The evolution of men's suiting

New York - Men's suiting has been a staple in a man's wardrobe for virtually centuries. At some point, the men's suit did become a symbol of something rigid, formal, and boring, yet classy. Of course, the world would be a far better place if people moved forward from such strict and boring black tie, with literally a black tie affair being a man in a black suit, white shirt, and black tie; an outfit that seems only two steps above a prison uniform.

Thankfully, however, times are finally changing. Perhaps it was Mad Men's Don Draper, or just the recent boom in menswear that has managed to turn the men's suit into a whole new playing field, but, it's a whole new world now. Gone are the days of the rigid suit that felt like a neutral colored, and out more relaxed fits and exciting colors have come to play.

Just looking at the Met Gala red carpet from a few weeks ago is a prime indicator. While the Met Gala has always brought out the most extravagant in fashion for the past several years, usually the men were still fairly traditional about their black tie and suiting offerings. This year saw the demise of tradition for men on the Met Gala red carpet, with starts like Adrien Brody wearing embroidered Dolce and Gabbana blazers, going toe-to-toe with their equally ostentatiously dressed female counterparts.

It didn't just start at the Met Gala, however. This year's Oscars saw men wearing suits in different colors such as burgundy, and even wearing suit shorts. The looser restrictions on men's suiting seem far from being a fad, but, rather, something that men have long dreamed of.

Men's suiting evolves as the men's wear market reigns supreme in 2015

The slow transition of men's suit to becoming less boring began with the workplace. Work environments outside of the law and finance sectors saw more lax dress codes where men didn't need the traditional suit and tie any longer. Opting for comfort, more men began turning towards chinos and sport shirts, leaving the traditional suit behind. Crain's New York reported in 2013 that casual clothes were beginning to trump suits and ties in the men's wear category, with suit and tie sales declining from 4.7 billion dollars in 2012 to 4.5 billion dollars in 2013.

The true messiah of the more relaxed suit would have to be men's designer extraordinaire, Thom Browne. Brown created suits with hemlines came up just north of the ankle bone, tight trousers, and jackets that practically squeezed their customers. It might sound like a very interesting silhouette, but, it was meant with applause, and brought about a revolution in men's wear. Though more tailored suits and classic fitting suits have not disappeared, the roomier option has just joined the family.

In a year where men's wear seems to be the star of the fashion industry, it's no wonder that the suit has evolved. The newer freer suit has more appeal to a younger generation who has become used to not being so constricted by their clothes. While it's great that the traditional options haven't gone away, the introduction of a new brother for those who prefer a stylish but free fitting suit has been met with a long overdue welcome.

Read more about men's wear: Suede trending in men's wear