1850s Civilian Man’s Frock Coat

1850s Civilian Man’s Frock Coat – It has been a long while since we have been able to obtain any antebellum and war period, men’s civilian clothing; this frock coat is the first we have been able to obtain in several years. The coat is constructed of black wool utilizing both hand and treadle machine work. The coat features long skirts, a double breasted chest with velvet covered buttons; the elbows are somewhat ballooned; the sleeves are lined with a patterned, off-white cotton; the exterior collar is made of a fine quality, black velvet; there are tail pockets, lined with brown polished cotton. It appears that long ago, someone cut the interior lining out of the coat, perhaps for relief from hot weather. The coat remains in overall good condition, with some very minor insect nips.

The Silhouette of the 1850s Gentleman (courtesy of the Historical Emporium)

The 1850s witnessed a gradual but dramatic shift in men’s fashion silhouettes. The decade began with the narrow, form-fitting styles inherited from the 1840s, but by mid-decade, a bold new look emerged. This transformation mirrored the changing times, as men’s fashion began to echo the fuller silhouettes seen in women’s wear. Early in the decade, gentlemen still favored narrow coats with tightly fitting sleeves and trousers. However, as the years progressed, a more relaxed and comfortable style took hold. Coats became boxier, with looser sleeves and wider lapels. Trousers, too, adopted a looser fit, offering greater comfort and ease of movement. This evolution in style was not merely aesthetic; it reflected the changing attitudes and lifestyles of the era. The influence of English country style, which had been gaining popularity since the turn of the century, continued to shape men’s fashion. However, the 1850s added its own unique flair, blending practicality with a touch of flamboyance.

Frock Coats

The frock coat reigned supreme as the defining garment of the 1850s gentleman. Worn for most daytime occasions and certainly for formal wear, it embodied the essence of mid-19th century style. Unlike its predecessors, the frock coat of the 1850s was cut straighter, with the requisite waistline seam and falling to around knee-length. This silhouette created a more streamlined appearance reminiscent of the narrow styles of the 1830s. However, by 1854 frock coats began to loosen in fit with wider lapels and a much lower collar which was often made of velvet.