<P> Among women in the French court of Versailles in the mid-to - late 18th century, large, elaborate and often themed wigs (such as the stereotypical "boat poufs") were in vogue for women . These combed - up hair extensions were often very heavy, weighted down with pomades, powders, and other ornamentation . In the late 18th century these coiffures (along with many other indulgences in court life) became symbolic of the decadence of the French nobility, and for that reason quickly became out of fashion from the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789 . </P> <P> During the 18th century, men's wigs became smaller and more formal with several professions adopting them as part of their official costumes . This tradition survives in a few legal systems . They are routinely worn in various countries of the Commonwealth . Until 1823, bishops of the Church of England and Church of Ireland wore ceremonial wigs . The wigs worn by barristers are in the style favoured in the late eighteenth century . Judges' wigs, in everyday use as court dress, are short like barristers' wigs (although in a slightly different style), but for ceremonial occasions judges and also senior barristers (QCs) wear full - bottomed wigs . </P> <P> The wearing of wigs as a symbol of social status was largely abandoned in the newly created United States and France by the start of the 19th century . In the United States, only four presidents from John Adams to James Monroe wore curly powdered wigs tied in a queue according to the old - fashioned style of the 18th century . Unlike them, the first president George Washington never wore a wig; instead, he powdered, curled and tied in a queue his own long hair . </P> <P> The latest - born notable person to be portrayed wearing a powdered wig tied in a queue according to this old fashion was Grand Duke Constantine Pavlovich of Russia (born in 1779, portrayed in 1795). </P>

When did mens wigs go out of fashion