Paletot v. Frock

[OldKingCrow]

"Paletots, yet more paletots, more paletots still! They have become more fashionable for every class, for every hour of the day, for every occasion." Farid Chemoune, 1840 A History of Men's Fashion

Wrasslin' with Frock versus Paletot for mid-1860's deep South casual / buiness wear for men of modest means ?

Am I understanding the Paletot is the same save for its side panel construction ?


CJ Rideout
Tampa, Florida

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Paletot v. Frock

A paletote is more like a sack than it is a frock. Basically, the side seam extending from armpit to waist creates a more form-fitting garment than a standard sack coat, but is not a close-fitting as a frock. Frocks typically have a 6-piece body (not including added lapels on a DB frock) with separate skirts. A paletote is (I think) a 4-piece body with the "skirts" integral to the front piece, not a separate pattern piece.

Which is more appropriate? I let folks like Ian weigh in on that one. I need me a good summer-weight civilian garment for Wilsons Creek this summer!

[Elaine Kessinger]

Re: Paletot v. Frock

It is my understanding that the paletot ("suit jacket" as opposed to the overcoat of the same name) is on the fashion decline by the mid-1860s as the sack coat moves from upper class sportswear into the working class every day wear. So a paletot would be very suitable for a gent of distingushed years but a bit fuddy-duddy for the younger gents. A nice summer weight dark colored frock coat will be suitable for almost any activity from checking fields, to checking accounts, to church and socials. Check out the recent thread on "picture taking duds" for a discussion on the relative merits of light linen vs. dark wool as seen in period photographs. Good luck with your project. :)