It would be correct for day wear, but might be a bit bright, and
could be a bit smoother I think. I usually use "Venetian" a pure wool
fabric readily available in England. The original coats I've examined
are very smooth wool, Melton being one of the cloths used. Also
available - v. expensive - here.)
>I have two Butterick patterns, 3648 and 3723.
>Are those of any use?
>Or is there a better male pattern?
>Ireally don't know anything from this period.
Patterns for men can be found in "Cut of Men's Clothes" (Norah Waugh)
and Men's 17th and 18th Century Costume Cut and Fashion, (R.I Davis)
both English. Then there are the wonderful American patterns in
"Fitting and Proper" and "Costume Closeup". These two also have
women's patterns. You should also look at "Cut of Women's Clothes",
"Period Costume for Stage and Screen 1800-1909", Jean Hunnisett
(patterns from original garments in spite of the title) and "Patterns
of Fashion 1660-1860" Janet Arnold.
I agree that the blue fabric looks very bright--a dark or midnight blue
would be better. Unfortunately, there aren't any really good men's
coat patterns
on the market, so your best bet, if you can do it, is the scale pattern in
Hill and Bucknell's "Evolution of Fashion"--last time I checked,
this book was
still available from DramaBooks. For all that it has some good patterns,
"Cut of Men's Clothes" does NOT have an early 19th century
men's coat--just an
overcoat.
Sorry to disagree but there is a late 18th century pattern that is
perfectly suitable for the dates given for the ball - 1790-1810.
Men's fashions had begun to fossilize, and evening dress in
particular became uniform. I have studied several coats at the Museum
of London, and one of them, dated c. 1820 was almost identical in
style to the one in "Cut of Men's Clothes". The same style can be
seen in many of the fashion plates of the period - I have some on my web site.
Suzi
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