Waistcoats

Waistcoats were popularized by Charles II during the restoration period. Waistcoats were first seen by Europeans in Persian courts and hence the fashion was transferred to Europe. Monarchs of both England and France were usually the ones who dictated that waistcoats must be worn by men at all times when it comes to court appearances. The fashion guidelines of the French and British courts were what really drove the spread of fashion and waistcoats were no different. After the French Revolution, waistcoats were seen as a symbol of the aristocrat and while not done away entirely waistcoats became less adorned and plainer. Waistcoats became less relevant until the dandies of Edwardian Britain made waistcoat a centerpiece of the male suit.

The dandies were all about a restoration to the classic fashions and their revival of the waistcoat had a major impact on late Victorian and Edwardian life. Waistcoats can be seen today with fancy business suits and formal wedding occasions. Nowadays, waistcoats are now an added flair when it comes to wearing a suit, but in the past, waistcoats were a necessity. The waistcoats as we know it today did not have the same cultural significance as it did back in the Edwardian era, but it was a crucial article of clothing back in the old days.