Morning coat

Definition

A morning coat is a formal men's garment characterized by its long tail at the back, cutaway front, and typically made from lighter fabrics. It was commonly worn during the Victorian era, especially for daytime events, and represents the shift towards more relaxed yet still sophisticated attire in formal settings, embodying the moral values of the time that emphasized propriety and social status.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The morning coat became popular in the early 19th century and is often associated with the Victorian era's evolving fashion norms.
2. Typically worn with a waistcoat and trousers, the morning coat was designed for formal occasions that occurred during the day, such as weddings and horse races.
3. The garment symbolizes the balance between comfort and formality that was emerging during the Industrial Revolution, allowing men to display their status while being less constricted than in previous styles.
4. Materials used for morning coats often included lighter fabrics like wool or cotton, suitable for daytime wear and reflecting the Victorian emphasis on practicality alongside elegance.
5. The morning coat's design reflects moral values of respectability and propriety, aligning with societal expectations for men's fashion during a time of great change.

Review Questions

• How did the morning coat reflect changing social norms during the Victorian era?
  • The morning coat illustrated a shift in social norms by balancing formality with comfort, embodying a more relaxed yet respectable approach to men's fashion. As society moved through the Industrial Revolution, there was a growing emphasis on practicality and suitability for various occasions. This evolution allowed men to express their social status while adapting to modern lifestyles that required more versatile clothing.
• What role did fabric choice play in the popularity of the morning coat in Victorian society?
  • Fabric choice was crucial to the morning coat's popularity as it was typically made from lighter materials suitable for daytime wear. The preference for fabrics like wool or cotton reflected Victorian ideals of elegance combined with practicality. This choice allowed men to maintain a sophisticated appearance without sacrificing comfort, fitting well with societal expectations of propriety and functionality during that period.
• Evaluate how the morning coat contributed to defining male identity within Victorian fashion and its implications on broader societal values.
  • The morning coat significantly contributed to defining male identity in Victorian fashion by serving as a marker of class and respectability. By adopting this garment, men demonstrated their adherence to social standards while enjoying increased comfort compared to previous styles. This shift not only highlighted individual status but also aligned with broader societal values that prized moral rectitude, proper conduct, and an emerging modernity that acknowledged both tradition and change.

Related terms

frock coat:

A frock coat is a knee-length coat with a more formal cut, typically worn during the 19th century, often paired with trousers for formal occasions.

top hat:

A tall, cylindrical hat worn by men, often associated with formal wear in the 19th century, particularly during the Victorian era.

tailcoat: A type of formal coat that has a cutaway front and tails at the back, traditionally worn for evening events, differing from the morning coat which is designed for daytime.