Man's maxi-overocat, made by Village Gate, England, ca.1967.

Man's maxi-overcoat, with double-breasted closure. Made from brown herring bone tweed. It is slightly waisted and reaches to mid-calf with flap patch pockets at each hip. There are four pairs of buttons, of which one is missing, but the coat only fastens at three pairs, giving a high neckline and short, wide revers. There is one button hole on the left lapel. The collar is quite broad with a wide notch between the collar and revers.

The back has a central pleat from the centre-back to the hem. The lining is of black sanitised terylene and both the yolks are interlined with cotton.

A hanger is sewn on at the back of the neck.

Given by Sir Roy Strong

Midi-coats and maxi-coats for men and women were introduced in 1966. High-waisted with broad lapels and sometimes belts, they reached to the mid-calf for the midi and to the ankles for the maxi. The style was derived from military coats at a time when military tailoring had become fashionable. During the late 1960s there was a craze for wearing second-hand uniforms, usually Brigade of Guards red jackets and various greatcoats. It was these greatcoats that influenced the cut of the midi and maxi. This particular example was worn by Sir Roy Strong, a former Director of the Museum.

T.190-1979