Habit of an English Gentleman about 1700

by Thomas Jefferys

The engraving by Thomas Jefferys illustrates the very inception of the modern-day suit. Around the year 1700, an English gentleman moved from the short doublets of the past to the more modern style of long skirt coats, which would eventually evolve into frock coats.

Through this engraving, Jefferys provides a detailed illustration of the "Justacorps" coat, which is tight-fitting in design with deep pleating around the hip area and paired with a large periwig. This image not only illustrates fashion but is an indication of social class during the Augustan era.