Waistcoat

Waistcoats were part of men's three piece ensemble in the 18th C. This example is rare because the expensive silk damask is used for the back and the front of the coat, whereas ordinarily it would only be used for the front. The backs were usually made of fustian, a cheap blend of cotton and linen, since the back of the coat was never seen in public.  This coat was for informal use only due to it's monochromatic color and simplicity of the weave. 

Waistcoat

Unknown Designer

England

1710-20

Silk damask lined with fustian and silk