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Frequently Asked Questions About Period-Correct Cutaway Coats
What is a cutaway coat?
A cutaway coat is a formal men's garment characterized by a front that slopes back from the waist button to form tails at the rear. This distinctive style features a horizontal cut across the front waist with the coat "cut away" to reveal the waistcoat and trousers, making it appropriate for formal daytime events in Victorian society.
What is the history of the cutaway coat?
The cutaway coat evolved from the frock coat in the early 19th century, initially as riding wear where the front was cut away to provide more comfort on horseback. By the 1830s, it had been refined into the morning coat, becoming standard formal daytime wear for Victorian gentlemen attending weddings, formal garden parties, and state occasions through the early 20th century.
What is the purpose of a cutaway?
The purpose of a cutaway coat was to provide formal daytime attire that allowed easier movement, particularly when horseback riding or entering carriages. The coat's distinctive cut-away front prevented the fabric from bunching when seated, while maintaining a formal appearance appropriate for Victorian society's strict dress codes.
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