Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Some Reasons The Frock Coat Has Stood The Test Of Time

By Paul Budde


Clothing styles come and go and have done so over the span of hundreds of years. The styles you might have seen during the seventeenth and eighteenth century are still around today in some garments. The frock coat has been worn for hundreds of years and has had few changes made to it.

The coats worn during the days of the cowboys in the west were worn for more than just style. In those days, herding cattle and working fence lines were common, every day activities. Wearing frock coats allowed the warmth and the comfort necessary for these kinds of activities.

Pastors also wore these kinds of coats during the 1800's and early 1900's. Generally, suede leather or wool were used to make the coats, but cotton also became popular for warmer weather. The coats of this style today are still made using the same materials. Black leather has become a popular choice for the frock styles of today as well.

Most men in the old west carried a rifle with them at all times. The need for coats that would allow concealment of a weapon was necessary, especially for the man rising through a new town or other area that open visibility of a weapon would have caused unrest. The rifle frock provided the perfect garment for the man carrying a rifle.

Several country music musicians have helped to keep this style alive and wear the entire suit on stage and in daily wear. Stylish vests have always been an accent to this jacket and has been since its introduction. Close fitting, straight legged pants have also been an addition to the complete look. Many men today wear blue jeans with this type of coat also.

The first styles of this dress jacket began in the 1600s when Charles II had one made to resemble garments he had seen worn by Polish delegates. Since then, the style has been altered to become the straighter. More conformed look it has today. In those days, the skirting was more flouncy, appearing closer to a ladies skirt. Darker, more somber colors were chosen instead of brighter colors.

Today, the frock coat still serves as a popular and versatile garment. The history behind these coats is interesting and has helped to add even more class to the style. Bear in mind the worth of an older style if you are shopping around yard sales or flea markets. Some of the older coats could be worth a great deal to the right collector.




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