Coats
Just like the vest, a coat is a necessary garment; although, you may do without if you are portraying a laborer or a person of the lower classes. The sack coat is less formal than the frock coat but both styles were worn on a daily basis and by all ages of men. Coats were made of wool, linen or silk (frock only), and did not necessarily have to match the trousers. Keep in mind that a civilian frock coat is similar but not the same as a military frock coat; so when looking for patterns or ready made, you want to be sure it is a civilian frock coat you are looking at. Also keep in mind that if you wear a frock coat you will need a shirt with a full collar rather than a simple band collar.

Hats
Just as with women, some type of headcovering, a hat, was worn by most men out of doors. There are several different styles and shapes depending on your impression and the occasion. Hats were made from several different materials including silk, straw, felt, cotton, wool, and animal hides.