Since the 20th century, after the introduction of the suit for everyday use in town as opposed to the frock coat and the morning dress, the covert coat is used as a shorter, more informal topcoat option to the longer knee-length Chesterfield coat traditionally associated with formal wear.
Covert cloth, from the French "couvert" (covered), is a heavy tweed named after a covered area rich in game wildlife that would serve as a starting point on a hunt.[2] A covert coat is always single-breasted with notched lapels, a centre vent, flap pockets, and a signature four (sometimes five) lines of stitching at the cuffs and hem; a ticket pocket is optional. The collar may be constructed of covert cloth or velvet.[3] The traditional colour varies from a light greenish-tan brown to a fawnish mix to a rather deep tannish-green, but variants in grey and navy are also common.[2]
History
Cordings, a British fashion retailer, claims the creation of the covert coat.[4][5]
.jpg)
