Why Is It Called a Morning Suit?

15 Jun

If you’ve ever attended a traditional British wedding or the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot, chances are you’ve seen men dressed in one of the most striking and formal outfits in menswear: the morning suit.

But have you ever wondered - why is it actually called a morning suit? And more importantly, why do we still wear it today?

Let’s take a short trip back in time to uncover the origins of this iconic ensemble - and why it remains one of the last bastions of true formal elegance for men.

A Brief History: Where the Morning Suit Came From

The morning suit has its roots in the early 19th century. At the time, British gentlemen needed a smart, practical outfit for formal daytime engagements - especially ones involving horseback travel. Enter the morning coat: a tailcoat that was cut away at the front to allow more freedom of movement while riding.

Unlike eveningwear, which typically involved white tie or black tie and was reserved for dinners and galas, this new coat was specifically intended for morning use — hence the name.

By the mid-to-late 1800s, the morning suit - consisting of a cutaway coat, matching or contrasting waistcoat, and striped formal trousers - became the uniform of choice for royal audiences, political functions, society weddings and famously, Royal Ascot!

Morning Suits Today: Still Going Strong

Fast-forward to the 21st century and the morning suit hasn’t disappeared - in fact, it’s very much alive and well, especially during Royal Ascot week and very traditional British weddings.

In the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot, a morning suit isn’t just a suggestion - it’s a strict dress code. Think:

A black or grey morning coat
Matching or contrasting waistcoat (pastels are popular in summer)
Grey striped trousers
A formal tie or cravat
And of course, a black or grey top hat.

Despite being rooted in tradition, the morning suit endures because - when tailored correctly - it still looks incredible. There’s a quiet authority, elegance, and formality to it that no other outfit can quite match.

Why Choose a Morning Suit Today?

Whether you're attending Royal Ascot, getting married in a traditional setting or simply want to honour British heritage in style, a morning suit delivers timeless sophistication. But there’s a caveat: the impact is lost when the fit isn’t perfect.

Off-the-rack or hire morning suits rarely do the garment justice. The proportions, sleeve pitch, and line of the coat are everything - and that’s where bespoke tailoring makes all the difference.

The name morning suit may have originated in the 1800s, but the outfit’s relevance is far from outdated. It represents something increasingly rare in modern menswear: tradition, occasion, and respect.

So if you're heading to Ascot, planning your wedding, or simply want to look your absolute best for a formal daytime event - don’t rent it. Own it. Make it yours. Make it fit you like a glove.