Antique Victorian Ivory Waistcoat! Rare and Unique!

Description

This antique Victorian ivory waistcoat is both elegant and timeless! This piece is likely from the late-1800s to early-1900s.

It features a beautiful floral/plant design on ivory brocade. The pearl buttons have lost their covers, but I think it looks even cooler this way and provides a nice contrast to the ivory fabric.

There is some discoloration despite some spot-cleaning, but it’s in fabulous shape for its age!

This spectacular vest would fit up to a modern US size XS/S. Measurements taken flat are:

B: 16″
W: 15.5″
L: 19.5″ shoulder to hem

Have you ever wondered why it’s called a waistcoat? Well, there are a couple of theories, as Recollections posits!

The first is that tailors at the time cut men’s coats at the waist, hence waistcoat. But it might also have to do with the use of leftover fabric from making two-piece suits. Tailors used fabric scraps to fashion these vests so that there would be no waste left. I guess this would make them waste coats, but apparently this theory has a lot of doubt behind it.

However they evolved, no one can deny the timeless elegance that a waistcoat brings to any outfit. It’s gender-neutral and exceptional for any outfit, whether you’re pairing it with formal wear or donning with over jeans!