Quote Originally Posted by Jack Daw View Post
...and, boxy suits.
Perhaps you're referring to the "sack suit", which has its origins in the US Civil War with the Federal issue "sack coat" or more properly, fatigue blouse?

The Civil War did have its influence on civilian attire, as it was the US Army's four standard sizes (I, II, III & IV) that influenced the garment industry to introduce off the rack garments.

T.