The waistcoat may be made up in a variety of ways; sleeved or sleeveless, long or short. The longer, sleeved version is most appropriate for earlier impressions, i.e. the French and Indian War period, whereas the shorter version is a correct length for the Revolutionary War period in America. You may also make a shorter sleeved waistcoat or a longer sleeveless waistcoat. Both sleeved and sleeveless waistcoats were worn in either period.
The waistcoat underwent an evolution in style like that of the coat. Earlier in the century, the waistcoat was worn quite long, extending almost to the knees. As time progressed, the waistcoat became shorter and shorter, ending at the close of the century, at the natural waistline.
This original pattern if fashioned after 3 extant examples, in the collections of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, The National Museum of American History and The Victoria and Albert Museum.
