two waistcoat fronts and pocket flaps; these squares of fabric, known as p

the form in which the waistcoat would be purchased. The design would th
out, lined, and made into the finished garment. By the beginning of the ei
century, the parts of the waistcoat that were hidden beneath the coat we
cheaper fabrics, such as linen, wool, or fustian, a mixture of cotton and lin
By the 1720s, the waistcoat was evolving into a sleeveless garment and as
wore on, it shrank in length from mid-thigh to waist level. In England, a m
waistcoat, coat, and breeches comprised the court suit, a very formal outf
special occasions and attendance at the royal court, while in France it was
to wear a full matching suit for less formal occasions.
In 1739, the diarist Mrs. Delany recorded the dress of the male guests at t
birthday ball, noting "much finery, chiefly brown, with gold or silver embr
rich waistcoats."

Source: Anna Maria Garthwaite and Peter Lekeux: Waistcoat (C.I.66.14.2)

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