Suit Yourself: 100 Years of Dutch Menswear Fashion at the Rijksmuseum, 1750-1850

This exhibition showcases the vibrant and ornate menswear worn by flamboyant Dutch men between 1750 and 1850. It explores the evolution of fashion during this period, influenced by local craftsmanship, international trends, and societal changes, featuring luxurious materials like striped velvet, silk, and embroidered fabrics.

Suit Yourself delves into the exuberant fashion choices of Dutch men during the 18th and 19th centuries, presenting a spotlight on the finery worn from 1750 to 1850. The exhibition highlights the use of rich materials such as striped velvet, floral embroidery, and luxurious silk fabrics. It details how men's fashion in the 18th century, particularly the 'macaroni' style, emphasized vivid colors and contrasting textures, reflecting the era's beauty ideals with garments like intricately embroidered waistcoats designed to accentuate the torso. Influences were drawn from both local weaving traditions and international sources, including Turkish motifs, with the Dutch East India Company playing a role in importing exotic fabrics. The period following the French Revolution saw a shift towards more subdued, military-inspired fashions, though subtle displays of wealth persisted in detailing. By the 19th century, industrialization increased fabric availability and the rise of ready-to-wear clothing, alongside a flourishing second-hand market, as exemplified by a waistcoat made from hand-painted Chinese silk repurposed from an 18th-century dress. The exhibition's design is by the French architecture practice Wilmotte & Associés. It traces the evolution of masculinity as reflected in clothing, from the bold statements of the 18th century to the more restrained styles of the 19th century. The narrative covers how societal shifts, global trade, and technological advancements shaped menswear, offering visitors a comprehensive look at a specific century of sartorial history and the cultural exchange embedded in the fabrics and designs presented.

Adult tickets are €25, with free admission for those 18 and under, ICOM members, and Friends of the Rijksmuseum. A start time must be booked for entry. The museum is cashless, accepting only digital payment methods or credit cards.