Morning dress

Reagan hirohito

Verdi 1844

Henry Herbert, Vanity Fair, 1869-09-11

Mens fashion plate 1848

Victor Penasco

Ayşe-sultan-abdulhamid

Morning dress is a traditional dress code for formal daytime events, particularly popular in the United Kingdom, and to a lesser extent in other Western countries. It is considered the daytime equivalent of evening wear, with the evening wear being divided into black tie and white tie. Morning dress is most commonly composed of a morning coat, waistcoat, and formal trousers, and is often associated with weddings, memorial services, and horse racing events, such as the Royal Ascot.

Components

The primary components of morning dress include:

• Morning Coat: The morning coat, also known as a morning suit jacket, is a single-breasted coat with a tail at the back. It is typically made of black or grey wool. The front of the coat cuts away steeply from the waist, which gives this garment its distinctive appearance.

• Waistcoat: The waistcoat can be single or double-breasted and is often made in a contrasting fabric to the morning coat. Traditional colors include grey, buff, or blue.

• Trousers: Trousers worn with morning dress are usually striped or checked and made from wool. They do not have cuffs (turn-ups) and should have a natural taper.

• Shirt and Tie: A white or light-colored shirt is worn with a tie, often in a conservative pattern. A cravat is an alternative to the tie for a more traditional or unique look.

• Footwear: Black Oxford shoes are most commonly worn with morning dress. Boots are considered less formal but are acceptable in certain settings.

• Accessories: Accessories may include a top hat, pocket square, and cane. These are optional and often dictated by the formality of the event or personal preference.

Occasions

Morning dress is traditionally worn for formal events taking place before 6 p.m. These can include:

• Weddings: Particularly for the groom and male members of the wedding party.
• Memorial Services: Especially those held in the morning or early afternoon.
• Horse Racing: Notably at events like the Royal Ascot, where there is a strict dress code for certain enclosures.
• Diplomatic Events: Certain formal daytime events may require morning dress.

History

The origins of morning dress date back to the early 19th century, evolving from the riding coats worn by gentlemen in the 18th century. It became the standard daytime formal wear by the mid-19th century, replacing the more elaborate full dress codes of the earlier periods. Over time, the style and components of morning dress have seen minor changes, but the overall look has remained relatively consistent.

Contemporary Use

While not as commonly worn today, morning dress still holds a place in modern society, especially within certain circles in the United Kingdom and at traditional events around the world. It is seen as a symbol of elegance and respect for tradition in formal daytime settings.

See Also

• Evening Wear
• Black Tie
• White Tie
• Dress Code