Suit, Muscle and Masculinity - Yang Shen - MFA Fashion Design and the Arts '25

In this project, my research began with an exploration of masculinity, aiming to understand its current definition within society. During my search for images on the internet, I came across numerous covers of men's magazines that either showcased strong, muscular bodies or men in well-tailored suits. These images intrigued me and prompted a deeper investigation. Since the 19th century, both suits and muscles have been closely associated with the concept of masculinity. Public displays of strength became common in the late 19th century with the advent of "Muscular Christianity" in Britain, which argued that building muscle was essential for being both masculine and Christian. Bodybuilding competitions began in the 1960s and gained significant momentum in the 1970s, often encouraging unhealthy practices to achieve extreme muscularity. A muscular male is often perceived as embodying strength, power, and ability. Through this lens, men's bodies become projects to work on, symbolizing their masculine distinction, competence, and identity. Suits, similarly, serve to convey power and status. Stemming from military styles, suits symbolize power and might. The uniforms of the French and Russian armies during the Napoleonic era were so prestigious that their styles were adopted by the masses, inspiring the three-piece and double-breasted suits we know today. In later centuries, bespoke suits, which involve refined handmade techniques and require hundreds of hours to create, also signif