There is a lot of movement in the shape and decoration of this waistcoat, as every cutting line and every line of decoration is curved. The white felted wool has been cut to form three points down each side of the front opening, and several rows of black silk cord have been attached to the edge and twisted to follow the contours. When the waistcoat was made the edges were faced with woollen braid that survives beneath a later white silk lining, part of which can be seen in places beyond the cord edging.

The thick silk cords used to decorate the front panels have a pronounced twist, giving it a rope-like quality. In spite of this it forms flowers and leaves of surprising liveliness. Enough of the white ground shows to provide a contrast to the sombre black silk, and the curving lines, which enclose a meandering stem of leaves, prevent the tightly packed flower heads from becoming monotonous.