Justaucorps [a man’s knee-length coat]
Paspels, around 1770
In the 18th century the frock coat of embroidered silk belonged to the representative wardrobe for official receptions and festivities. It was worn as «habit à la française», combined with a waistcoat, half-length trousers of the same fabric, called «Culotten», as well as stockings of the same colour. This frock coat is from the estate of the family Salis-Soglio.
The Justaucorps is at the start on the way to the man’s suit – from it the tail coat developed, which differs in materiality and in the shape of the collar. 18th century men’s clothing was just as opulently decorated and likewise made from precious materials as ladies’ clothing of the time.