Considered a necessary everyday garment at the time of the American Revolution, shorter waistcoats like these would have been in every man's wardrobe. Made of mid-weight wool in four different colors, there is an option appropriate for any working or middle-class man in the 18th century. Each features brass-colored gas back buttons down the front, with the exception of the white wool waistcoat. The white wool, a common choice for Continental and British uniforms (depending on the specific unit) sport flat pewter buttons as would have been more common for the soldiery. For civilian impressions, we suggest completing the ensemble with a coat or jacket for the utmost propriety.
To accurately measure for a 1770s waistcoat, wearing an 18th-century shirt or a regular T-shirt, take a fabric tape measure around the middle of the chest and round up to the next inch. Also, measure around the widest part of your abdomen. If this number is several sizes larger please contact us for sizing help and suggestions.
FIT: For a correct 18th-century style, if it buttons, it fits. While the shirts are large and flowy, the waistcoats are snug to the body. As long as you can button the buttons, it should be snug.
*Previously named the "Rev War Waistcoat"*
If you price the buttons, wool and lining cloth, their price is hard to beat for a ready to wear clothing item that is really nice looking. I wear mine to post 1778 era Rev war events where those at Valley Forge would have been present since Philadelphia Public Records show that some soldiers were issued red wool waistcoats while at VF in the winter of 1778.
The fit and color of this waistcoat is fantastic, better than some custom-made waistcoats that I had purchased. The only issue I had was I needed to inject some epoxy into the back of the brass buttons, as the hooks holding them on tended to come off. But no big deal, overall, a very nice garment.
Very happy with tghe authenicity of your products. I belong to multiple colonial units and the versatiliyt of your line, and most importantly, the quality is excellent. Thank you! Paul W. soldier of the "Continental Line"