Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 16

Vintage Italian black wool tailcoat ("tuxedo")

$658.98
£490.48
€550
CA$902.64
A$1,003.93
CHF 524.22
MX$12,216.75
NOK 6,695.09
SEK 6,278.82
DKK 4,186.96
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

Vintage Italian black wool tailcoat ("tuxedo") with its original waistcoat, bespoke-made in the 1950s for formal daytime occasions. The tailcoat is cut from dense melton wool with steep peak lapels, a single-button cut-away front and curved tails that finish below the knee (total length 118 cm). Working four-button cuffs, hand-stitched edges and fully hand-padded lapels confirm high-end tailoring. Inside, the body is lined in ivory satin; sleeves are lined in striped viscose twill, a hallmark of mid-century Italian ateliers. The matching waistcoat-same cloth, same atelier-closes with six black corozo buttons, has two welt pockets at the chest and two at the hip, and finishes in a neat V-point that sits perfectly over formal striped trousers. What makes it special • Complete two-piece set (tailcoat + waistcoat) is increasingly rare; most vintage tailcoats have lost the original vest. • Bespoke Italian construction: hand-padded lapels, hand-sewn buttonholes, pick-stitching throughout. • Dense melton wool drapes cleanly, resists creasing and outperforms many contemporary blends. Why the price is fair Modern bespoke morning suits cost well above $2 000 without a waistcoat; comparable vintage sets in similar condition trade between $350-$600. This example offers superior make and Italian provenance within that range. Story / provenance Morning coats evolved from 19th-century riding jackets and became the standard for weddings, Royal Ascot and diplomatic functions. Italian tailors softened the English pattern, adding gentler shoulders and a more defined waist-traits visible here. Condition Very good vintage: outer wool is sound with no moth holes; lining clean; all buttons original; a few lint fibers easily brushed away. Flat measurements (garment closed, laid flat ±1 cm) Tailcoat • Shoulder width 49 cm • Waist 44.5 cm (89 cm circ.) • Hip 50 cm (100 cm circ.) • Back length (collar seam to tails) 118 cm (Chest width not taken; request if required.) Waistcoat • Shoulder width 35 cm • Waist 41 cm (82 cm circ.) • Hip 42 cm (84 cm circ.) • Front length 56 cm These proportions indicate roughly an EU 48 / US 38R; please compare with a well-fitting jacket for best fit. Key details Fabric - black melton wool; ivory satin body lining; striped viscose sleeve lining. Fastenings - black corozo buttons on coat front, cuffs and waistcoat. A complete 1950s Italian "smoking" set that delivers timeless formality for weddings, daytime receptions or collectors of mid-century tailoring.
  • Dimensions:
    Length: 46.46 in (118 cm)Marked Size: 38 (US)Bust: 17.72 in (45 cm)Waist: 17.52 in (44.5 cm)Hip: 19.69 in (50 cm)
  • Style:
    Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Milano, IT
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2057226588832

More From This Seller

View All
Armani Collezioni 1940s Black Wool Tailcoat & Waistcoat (Smoking Suit)
By Armani Collezioni
Located in Milano, IT
Slip into the quiet luxury that defined Armani Collezioni at the turn of the millennium. Tailored in Italy from a richly-textured wool-cashmere blend, this deep-midnight overcoat dra...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Vests

Alpaca Vintage Black Wool Coat
Located in Milano, IT
Stunning vintage alpaca wool coat from the 1990s, with original label. The coat has a straight, oversized silhouette with long sleeves. Completely ma...
Category

1990s Italian Coats

Alpaca Vintage Black Wool Coat
$670 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Thierry Mugler Black Wool Tailored Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Milano, IT
This vintage Thierry Mugler jacket from the 1990s is a striking example of the designer’s signature structured tailoring and avant-garde aesthetic. Known for his ability to sculpt th...
Category

1990s French Blazers

Valentino Chic Vintage Blazer in Black Cotton
By Valentino
Located in Milano, IT
Glamorous vintage blazer designed by Valentino in the 1990s, made in Italy. The blazer is totally made of black cotton, with long, wide sleeves that al...
Category

1990s Italian Blazers

RoccoBarocco Vintage Elegant Black Blazer
By Rocco Barocco, Roccobarocco
Located in Milano, IT
Fabulous black wool blazer designed by stylist Roccobarocco in the early 1990s, fine Italian manufacture. Original label. The blazer has a classic soft cut and is made of black wool ...
Category

1990s Italian Blazers

Vintage Armani Collezioni Black Bouclé Alpaca & Mohair Coat
By Armani Collezioni, Giorgio Armani
Located in Milano, IT
Elevate your wardrobe with this sophisticated black bouclé coat from Armani Collezioni, crafted in Italy in 2003. A perfect example of the brand's mastery in understated elegance, th...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Coats

You May Also Like

Victorian Black Wool Men's 1890S Double Breasted Frock Coat Large
Located in New York, NY
Fantastic condition aside from missing silk from lapels. VERY rare XL size Victorian Black Wool Men's 1890S Double Breasted Frock Coat Large
Category

Early 1900s Bolero Jackets

Montague Burton Black Evening Wool and Silk Tailcoat circa 1940s
Located in London, GB
Montague Burton tailored / made to order black wool evening tailcoat, with the early 'Tailor of Taste' black and silver label. It is lined in black silk with a cream material lining ...
Category

1940s British Tuxedo Jackets

PAUL SMITH Size L Black Wool Blend Peak Lapel Double Breasted Coat
By Paul Smith
Located in San Francisco, CA
PAUL SMITH coat in a black wool nylon blend fabric featuring a peak lapel, double breasted style, and button closure. Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Moderate mark on cuff. Marked: ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Coats

Couture Antique Tuxedo Wool Ribbed&QuiltedSatin Lined&Padded Black Tailcoat
Located in Chicago, IL
This antique ArtDeco-period couture British wool-and-satin black tuxedo button-decorated open-breasted tailcoat fits a women's U.S.-size 6 so well that we think it was custom made fo...
Category

1920s British Tailcoats

Hardy Amies 'New Look' or 'Wasp Waist' Black Wool Coat with Velvet Trim, Small
By Hardy Amies
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This coat is a rare piece representing the 'NEW LOOK' that originated in Paris by The House of Dior in 1947 shortly after WWII. The 'NEW LOOK' or 'Wasp Waist' was followed shortly ...
Category

20th Century English Coats and Outerwear

Loredana Del Monte Vintage Black Wool Single Breasted Blazer 52 IT
Located in Rome, Rome
Elegance and sophistication come together beautifully in this stunning Loredana Del Monte blazer, a true signature piece primed for evening wear. Crafted from 100% Loro Piana wool, t...
Category

1990s Italian Blazers