Keys to History

The waistcoat was an essential element of men's wardrobes throughout the 19th century and often a fashion focal point. Fabrics, patterns and colours that had gradually become unacceptable elsewhere in a man's wardrobe were still used for waistcoats that contrasted dramatically with a black or navy wool coat. Showy silk-thread embroidery and silk brocade fabrics in brilliant colours, common in men's clothing throughout the 1800s, were used for waistcoats into the last half of the 19th century. Enthusiasm for flamboyant waistcoats declined toward the end of the century, when they were largely concealed by a buttoned coat.