Morning coat and tailcoat etiquette

A tailcoat is mainly worn during special or official occasions that take place during the day. Think, for example, of weddings, royal visits, and horse races. The tailcoat etiquette is also sometimes called the morning coat dress code, because it tailcoat the only formal suit worn during the day. This is why the formal suit is also known as a ‘morning coat’ or ‘morning dress’. In contrast to a morning suit and a tuxedo, it is not allowed to wear a tailcoat in the evening. Of course, there are many other requirements you must meet. That is why GENTS explains below exactly what the tailcoat/morning coat etiquette entails.

Iconic jacket of the three-piece suit

A tailcoat or morning coat always consists of three parts. At GENTS you can buy these items separately or directly as a complete set. The most characteristic part of this formal suit is the long coat, also known as the tailcoatAccording to traditional tailcoat etiquette, this jacket must be black. The characteristic features of the jacket are the short rounded front panels and the long back. Furthermore, the jacket has only one button.

Tailcoat shirt and waistcoat

Of course, a morning coat as a formal suit is not complete without a traditional shirt and waistcoat. Under the long coat, you wear a classic white shirt entirely in line with the morning coat etiquette. Make sure your tailcoat shirt has a concealed placket, double cuffs, and a spread collar. Then you have the right shirt in hand. On top of the shirt, you wear a vest or waistcoat, which belongs to the formal suit. This is a plain gray waistcoat. In other words, there may be no print or stripe in the waistcoat. If this is the case, you break the morning coat dress code.

Morning coat trousers

The last eyecatcher of this formal suit is the tailcoat trousers. According to the morning coat dress code, the trousers are gray in color complete with thin black stripes. In addition, the trousers may not have cuffs. Of course, you will find the suitable trousers at GENTS. If you are attending a sad occasion, you can optionally wear plain gray trousers. Do you have the right coat, shirt, waistcoat, and trousers at home? Then complete the formal suit with the accompanying accessories. 

Accessories with the tailcoat

Every formal suit consists of specially designed garments and accompanying accessories. According to the tailcoat etiquette, the outfit is not complete without suede gloves. It is customary to wear gray gloves for festive events. Tip from GENTS: make sure you wear the right color. If you wear the tailcoat for a mourning occasion, you must wear black suede gloves. Gray gloves are then not appropriate. 

Besides these gloves, of course the tie and the hat are also very important for the morning coat. These are also gray. Note: the gray hat made of felt or silk must have a tall cylinder. As the cherry on top, you finally put on a pair of smooth black men's shoes. Think, for example, of patent leather shoes.

Morning coat dress code at a wedding

Finally, there is one more aspect of the dress code that GENTS wants to draw your attention to. Do you have an invitation for a wedding received and is the dress code morning coat? Or do you ask your guests if they will be dressed in this formal suit? Then keep in mind that it really not done is to wear a morning coat after sunset. When you send the invitation, also let the guests know that they should bring a second outfit for the evening party. Tip from GENTS: a good alternative to the morning coat in the evening is a tuxedo.