself by creating flamboyant suits for the likes of Johnny Cash, Dale Evans, Cher, and Elvis Presley.
Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors first gained recognition when he approached Tex Williams, a country music star who lived near Nudie and his wife in California. Nudie offered to make Williams a custom suit, but he needed $150 for a sewing machine. Williams agreed to sell a horse at auction to raise the funds.
Despite a mishap where Nudie initially made the suit with incorrect measurements due to drinking, he eventually delivered the suits to Williams. The band’s performance that night was a huge success, and Williams earned enough money to pay Nudie for his work.
Nudie’s reputation spread quickly, and he soon opened Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors in North Hollywood in 1950. In 1963, the store moved to Lankershim Boulevard, where it remained until it closed in 1994.
Tighty Whities: The Underwear Revolution
The origins of men’s briefs, commonly known as “tighty whities,” are surprisingly fascinating. In 1934, Arthur Kneibler of Cooper Inc. developed the Y-fronts, which were called “jockeys” due to their resemblance to a jockstrap.
Unveiled the following year at Marshall Fields in Chicago, the jockeys quickly became a hit, with the initial order selling out. Cooper was forced to rent a plane to handle the overwhelming demand for the next shipment. The company subsequently changed its name to Jockey International, and its briefs have been a staple in men’s wardrobes ever since.
Today, jockeys are available in various colors and fabrics, but the classic white cotton originals remain the most popular choice. Some men, however, prefer the French Legion-issued, deadstock variety without elastic, as described by Scott Bodenner on Worn Stories.
Plaid: A Checkered Past
Plaid, or tartan as it is known in Britain, has a rich and colorful history. It is closely associated with Scottish clans, who used different patterns and colors to represent their respective groups.
In 1746, following the failed Jacobite uprising led by Bonnie Prince Charlie, the British authorities banned the wearing of tartan under the Act of Proscription. They believed that tartan was a symbol of rebellion and could incite further unrest.
Fortunately for Scots and the fashion world, tartan was allowed to return from exile in 1782. Today, it is a popular fabric used in everything from clothing to home décor.
Other Sartorially-Enriching Articles
In addition to the aforementioned topics, several other articles offer insightful perspectives on fashion history and trends:
- Bureau of Trade’s post on GQ, “In Defense of Tighty Whities,” explores the correlation between the popularity of skinny jeans and the increased demand for briefs.
- Worn Stories features an article by Scott Bodenner that discusses the history and significance of the French Legion-issued deadstock underwear.
- Worn Fashion Journal’s post, “A Checkered Past,” provides ten fun facts about the history of plaid and its association with Scottish clans.