The history of the waistcoat

The origins of the waistcoat can actually be dated precisely. The English King Charles II in October 1666 decreed it to be part of an Englishman's correct dress. The idea of ​​a waistcoat was not a new one as it was based on designs seen in Persia and India. Its arrival in England made history, the occasion was marked in the historical diary of Samuel Pepys: "The King hath yesterday declared his resolution of setting a fashion for. Clothes which he will never change. It will be a vest, I know not well how.” 

Originally, during the 17th and 18th centuries, a gentleman's attire was considerable. elaborate, incorporating the finest silks and lace, buttons and trims and embellishments. Of various natures and cut from a wealth of different cloths in an array of colors. Colors were vibrant as dye was expensive and used in excess to show off one's wealth. The term 'waistcoat' is derived from the cutting of the cloth (as tailors would cut the cloth for a coat much longer than that of a waistcoat).

From the early 1800s, waistcoats became shorter and much tighter to streamline the fuller figure. By the mid-19th century the waistcoat had become part of more workaday attire. It was also used to cover a gentleman's braces which were incredibly popular but deemed to be underwear and as such should not have been seen. The prevalence of the waistcoat and its significance as a status symbol began to wane in the 20th century.  It became a more functional item to round off a formal three-piece suit. 

Waistcoats have many variants; single-breasted or double-breasted, silk, tweed or brocade, with collar or reverse or without. Double-breasted waistcoats are most commonly seen at weddings, in various colors, embroidered or plain.

The waistcoat is ubiquitous. Today, aside from persisting in more formal outfits, waistcoats have also taken on a life of their own in subcultures, being worn by indie kids or in steampunk circles. It can still be seen on many men at weddings or even at some workplaces. There will always be a place in the limelight for a great waistcoat.

//HUN

The origin of wearing a waistcoat can actually be dated quite precisely. II. King Charles of England named it in October 1666 as an essential part of the English gentleman's wardrobe. The idea of ​​the waistcoat was not new, as it was based on patterns seen in Persia and India. His arrival in England made history, the occasion was immortalized in the historical diary of Samuel Pepys: "Yesterday the king declared his decision to establish fashion. Clothes you will never change. It will be a vest, I don't know how."

Originally from the 17-18 In the 19th century, a gentleman's outfit was significantly elaborate, made up of the finest silks, laces, buttons and ornaments. Various fabrics, in many colors, the colors were mainly bright, as it showed the wealth of the wearer, since paint was very expensive at the time. The English term 'waistcoat' comes from the cut of the fabric, as tailors cut the fabric much longer for a jacket than for a waistcoat.

In the early 1800s waistcoats became much shorter and tighter to slim the fuller figure. The colors are more restrained, and their shape has become more refined. By the middle of the 19th century, the waistcoat became part of everyday clothing.  It was also used at the time to cover gentlemen's suspenders, which were extremely popular, but were considered part of underwear and could not be worn visibly as such. The waistcoat's popularity and significance as a status symbol began to decline in the 20th century. Rather, it remained discoverable as part of a three-piece suit.

Waistcoats come in many varieties: single or double-breasted, silk or brocade, with or without a collar. Double-breasted vests are most often seen at weddings, in various colors, with or without embroidery. 

The vest is everywhere. Today, apart from formal wear, vests also live a life of their own in certain subcultures, both indie and steampunk circles. They are still part of the attire of many gentlemen at weddings or even in business. There will always be a place in the limelight for a well-tailored waistcoat.