18th Century French Army Sleeved Waistcoat | Swiss Guards

French Army Sleeved Waistcoat, 1779–1786

A faithful reproduction of the sleeved waistcoat worn by the French Army during the late 18th century, based on the 1779–1786 pattern associated with the Swiss Guards. This style remained in French military use until the 1812 Bardin reforms.

The waistcoat is constructed from durable wool kersey (“tricot”), with wool serge lining throughout the body and sleeves and natural linen lining in the tails. It features distinctive three-pointed buttoned pocket flaps, reflecting period military regulations. For enlisted soldiers, regulations specified that only the right pocket was functional, while the left was decorative.

The waistcoat is finished with plain brass or pewter buttons, allowing customers to replace them with their own regimental buttons if desired. The cuffs feature traditional bone buttons, while the buttonholes are carefully hand-worked for an authentic period appearance.

As with our historical reproductions, the garment is predominantly hand-sewn, providing the character and construction associated with original 18th-century military clothing.

Other similar sleeved waistcoat patterns worn by European armies of the same period can also be reproduced upon request.

Available in standard sizes or made to measure.