Waistcoats Collection

Blacksmiths outside their forge
A superb photograph of six Blacksmiths and coachbuilders posing for a photograph outside their forge/workshop, each holding the tools of their trade

Mens fashions from the 1920s.. Mens fashions from the 1920s, including overcoats, vests, waistcoats, trousers and spats and details of cuffs

1930S Snooker Game
A snooker player prepares to play a shot as his partner looks on. Their smart attire reflects the gentlemanly traditions of the game

Edwardian Walkers
WALKING Six young Edwardian men in shirtsleeves, two with walking canes, out for a walk in the countryside

Four Men in Top Hats
Four men, two seated, two standing, in top hats and with decorations pinned to their lapels, pose for a photograph outside a brick house

The 7th Earl of Northampton (detail), before 1787 (oil on canvas)
5938194 The 7th Earl of Northampton (detail), before 1787 (oil on canvas) by Batoni, Pompeo Girolamo (1708-87); 237.7x149.2 cm; Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge

The 7th Earl of Northampton (detail), 1758 (oil on canvas)
5938068 The 7th Earl of Northampton (detail), 1758 (oil on canvas) by Batoni, Pompeo Girolamo (1708-87); 237.7x149.2 cm; Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge, UK; (add.info.: Charles Compton)

The History of a Crime, the Testimony of an Eye-Witness (engraving)
1049997 The History of a Crime, the Testimony of an Eye-Witness (engraving) by Bayard, Emile Antoine (1837-91) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: The History of a Crime)

Man with a basketful of babies (colour litho)
3096470 Man with a basketful of babies (colour litho) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Man with a basketful of babies)

Green and pinks linen embroidered womans waistcoat, 1700s (linen)
3100318 Green and pinks linen embroidered womans waistcoat, 1700s (linen) by Unknown artist, (18th century); (add.info.: From the exhibition A History of Fashion in 100 Objects)

A Carom on the Chandelier, pub. 1882 (colour litho)
2646245 A Carom on the Chandelier, pub. 1882 (colour litho) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Gentleman in light clothes, engraved by Duhamel, plate no
STC427887 Gentleman in light clothes, engraved by Duhamel, plate no.231 from Galeries des Modes et Costumes Francais (coloured engraving) by Watteau

Bulldog dressed as a gentleman (colour litho)
3096393 Bulldog dressed as a gentleman (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Bulldog dressed as a gentleman)

Small boy in a suit (b / w photo)
3096050 Small boy in a suit (b/w photo) by Italian Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Small boy in a suit. Postcard, early 20th century.); © Look and Learn

A Step-fathers Rules (b / w photo)
3091223 A Step-fathers Rules (b/w photo) by French Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Step-fathers Rules. Postcard, early 20th century.); © Look and Learn

Gentlemens fashions for November 1844
Latest fashion for French men. Date: 1844

Gentlemens fashions for December 1849
Latest fashion for French men. Date: 1849

A Cullercoats Fisherman (bodycolour on paper)
1214164 A Cullercoats Fisherman (bodycolour on paper) by Parker, Henry Perlee (1795-1873); 22.7x29.5 cm; Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK; eTyne & Wear Archives & Museums; English

Mans cream silk embroidered waistcoat, 1740s (silk)
3100321 Mans cream silk embroidered waistcoat, 1740s (silk) by Unknown artist, (18th century); (add.info.: From the exhibition A History of Fashion in 100 Objects)

Gentlemen carrying Wilsons Corned Beef Banner (chromolitho)
733120 Gentlemen carrying Wilsons Corned Beef Banner (chromolitho) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Young man dressed in a white silk jacket with painted waistcoat, engraved by Dupin
STC427869 Young man dressed in a white silk jacket with painted waistcoat, engraved by Dupin, plate no.265 from Galeries des Modes et Costumes Francais, c.1778-87 (coloured engraving) by Watteau

The 7th Earl of Northampton, before 1787 (oil on canvas)
5938147 The 7th Earl of Northampton, before 1787 (oil on canvas) by Batoni, Pompeo Girolamo (1708-87); 237.7x149.2 cm; Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge, UK; (add.info.: Charles Compton)

The 7th Earl of Northampton, 1758 (oil on canvas)
5938084 The 7th Earl of Northampton, 1758 (oil on canvas) by Batoni, Pompeo Girolamo (1708-87); 237.7x149.2 cm; Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge, UK; (add.info.: Charles Compton)

Mans green wool cloth coat, with wool trousers and woven waistcoat, 1830s (wool)
3100428 Mans green wool cloth coat, with wool trousers and woven waistcoat, 1830s (wool) by Unknown Artist, (19th century); (add.info)

Mans woollen trousers, worn with figured silk waistcoat, 1820s (wool & silk)
3100335 Mans woollen trousers, worn with figured silk waistcoat, 1820s (wool & silk) by Unknown Artist, (19th century); (add.info)

Haberdashers, Edward Griffitts, trade card (engraving)
984111 Haberdashers, Edward Griffitts, trade card (engraving) by English School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Haberdashers, Edward Griffitts)

Man holding a bouquet (colour photo)
3096063 Man holding a bouquet (colour photo) by French Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Man holding a bouquet. Postcard, early 20th century.); © Look and Learn

Mans red woven velvet coat and breeches, 1750s (velvet)
3100419 Mans red woven velvet coat and breeches, 1750s (velvet) by Unknown artist, (18th century); (add.info.: From the exhibition A History of Fashion in 100 Objects)

Mans brown woven silk waistcoat, 1690s (silk)
3100414 Mans brown woven silk waistcoat, 1690s (silk) by Unknown Artist, (17th century); (add.info.: From the exhibition A History of Fashion in 100 Objects ); eFashion Museum Bath; out of copyright

Multi-coloured silks and spangle embroidered womans waistcoat, 1610s (silk)
3100412 Multi-coloured silks and spangle embroidered womans waistcoat, 1610s (silk) by Unknown Artist, (17th century); (add.info)

Robin Gibb, Singer, rehearsing on stage at the London Palladium ahead of his first solo performance, London, 25th June 1969

Peasants wearing national costume gather to hear election speeches in mid Dublin during the 1922 Irish General Election. 19th June 1922

Actor Richard Attenborough seen here with wife Shelia Sims, the couple are wearing matching waistcoats. 1957

Old Clothes Exchange, Phils Buildings, Houndsditch 1882
The court of Phils buildings was found directly opposite St Mary Axe. A barrier was placed across steps leading up to the court, as there was an admission fee of one penny

Lancashire engineering factory workers including a very young apprentice (front centre). Date: circa 1910s

The traditional costume of Albanians from Shkoder
The wonderful traditional costume of Albanians from Shkoder, which includes embroidered waistcoats, rifles, white fez hats and upturned waxed moustaches

Fashion Plate / 1845 / Men
A gent in day dress clothes, also a frock coat, S-B coat curving away at the front, strapped trousers with decorative side seams, cravats & waistcoats with collars

Advert for Turnbull and Asser garments 1918
Chamois leather garments for autumn and winter. To Order leather jackets, combines the maximum amount of warmth with the minimum of weight, trousers with double flap

WOMENs COSTUME 1789-90
Ladies wearing pelerines, a buffont, fur tippet & matching muff, hats including a large mob cap & gowns with open fronts revealing waistcoats & petticoats. Date: 1789 -1790

Edwardian men 1904
Edwardian men wearing formal tailcoats and top hats. 1904

India - Two Rajput Chiefs in Durbar dress, Delhi
Black and white. Two bearded men wearing head wraps and decorated jackets/waistcoats, with white skirts underneath.. Part of India Box, Boswell collection. Slide no. 17 and 39. Date: circa 1890s

Work rooms of Lady Sclater, WW1
A page from The Sketch showing society ladies hard at work at the work rooms of Lady Sclater at 18 Pont Street, London. In the top photograph

Romanian Women spinning
A large group of Romanian Women spinning outside a thatched cottage in their village. Date: 1910s

Fruit Pickers
Three smart young men in waistcoats, scything, hoeing and picking fruit, with an older man supervising them, on an English farm. Date: early 1930s

Picture No. 11807331
DOG. Pugs wearing smart waistcoat harnes Date:

The Death of the Hare, John Wootton, 1682-1764, British

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Step back in time with these stunning waistcoats, a true reflection of men's fashions from the 1920s. Picture blacksmiths outside their forge, their muscular arms adorned with these stylish garments. Or imagine a lively snooker game in the 1930s, where players sported dapper waistcoats while aiming for victory. In an Edwardian era stroll through the countryside, gentlemen donned waistcoats as they admired nature's beauty. And let's not forget about Morris Dance and Musto enthusiasts who proudly wore their intricately designed waistcoats during performances. A group of four men in top hats exude sophistication and elegance as they showcase their impeccable taste by pairing them with tailored suits. Thomas Harley himself is immortalized in an oil painting wearing a blue coat and white waistcoat, his portrait capturing the essence of timeless style. Delve further into history to witness The 7th Earl of Northampton depicted in exquisite detail on canvas before 1787 and again in 1758. These masterpieces highlight how they were cherished symbols of nobility and refinement throughout centuries. Even literature pays homage to this iconic garment; "The History of a Crime" engraving captures its significance as an eyewitness testimony to fashion evolution. Meanwhile, a whimsical lithograph portrays a man carrying a basketful of babies - perhaps suggesting that even fathers embraced fashionable trends like embroidered linen women's waistcoats from the 1700s. From blacksmiths to aristocrats, artists to athletes - all have recognized the allure and versatility throughout history. So why not embrace this timeless piece yourself? Whether you're attending a formal event or simply want to add flair to your everyday attire, let these historical inspirations guide you towards sartorial excellence.