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Suit Yourself | 100 years of menswear, 1750-1850 

Until 15 March 2026

The intimate spotlight exhibition Suit Yourself presents the exuberant finery worn by flamboyant Dutch men in the 18th and 19th centuries, made with striped velvet, floral embroidery and rich silk fabrics.

Clothes make the man

Men’s fashions in the 18th century were by no means understated, and the influence of the ‘macaroni’ from 1760 to 1780 soon caught on in the Netherlands. Worn mostly by wealthy men, the style was all about vivid colours and contrasting fabrics. Clothing also reflected the beauty ideal of that era: a blue waistcoat decorated with intricate embroidery, for example, incorporates a cardboard band that accentuates the length of the torso.

Near and far

The Dutch creators and wearers of these fashion items drew their influences from near and far. Heavy silk damask fabrics were woven and worn locally, while inspiration also came from Turkish motifs and other international sources. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) imported exclusive fabrics such as silk, cotton and linen to the Netherlands, through a process that often involved violence and oppression.

Increasing choice

The French Revolution (1789–1799) led to more subdued fashions, as soldiers in uniform became the models of masculinity. Relatively subtle displays of wealth remained visible in the detailing, however, with items such as waistcoats featuring double rows of buttons. In the 19th century, styles were further influenced by industrialisation, which increased the availability of fabrics and ready-to-wear clothing. This period also saw a flourishing market for second-hand fashions. One exceptional example of this recycling phenomenon is a waistcoat made of hand-painted Chinese silk from an 18th-century dress.

Design

The exhibition is designed by the French architecture practice Wilmotte & Associés.

Book your tickets for the Rijksmuseum online

Select your tickets

Entrance adult

€25.00

Entrance ages 18 and under

Free

Entrance EYCA

€12.50

I already have a ticket/voucher

Free

Select this option if you already have a valid ticket such as an E-ticket, I amsterdam City Card, VriendenLoterij VIP ticket, GoCity, KOG membership card, KVVAK, Rembrandt Association (Vereniging Rembrandt), or if you are accompanying a visitor with a disability. If you have a pass, be sure to bring the pass with you during your visit. It will be checked at the entrance.

You are required to reserve a starting time.

For employees of our partners, a free employee access arrangement applies. If you have any questions, you can also check directly with your employer.

For holders of an ICOM or ICOMOS-card, it is not necessary to reserve a start time. However, please bring the physical card with you during your visit, as it will be checked at the entrance.

Entrance Netherlands Museum Pass

Free

Choose this option only if you hold a Museum Card. You can book 1 ticket per Museum Card. All visitors are required to book a time slot. Please do not book more time slots than you need.

You wish to order {{totalArticles}} tickets. Currently we allow a maximum of 15 persons per booking. For group bookings, click here.

Total

22 March 2025 until 15 March 2026

PRICES

A visit starts with a start time.

  • Adults: € 25
  • Free for 18 and under
  • Free for ICOM
  • Free for Friends

ADDRESS

Museumstraat 1
1071 XX Amsterdam

ACCESSIBILITY

Wheelchair access
Lifts on every floor
Guide dogs allowed

More information

CASHLESS

In the whole museum you can only pay with a digital payment method or credit card.

FAQ

Please see our FAQ via this page

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Impression
10 things

10 things about menswear in the 18th and 19th century

What's on

All our activities and exhibitions

Practical info

Everything you need to know before your visit