Is a tailcoat formal?
No matter how you refer to them (tailcoats, tuxedo tails or full dress tails), they are still the most formal and most elegant option for any formal affair. However, tailcoats should only be worn to formal affairs that are specifically a white tie invitation.
What is the purpose of a tailcoat?
Tailcoats became fashionable in the late 1700s to early 1800s, and stayed in style for over a hundred years. Worn primarily for white tie functions — generally after 6pm, though it’s not a steadfast rule — tails indicate formality and are therefore often donned by members of high society or the government.
What is tailcoat suit?
A tailcoat suit is formal suit perfect for white tie events including weddings. Tailcoats, suit with tails or tailcoat tuxedo, call it the way you want and wear it as a groom or to the opera. Whenever white tie attire is required, wear your tailcoat.
When did tailcoats originate?
The Tailcoat Evolves As previously mentioned, the tailcoat’s origins lie in the adaptation of the frock for comfort and style. In the late 1700s, the front of the long frock’s skirt (the portion below the waist) was increasingly cut away to make the coat more practical for horseback riding.
How should a tailcoat fit?
The properly fitted tailcoat is somewhat snug across the chest (though you should be able to move!): the fit should be as close as if the coat were buttoned. The buttons at the back of the coat should sit just above your hips; the coat’s tails should fall straight down the legs and end just below the back of the knee.
Does black tie have to be black?
When determining what you should wear to a black-tie event, opt for classic options such as a tuxedo or dinner jacket. Black-tie does not mean you have to wear black. It is important to invest in the quality of your black-tie garments as well as the fit. You want to keep your look modern, simple, and clean.
When can you wear a tailcoat?
A dress coat, sometimes called a swallow-tail or claw-hammer coat, is the coat that has, since the 1850s, come to be worn only in the evening by men as part of the white tie dress code, also known as evening full dress, for formal evening occasions.
Is white tie more formal than black?
Regarding formality, white tie is higher than black tie. Although both are for special occasions, the former is more prestigious. When it comes to outfitting specifics, there are essential differences between the two. While a tuxedo is ideal for both, it only requires tails for a white tie occasion.
Why do tailcoats have tails?
Starting as a long riding coat in the mid-eighteenth century, the tailcoat was developed in England by cutting the front of the coat below the waist for practicality when riding a horse. This new design allowed the tails to fall to the back of the horse without impairing the rider.
Why do suits have tails?
In its initial form, suits were basically long form coats, and then after a while, the front was cut off, leaving only the back, which was later referred to as “the tails.” Over time, the tails evolved to take some more stylish shapes (especially with the rounding off of the corners) and some even began to look like …
What do you wear with a tailcoat?
Pair the tailcoat with high waisted trousers with double braiding at sides, white Marcella shirt and waistcoat with white gloves to complete the outfit. While talking about shoes, pumps made from fine and shiny patent leather are preferred. Most formal pumps are decorated with a silk grosgrain bow.
What is a tailcoat and how to wear it?
Like any tailored jacket, the tailcoat’s waistline typically mirrors the wearer’s natural waistline but unlike other jackets the coat fronts – and corresponding white waistcoat – end shortly below the waistline.
What are the characteristics of an early tail coat?
On evening tailcoats, the collar was often velvet but lapels were not yet silk lined as they are now. Other notable features of early tailcoats were two buttons on the small of the back (and buttonholes at the end of the tails) originally added so the tails could be folded up and buttoned to the back of the coat when in the saddle.
What color were Regency tailcoats?
The coat’s front was cut high and its tails displayed moderate variations in shape and length during the Regency period. The colors of the first evening tailcoats were often black or the dark shades of blue, green, claret, and brown.
What color was the first evening tailcoat?
The colors of the first evening tailcoats were often black or the dark shades of blue, green, claret, and brown. Soon, dark blue models with gilt buttons and black with covered buttons were the only acceptable choices and the latter version was the norm by the end of the first decade.