Details of Gentlemen's
1890's Evening Attire

A more detailed Guide to Men's Clothing
This page is still under construction

Gentleman 's Tailcoat Ensemble.

The gentleman here is well turned-out in a tailcoat with what appears to be a shawl collar, three sets of buttons and a straight-cut waist; low-cut, light-colored waistcoat, which is not visible below the waist of the coat, with what appears to be a watch chain; shirt with single stud; white necktie and standing collar and well shined, fairly pointy, shoes. He is probably also wearing white kid gloves, although they can't be seen.

Gentleman
Harper's Bazar, June 27, 1891

Gentleman 's Dress-Suit and Inverness.

This plate shows a gentleman in a "tailor-made" dress Suit and another in an Inverness Overcoat with a Tuxedo underneath. The Full-Dress tailcoat has lapels semi-faced in satin, with buttonholes (non functional), a front waist seam and straight (horizontal) front. The trousers are creased in the front to just above the knee, the waistcoat is quite low-cut, in a vee or shield shaped curve, with four buttons. The waistcoat cannot be seen below the front of the tailcoat. The shoes have a strong shine and are two toned with side buttons and pointy toes and slight heel. The Tuxedo, which has no front button, appears to have a shawl collar, perhaps the collar is satin. It's waistcoat is cut low in a less severe curve with three buttons. The inverness appears to be of wool with a satin or velvet collar. Shirts have plain fronts, both with and without visible studs, and high standing collars with a slight curl at the throat. Gloves and bow ties are probably white. The ensemble is finished with a beautiful, possibly silk, top hat.

Dress-Suit and Inverness
Hart, Schaffner and Marx, 1896

P.O. Box 9, Nahant, Massachusetts 01908
e-mail: 
phone: (781) 49-WALTZ (781-499-2589)

© 2011, Vintage Victorian, All rights reserved