How Long Was Clothing Worn?

[jaxenro]

Greetings

If I am a later middle aged man in 1860 (say early fifties) would it be inappropriate that I would be wearing an older dress coat from the mid forties? I am assuming it would depend on my socio-economic status to a degree but would good clothing be discarded for being out of fashion? Would an older gentleman be more likely to dress conservatively (i.e. tail coat over frock coat) and adhere more to the conventions of his youth? Is there any photographic evidence to support this?

Joel Axenroth

[AndrewGrim]

Re: How Long Was Clothing Worn?

What area and social class are you asking about?
The wealthy in urban areas had new clothing every season, with the old clothing sold on the second hand market. For the rural poor, older clothing was used until it was no longer useable with new clothing reserved for going to town or church. Field slaves got a set of clothes for the winter and summer.