Casgliadau Arlein

Gentleman's waistcoat, early 19th century.

Double-breasted waistcoat made of red wool (tabby woven with raised nap); lined with white cotton tabby: back panel (lining) is constructed from 2 uneven halves (plus wedge-shaped insert [see below]) i.e. the seam is slightly off centre, to the proper left; seven self-covered buttons on each side; pockets on both sides lined with white cotton twill fabric; centre front edges lined with strips of red wool fabric (same as outer), lower front edges lined with strips of red twill wool; outer fabric of back of waistcoat made from red tabby woven wool (no raised nap); back can be tied at two points with lengths of red twill-woven woollen tape. Waistcoat has wedge-shaped insert up centre back (32cm long from hem) to make garment wider. This, however, does not appear to be a later repair since the outer fabric as well as the lining match the lining and outer fabric of the rest of the garment.