The London Lounge

Very old morning suits, and frock coats, I have seen, have quilting on the inside.

The position does not look like it was just for warmth, but it is as though it gives some shape holding?

Does any tailor style use this method or is it archaic?

gcg wrote:Very old morning suits, and frock coats, I have seen, have quilting on the inside.

The position does not look like it was just for warmth, but it is as though it gives some shape holding?

Does any tailor style use this method or is it archaic?

My morning suit (1991, so relatively recent, by Tom Brown when they were on Princes' Street, Hanover Square, NOT the Thom Browne or whatever the spelling of the "fashion designer"...) has quilting inside the back, around the midriff. I did not request it; it just happened.
I agree it does not make sense for warmth and must be there only to keep the back of the coat, and the back's lining, taut (perhaps to compensate for the extra weight of the tails which does not occur in a lounge coat?).
Hope this helps.
Frog in Suit

Such quilting gives strength to the lining.

Noble Savage wrote:Such quilting gives strength to the lining.

...and possibly to the whole back of the coat, given the extra weight. Can someone knowledgeable confirm?
Frog in Suit

FiS - You are knowledgeable! I am sure that it is to give structure and weight; especially on dress coats as, without it, the front would just crumple up.
NJS

NJS wrote:FiS - You are knowledgeable! I am sure that it is to give structure and weight; especially on dress coats as, without it, the front would just crumple up.
NJS

NJS,
Thank you. I should take some photographs and post them;it might make things clearer for all of us.

Frog in Suit

It would certainly make sens to me, quilting adds structure and shape and is often used in the skeletons of structured womenswear. (especially if there are layers of canvas and facing)

and possibly warms the back when sat in cold churches!