What Are Sideburns? Exploring Their Fascinating Origins in 2023
Sideburns became a popular facial hair style in the mid-19th century, introduced by the Union Army during the American Civil War. Soldiers grew sideburns to keep their ears warm in winter, and this trend quickly caught on among civilians. Sideburns continued to rise in popularity during the Victorian era and were seen as a symbol of masculinity. Notable figures such as Ambrose Burnside and Charles Dickens sported prominent sideburns. Sideburns played into the broader trends of formality and attention to detail in Victorian fashion. The term “sideburns” originated from General Ambrose Burnside, known for his distinctive facial hair style. While some viewed sideburns as unkempt or unprofessional, they remained popular throughout the latter half of the 19th century and are still worn by many men today.