Man's evening suit
Brand
Brooks Brothers
(American, founded 1818)
c. 1907
Woven wool, silk, and cotton
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Erik Rhodes
Object number73.29.6
During the early-nineteenth century, elite men wore formal tailcoats to social dinners. The style for shorter dinner jackets, inspired by casual lounge coats and smoking jackets, is credited to Prince Edward (later King Edward VII of Britain) who requested a short silk jacket for informal dinners from his tailor in 1865. This style was called a tuxedo in the United States and became very popular during the 1930s. While it began as a casual alternative to tailcoats that was inappropriate for formal occasions, the dinner jacket, or black tie, is now accepted as formal dress. White tie with a tail coat is rarely worn.
DescriptionMan's evening suit; man's morning coat of brushed black worsted wool, single fabric covered button closing, notched collar with cut buttonhole, standing breast pocket, center back vent with pocket and two pleats with button trim; full silk twill lining with pocket; black and white striped morning trousers; button fly with extension, watch pocket, two slash hip pockets, partially lined seat; matching vest with notched lapels, four standing pockets, silk twill backing with buckle and tabs, full lining with pocket, three mother of pearl buttonsCollections
Exhibitions