Wigs, Frills & High Heels | 17th Century Menswear

May 14, 2025 | The late 1600s saw a peak in extravagance in mens fashion history. After years of Puritan rule under Oliver Cromwell, the Restoration brought Charles II back to the English throne in 1660. Charles was influenced by French styles but was also a fashion leader in his own right, starting the trend for the three piece suit. The fashion of the time was excessive, impressive, and expensive. It was very different from menswear today – men even wore wigs and high heels!

In this video, historical interpreters go through the stages of dressing in a Restoration ensemble fit for a king, from underwear, to golden silks, to accessories. Learn all about how a gentleman courtier would dress from these experts.