Regency era men's fashion (roughly 1795 to 1837) centred on one garment: the tailcoat, a fitted wool coat cut away at the front with long tails behind, worn over a waistcoat, a white linen shirt with a high collar, a cravat, and close-fitting breeches or pantaloons. This is what Mr. Darcy wears in Pride and Prejudice, and what the Bridgerton men wear on screen.
OUR MR. DARCY REGENCY TAILCOAT · HANDMADE IN WOOL
What makes a coat "Regency"?
Three things define the Regency tailcoat. First, the cutaway front: the coat ends at the waist in front and falls in two tails behind, a shape born from riding. Second, the high collar and wide lapels, often in the M-notch style unique to the period. Third, the fit: Regency tailoring was close through the chest and shoulders, following the fashion set by Beau Brummell in London, who replaced bright silks with dark, perfectly cut wool.
Colours were rich but restrained: navy, bottle green, brown, burgundy and black, with the waistcoat carrying the pattern and colour.
Darcy vs Bridgerton: screen style
THE DARCY LOOK
Sober and aristocratic: a dark navy or black tailcoat, cream breeches, and a plain white cravat. Historically closer to real 1810s dress.
THE BRIDGERTON LOOK
Bolder colour and texture: browns, blues and patterned waistcoats. Designed for television, but built on the same tailcoat silhouette.
ANTHONY BRIDGERTON STYLE · BROWN WOOL TAILCOAT
Wearing one today
Regency tailcoats are now most popular for weddings, Jane Austen festivals, Regency balls, theatre and reenactment. A full outfit needs the tailcoat, a waistcoat, a high-collared shirt with cravat, and breeches or slim trousers with boots.
Every Regency coat we make at Cavalry Coats is handmade in wool and cut to your measurements, which matters because the whole Regency look depends on a close fit through the chest and shoulders. Browse the Regency Coats and Tailcoats collection for Darcy and Bridgerton styles, or see the wider 19th century uniforms range for military versions of the same silhouette.
COMPLETE NAVY REGENCY OUTFIT · TAILCOAT, WAISTCOAT AND SHIRT
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear a Regency tailcoat to my wedding?
Yes, and many of our customers do. A navy or black tailcoat with cream breeches reads as formal wedding attire with a historical twist.
What is the difference between a tailcoat and a frock coat?
A tailcoat is cut away at the front with tails behind. A frock coat is full-skirted all the way around and hangs to the knee.
Do you make custom sizes?
Yes. Every Regency coat is made to order. You send chest, waist, shoulder and sleeve measurements and the coat is cut for you.
What should I wear under the tailcoat?
A waistcoat, a white shirt with a high collar, and a cravat. Breeches with boots complete the period look; slim dark trousers work for modern events.
Every piece handmade to order · Worldwide shipping
