Coat

A deep, gently rounded cuff is the stylistic focus of this plain silk coat of the 1730s. Known variously as an open cuff or open sleeve, it would have extended well past the elbow in the deep curved shape fashionable at the time. The coat reaches the knee, with buttons and buttonholes running from neck to hem, and full, heavy pleats at each side – all characteristic of men’s dress of this period. Although many coats were made of richly coloured velvets and wools, with lavish embroidery, this example demonstrates a popular alternative. Made of fawn-coloured ribbed silk, the coat has no adornment except simple thread-covered buttons. In the early 18th century, subtle hues of mauve, grey and light brown were given descriptive names, such as ‘mouse’, ‘ash’ and ‘tobacco’.