Mark Twain, whose real name is Samuel Clemens, was a renowned 19th-century American author, who is best known for his controversial novels revealing the hypocrisy of the Southern society. Twain was born on November 30th, 1835, and was an important figure of the Romantic Movement in the US and abroad. Twain was a famously tall and lanky man, so it stands to reason that he was a rather tall man of average size in the 1850s and 1860s.
Most of what we know about Mark Twain’s attire has been found in various photographs, articles, and other records. An article published in 1884 described Twain’s attire as “mourning fatigue“, which was dressed in white trousers and a somewhat dark vest with a drape collar. Twain was typically seen wearing a top hat and holding a cane, although he occasionally opted for a bowler hat with a more modern style. He was also known to sport a pocket watch, which he often had secured with a gold chain.
A notable exception to Twain’s otherwise plain appearance was the costume he wore for a performance he gave in 1888 titled “The Lecture of Mark Twain”. This was a grand comedy in which Twain appeared on stage adorned in regal attire, including a feathered hat, a long white satin robe, and a sash of blue silk. He also wore a golden collar, a medal around his neck, and a cape of purple velvet.
Twain was also known for wearing an expensive long overcoat. It was deemed a necessary accessory since Twain’s house had an open fire, and there were frequent drafts throughout the day. It was not just the overcoat that kept Twain warm; he was known to wear two layers of clothing underneath. Over the course of his life, Twain’s wardrobe became increasingly elaborate. He was often seen in white trousers, tailcoats, and frock coats with applique designs.
Twain is rightly regarded as one of the most influential American authors of all time, and his ideas continue to resonate to this day. As a business man, Twain embodied the American ideal of success and was known for his particular style of dress. Twain was notorious for his refusal to accept the status quo, and this was reflected in his choice of clothing. Twain’s outfits portrayed an air of nonconformity and a passion for challenging conventions.
Twain’s sartorial choices also helped him to construct an image of himself as a man of taste and elegance. Twain was a strong advocate for the idea that one’s outer appearance should reflect one’s inner morality. He cared deeply about making a statement with his clothing and often picked outfits that were more formal than those of his colleagues.
In conclusion, although we may not have an exact set of clothes that Mark Twain had on him, it is quite evident that the iconic author had an unwavering commitment towards looking good. His clothing choices were influenced by his nonconformist attitude and his belief that one’s appearance should reflect one’s inner morality. It is likely that Twain’s fashion sense was ahead of its time, and many of his outfits remain timeless.
Hat Styles
Of all the pieces of clothing that Mark Twain wore during his lifetime, one of the most recognizable is the hat. Twain was known to experiment with different types of hats throughout his career, such as the aforementioned top hat and bowler hat, as well as a derby hat and a stovepipe hat. It has been speculated that Twain changed his hat style depending on the occasion, and as his career progressed, he began to favor increasingly grand and flamboyant hat styles.
In the 1850s and 1860s, Twain typically wore a top hat, which was often decorated with a band or ribbon that he would occasionally change. He also wore a bowler hat in some of the later photographs, and this style became increasingly popular in the 1860s. Twain’s favored derby hat was popularized in the 1880s, and he began to favor this style of hat from that point onwards. He also sometimes opted for a more whimsical look and opted for a curly brimmed ‘stovepipe’ hat.
Fabrics Used
When it comes to the fabrics used for Twain’s clothing, his wardrobe leaned more towards natural materials such as cotton, linen, silk and velveteen. These fabrics allowed Twain to express his unique style and personality, as they were lightweight, comfortable and easily tailored. It is likely that Twain favored lighter fabrics such as silk and linen during warmer months, and cotton and velveteen during colder periods.
Twain was also known to enjoy embellishing his apparel with appliqués, embroidery and other decorative elements. It is also possible that Twain embellished his clothing with his trademark wit, as evidenced by some of his more humorous shirts and jackets. For example, Twain is known to have once worn a shirt with the words ‘out of sight’ on the back.
Accessories
In addition to hats, Twain was also known to wear a range of accessories such as pocket watches, scarves, handkerchiefs and suspenders. A pocket watch was an essential part of Twain’s wardrobe and he was often seen wearing one, which was often secured with a gold chain. Twain was also known to wear a gold ring on his left hand, and occasionally wore a tie or scarf to add a more dapper touch to his outfit. Twain was also known to sport a pair of suspenders and a handkerchief, which he often tucked into his trouser pockets.
Shoes
Twain was known to be somewhat of a fashion icon, and this was reflected in his choice of footwear. Twain favored black leather brogues, which were fashionable and comfortable. Twain also wore boots, which he often paired with a top hat, to create an air of sophistication. For a more casual look, Twain opted for leather loafers, which he usually paired with trousers, a dress shirt and a tie for a more laid-back but still elegant ensemble.
