Suits (jacket and trousers) are universal. I've seen gatherings/rallies in North Korea where all the men are in suits, and not traditional clothing. When and why did they become widespread? I would assume they have a western origin, but I don't know when either...
The three piece suit (jacket, waistcoat/vest, and pants), which is the more traditional configuration was codified as men's court dress by king Louis XIV of France in the 17th century, although it looks very different from the suits of today. The 'pants' were short and poufy, and the jackets were long with pleated 'skirts.'
The modern suit came into being in the early 19th century, and has remained more or less in the same shape since then.