THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO MORNING SUITS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

If you’ve been invited to a formal daytime wedding or are planning your own, you’ve probably come across the term morning coat wedding. 

It’s one of the most elegant forms of dress – timeless, refined, and steeped in tradition. But if you’re not used to formalwear lingo, it can be hard to tell what exactly a morning suit includes, and how it’s different from a tux.

This guide breaks it all down, from history and components to how to wear it right.

What Is a Morning Coat?

A morning coat (also called a cutaway coat) is a formal coat designed for daytime events, typically worn as part of morning wear. The front is cut short and curves away into long tails at the back – very different from the straight hem of a dinner jacket or tuxedo.

It’s the traditional outfit for British weddings, race events like Royal Ascot, and formal daytime ceremonies. When someone refers to a morning coat wedding, they’re talking about this dress code.

A Quick History of Morning Wear

Morning wear originated in the 19th century, evolving from riding coats. 

By the Victorian era, it became the standard for upper-class daywear – formal but practical. Unlike tuxedos, which are strictly evening wear, morning suits were built for daylight hours, especially before 6 PM.

Today, morning suits are most often seen at traditional weddings, especially in the UK or among those looking for a classic, elevated look.

Components of a Morning Suit

Here’s what goes into a proper morning suit:

• Morning Coat: Usually black or charcoal grey. Single-breasted with peak lapels and a curved cutaway front.
• Waistcoat: Either matching or in a light contrast (think dove grey, buff, or pale blue). Double or single-breasted is fine.
• Trousers: Always striped, typically black and grey vertical stripes. Flat or pleated front.
• Shirt: White with a spread or wing collar. French cuffs are preferred.
• Tie or Cravat: A classic silk tie in subdued tones. No bow ties here.
• Shoes: Black leather Oxfords or dress shoes. Always polished.

Optional but traditional extras include gloves, a pocket watch, or even a top hat for ultra-formal affairs.

How It Differs from Evening Formalwear

One of the biggest mistakes people make is confusing morning wear with black tie or white tie. Here’s the difference:

If the event is in the morning or early afternoon and the invite says formal, a morning suit is usually the correct choice.

Morning Coat Wedding: Final Word

The morning coat wedding dress code is steeped in elegance and heritage. If you’re attending or planning a formal daytime event, a morning suit is the most appropriate thing to wear. Baoxiniao provides high-quality morning wear, so if you need help, contact us today. Let’s talk!