The London Lounge

Looking at society wedding photographs, one occasionally sees gentlemen wearing waistcoats which have white strips of material at the top. I believe these are called 'facings', but may be wrong. I consider them rather smart.

My questions are these:-

Are these purely decorative or do they serve some purpose?
When are they appropriate? Just weddings? I presume they are not to be worn at funerals or memorial services.

When did they first make an appearance ?

Are they detachable ? If so how are they attached ?

Are they always white ?
What material is used ?

They are called slips, and are narrow strips buttoned on or otherwise attached to the inside facing of the waistcoat. That is all I know on th esubject.

An extensive thread, containing detailled answers to all your questions, is in the old website -- I think. I don't know whether it has been brought over to this.

RWS

This webpage may be of some assistance:

http://uk.geocities.com/anthony_hugh_jo ... tcoat.html

I haven't seen any guidance as to where they can be worn but believe that they can be worn to any festive occasion, at least. White appears to be the normative colour. Mine are of what appears to be white cotton with a diagonal rib. As the picture shows, they button on to the inside of the waistcoat.

Anthony.