The morning suit has been a part of sartorial lore for quite some time now but it never gets the column inches it deserves besides the bridal magazines and once-a-year style stories leading up to Royal Ascot. So we decided to uncover some of the best wearers of formalwear past and present to give you some additional inspiration beyond our lookbook.
King Charles III
We'll stick our necks out there and say King Charles is the best ever wearer of a morning suit. That's a high accolade, but if one looks back through the years at all his visits to Royal Ascot, he is always turned out immaculately, whether it's in his favourite grey morning suit or otherwise. His choice of tailored morning suits reflects a timeless appreciation for tradition fused with a contemporary sensibility.
Jean Patou
We could only find one photograph of the French designer Jean Patou (1887-1936) wearing morning dress, but we thought it was so splendid that he had to get a mention. The French fashion designer was something of a visionary and appealled to the discerning tastes of high society and the fashion elite in the early 1900s. Everything about this image is perfect, from the length of the trousers to the silk trim of the morning coat and the highly polished shoes. The slim umbrella, minimal four-in-hand tie knot and the sliver of pocket square underline his exquisite attention to detail.
David Beckham
The iconic English footballer turned fashion icon is not often spotted in morning dress but when he is, he makes a great impression. At the Royal Wedding of William and Kate, he wore a bespoke Christian Dior charcoal morning suit designed by Kim Jones. It wouldn't be Becks without a twist, which is evident in the sharp lapels of the beautiful grey double-breasted waistcoat, which fits perfectly. His modern interpretation of the classic ensemble, characterised by a sleek silhouettes, sharp tailoring, and nice details such as the fob chain gets the thumbs up from us.
Prince Aly Aga Khan
Prince Aly Aga Khan (1911-1960), was a prominent figure in international society during the mid-20th century. As a member of the Aga Khan family, he embodied aristocratic sophistication, often gracing formal occasions in impeccably tailored morning suits. Prince Aly's distinctive style is delightfully evident in this image, which must be one of our favourite morning suit ensembles ever! So flamboyant! Who needs a colourful waistcoat when you can wear a three-piece morning suit like the Aga Khan?! The wing colour and cravat are outrageous in the best of ways, but the cherry on the cake is the cocked top hat!
Prince Edward
Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor (1894-1972), was renowned for his impeccable taste in menswear and his influential role in shaping 20th-century fashion. A pioneer of modern elegance, the Duke of Windsor elevated the morning suit to new heights with his effortless panache and attention to detail. He had a louche, almost nonchalant way of making the morning suit look as if it were a second skin.
Explore Morning Coats
