How Coats and Blazers Became Known as Formal Attire (Also Me)

Coats and blazers are essential items in any man’s wardrobe, especially for formal occasions. They are versatile and stylish garments that can elevate any outfit and create a polished and professional look. But how did coats and blazers become known as formal attire? What is the history and evolution of these garments? In this blog post, I will explore some of the aspects of how coats and blazers became the symbols of formality and elegance in men’s fashion.

The History and Evolution of Coats and Blazers

The Frock Coat: The frock coat was the first type of coat that was worn for formal day wear or professional attire. It was a long, knee-length coat that was closely fitted with a vent at the rear and a horizontal seam at the waist. It could be single- or double-breasted and was usually black or dark-coloured. The frock coat was popularized by the British aristocracy and the upper classes, who wore it with a waistcoat, a cravat, a shirt, and trousers. The frock coat was also worn by prominent figures, such as Abraham Lincoln, Charles Dickens, and Napoleon Bonaparte.

The Morning Coat: The morning coat was a less formal variant of the frock coat, which was worn for daytime events, such as weddings, funerals, or races. It was a cutaway coat that had a curved front and long tails at the back. It was usually single-breasted and had one or two buttons at the waist. It was often paired with a light-coloured waistcoat, a necktie, a shirt, and striped trousers. The morning coat was also known as the cutaway coat or the tailcoat and was favoured by British royalty and the gentry. The morning coat is still worn today for very formal occasions, such as royal ceremonies or state visits.

The Lounge Suit: The lounge suit was the most casual and modern type of coat, which was worn for everyday or informal occasions. It was a short, hip-length coat that had a straight front and no tails. It could be single- or double-breasted and had two or three buttons at the front. It was usually made from a plain or patterned fabric and matched the trousers and the waistcoat. The lounge suit was also known as the sack coat or the business suit and was popularized by the middle classes and the professionals, who wore it with a shirt, a tie, and a hat. The lounge suit is the precursor of the modern suit jacket, which is still worn today for business or social events.

The blazer was a different type of coat, which was originally worn for sporting or nautical activities. It was a loose, comfortable coat that had patch pockets, metal buttons, and often a badge or a crest on the chest. It was usually made from a bright-coloured or striped fabric and contrasted with the trousers and the shirt. The blazer was first worn by the members of the Lady Margaret Boat Club, a rowing club at Cambridge University, in 1825. The name “blazer” came from the red colour of their coats, which was said to be “blazing”. The blazer was also worn by the members of other clubs, such as cricket, golf, or tennis, as well as by the officers of the British Navy. The blazer became a fashionable and casual garment, which was worn with a shirt, a tie, and a pair of chinos or jeans. The blazer is still worn today for smart casual or semi-formal occasions, such as parties, dinners, or interviews.

The Factors and Influences of Coats and Blazers

The Social and Cultural Changes: The social and cultural changes that occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries, such as the Industrial Revolution, the French Revolution, and the Victorian Era, had a significant impact on the development and diversification of coats and blazers. These changes affected the class structure, the political system, the economic growth, and the moral values of the society, which in turn influenced the fashion trends and preferences of the people. For example, the Industrial Revolution created a new class of businessmen and professionals, who needed practical and respectable attire for their work. The French Revolution challenged the extravagant and ornate styles of the aristocracy and promoted a simpler and more democratic fashion. The Victorian Era established a strict and conservative code of conduct, which reflected on the sober and refined clothing of the gentlemen.

The Technological and Material Innovations: The technological and material innovations that occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries, such as the sewing machine, the steam engine, and synthetic fabrics, also had a significant impact on the production and consumption of coats and blazers. These innovations improved the quality, quantity, variety, and affordability of the garments, which made them more accessible and appealing to the masses. For example, the sewing machine enabled the mass production and standardization of coats and blazers, which reduced the cost and time of making them. The steam engine facilitated the transportation and distribution of coats and blazers, which increased their availability and diversity. Synthetic fabrics, such as rayon, nylon, and polyester, enhanced the durability, comfort, and appearance of coats and blazers, which made them more suitable and attractive for different occasions.

The Personal and Individual Choices: The personal and individual choices of the people who wore coats and blazers also played a significant role in the popularity and recognition of these garments as formal attire. These choices were influenced by the personal taste, social status, professional role, and fashion sense of the wearers, who used coats and blazers to express their personality, identity, and style. For example, some of the influential figures who wore coats and blazers and set the trends for others were: Beau Brummell, who introduced the modern suit and the concept of dandyism; Prince Albert, who popularized the double-breasted frock coat and the morning coat; Edward VII, who introduced the lounge suit and the dinner jacket; and Winston Churchill, who wore a navy blazer with a polka dot bow tie.

The Conclusion: How Coats and Blazers Became Known as Formal Attire

Coats and blazers are the result of a long and complex history and evolution, which involved different types, styles, and purposes of these garments. They are also the result of various factors and influences, which involved social and cultural changes, technological and material innovations, and personal and individual choices of the people who wore them. Coats and blazers became known as formal attire because they represented and conveyed the qualities and values of formality and elegance, such as respectability, professionalism, sophistication, and confidence. Coats and blazers are still worn today as formal attire, as they have adapted and survived the changing times and preferences of society and individuals.

Peace Out