The Ultimate Guide to Tailcoats: A Timeless Garment for Formal Occasions

Introduction

A tailcoat, also known as a dress coat or evening coat, is a formal garment worn by men for special occasions. It is characterized by its long, swallow-tailed back and its fitted, single-breasted front. Tailcoats have a rich history dating back centuries, and they continue to be a popular choice for weddings, galas, and other black-tie events.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about tailcoats, including their history, style variations, and proper etiquette. We will also provide tips on how to choose the perfect tailcoat for your next formal event.

The History of Tailcoats

The tailcoat evolved from the justaucorps, a knee-length coat that was popular among European men in the 17th century. The justaucorps had a fitted bodice and flared skirts, and it was often worn with breeches and stockings. Over time, the justaucorps became longer and more formal, and it eventually evolved into the tailcoat that we know today.

Tailcoats became increasingly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, and they were worn by both men and women. However, women's tailcoats were typically shorter than men's tailcoats, and they were often worn with a skirt or dress. In the early 20th century, tailcoats began to be worn primarily by men, and they became the standard formal wear for weddings, galas, and other black-tie events.

Style Variations

Tailcoats come in a variety of styles, each with its own unique features. The most common type of tailcoat is the single-breasted tailcoat, which has a single row of buttons down the front. Single-breasted tailcoats are typically worn with a waistcoat and a white dress shirt.

Another popular type of tailcoat is the double-breasted tailcoat, which has two rows of buttons down the front. Double-breasted tailcoats are typically worn with a waistcoat and a white dress shirt, but they can also be worn without a waistcoat.

In addition to single-breasted and double-breasted tailcoats, there are also tuxedo tailcoats, which are worn with a tuxedo shirt and a bow tie. Tuxedo tailcoats are typically made of black or midnight blue wool, and they have a satin or grosgrain shawl collar.

Proper Etiquette

When wearing a tailcoat, it is important to follow proper etiquette. Here are a few tips to help you make a good impression:

• Always wear a white dress shirt with your tailcoat.
• If you are wearing a single-breasted tailcoat, you should wear it buttoned up at all times.
• If you are wearing a double-breasted tailcoat, you should wear it buttoned up at the top and bottom, and unbuttoned in the middle.
• Always wear a waistcoat with your tailcoat, unless you are wearing a tuxedo tailcoat.
• The tails of your tailcoat should always be hanging down, and you should never sit on them.
• When you are standing, you should keep your hands in your pockets.
• When you are walking, you should take long, slow steps.

How to Choose the Perfect Tailcoat

When choosing a tailcoat, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Fit: The tailcoat should fit snugly around your shoulders and chest. The sleeves should be long enough to cover your wrists, and the tails should hang down to your knees.
• Style: The style of the tailcoat should match the formality of the event you are attending. A single-breasted tailcoat is appropriate for most black-tie events, while a double-breasted tailcoat is more appropriate for very formal events.
• Fabric: Tailcoats are typically made of wool, but they can also be made of other fabrics, such as velvet or silk. The type of fabric you choose will depend on the climate and the formality of the event.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you look your best in a tailcoat:

• Press your tailcoat before wearing it. This will help to remove any wrinkles and make you look sharp.
• Wear a pocket square. A pocket square is a small piece of fabric that is folded and placed in the breast pocket of your tailcoat. It is a great way to add a touch of personality to your outfit.
• Wear cufflinks. Cufflinks are a type of jewelry that is worn on the cuffs of your dress shirt. They are a great way to add a touch of style to your outfit.
• Accessorize with a top hat. A top hat is a type of hat that is often worn with tailcoats. It is a great way to complete your formal look.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when wearing a tailcoat:

• Wearing the wrong size tailcoat. A tailcoat that is too big or too small will not look good. Make sure to get a tailcoat that fits you properly.
• Wearing a tailcoat with the wrong accessories. A tailcoat should be worn with a white dress shirt, a waistcoat, and a pair of formal trousers. Do not wear a tailcoat with a tuxedo shirt or a pair of jeans.
• Wearing a tailcoat to an inappropriate event. A tailcoat is a formal garment that should only be worn to black-tie events. Do not wear a tailcoat to a casual event, such as a party or a barbecue.

FAQs

Here are a few frequently asked questions about tailcoats:

• What is the difference between a tailcoat and a tuxedo? A tailcoat is a formal garment that is worn with a white dress shirt, a waistcoat, and a pair of formal trousers. A tuxedo is a formal garment that is worn with a tuxedo shirt and a bow tie.
• What is the proper way to store a tailcoat? A tailcoat should be stored on a hanger in a cool, dry place. Do not fold the tailcoat, as this can damage the fabric.
• How often should I have my tailcoat cleaned? A tailcoat should be cleaned after every use. If you do not have time to have your tailcoat cleaned, you can spot-clean it with a damp cloth.

Conclusion

The tailcoat is a timeless garment that has been worn by men for centuries. It is a symbol of formality and elegance, and it is the perfect choice for weddings, galas, and other black-tie events. By following the tips and advice in this guide, you can choose the perfect tailcoat and wear it with confidence.

Tables

Table 1: Tailcoat Etiquette

Table 2: Tailcoat Style Variations

Table 3: Tailcoat Fabric Options

Stories

Story 1: The Prince's Tailcoat

In 1981, Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer in a lavish ceremony at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Prince Charles wore a traditional black tailcoat for the wedding, which was made by the Savile Row tailor Gieves & Hawkes. The tailcoat was made of fine wool and had a single row of buttons down the front. Prince Charles also wore a white dress shirt, a waistcoat, and a pair of black formal trousers.

Story 2: The President's Tailcoat

In 2009, President Barack Obama wore a black tailcoat to the inaugural ball. The tailcoat was made by the Chicago tailor Hart Schaffner Marx. It was made of fine wool and had a single row of buttons down the front. President Obama also wore a white dress shirt, a waistcoat, and a pair of black formal trousers.

Story 3: The Actor's Tailcoat

In 2012, actor Daniel Day-Lewis won an Academy Award for his role in the film "Lincoln". Day-Lewis wore a black tailcoat to the awards ceremony, which was made by the London tailor Anderson & Sheppard. The tailcoat was made of fine wool and had a single row of buttons down the front. Day-Lewis also wore a white dress shirt, a waistcoat, and a pair of black formal trousers.

What We Learn from These Stories

These stories show that tailcoats are a versatile garment that can be worn by men of