Tail Coat, 1790-1810

Inspired by French fashion, men of turn-of-the-nineteenth-century America padded their chests with layers of clothing. To achieve the stylish large-chested look, they often donned frilled shirts, puffy neckbands called cravats, at least one waistcoat, or vest, and an overcoat with a high, stiff collar. This taffeta example with long tails would have been considered very fashionable during its time.