Pattern for a Waistcoat Seen in a Regency era Movie

[lonnie]

Hello all!

I've been reading through this forum for quite a while and just thought to ask here about a dilemma I have regarding a style of waistcoat seen in a Regency era movie.  The movie being "Beau Brummell: This Charming Man."  The waistcoat in particular is one that seems very simple, but I am lost as to how this is cut exactly.  I can't tell if the waistcoat is able to be buttoned all the way up but left open to let the pleated shirt ruffles show through or if it is cut to be open.  I am also at a loss as to what kind of fabric a waistcoat would be made of to allow it to stay open in front without it falling back onto the chest.  There are many pictures of Regency era portraits that show a similar waistcoat style.  The closest pattern I can find that has a similar cut is the Kannik's Korner 1790-1815 men's waistcoat view A1.  However the pattern drawing shows it buttoned all the way up.  Do you think this is the pattern used, or similar, in the movie but left open?

I attached a picture from the movie showing a side view of the waistcoat I am talking about and a picture of the pattern I believe to be the one.


I look forward to any replies given by more experienced Regency costumers out there.

Thank you,
Lonnie

[Goblin, esq.]

Jan 7, 2014 22:10:58 GMT -5 lonnie said:

Hello all!

I've been reading through this forum for quite a while and just thought to ask here about a dilemma I have regarding a style of waistcoat seen in a Regency era movie.  The movie being "Beau Brummell: This Charming Man."  The waistcoat in particular is one that seems very simple, but I am lost as to how this is cut exactly.  I can't tell if the waistcoat is able to be buttoned all the way up but left open to let the pleated shirt ruffles show through or if it is cut to be open.  I am also at a loss as to what kind of fabric a waistcoat would be made of to allow it to stay open in front without it falling back onto the chest.  There are many pictures of Regency era portraits that show a similar waistcoat style.  The closest pattern I can find that has a similar cut is the Kannik's Korner 1790-1815 men's waistcoat view A1.  However the pattern drawing shows it buttoned all the way up.  Do you think this is the pattern used, or similar, in the movie but left open?

I attached a picture from the movie showing a side view of the waistcoat I am talking about and a picture of the pattern I believe to be the one.


I look forward to any replies given by more experienced Regency costumers out there.

Thank you,
Lonnie
View Attachment


View Attachment

The waistcoat is probably not cut to be open, and probably has buttons all the way up, even if the topmost buttonholes are not cut through. The fabric is probably wool or silk, but there would be interfacing to help it stay the way you want. If the ruffles and cravat are starched, they will also help hold the waistcoat open.