1890 Frock Coat Culture: British Medium: wool, silk, sateen, cotton The top frock-coat came into fashion during the 1830s. It was an overcoat that was cut like an ordinary frock-coat (a formal close-fitting coat with waist seam) but was usually longer and generally double-breasted. It was intended to be worn without an undercoat while giving the appearance of an overcoat. It was made of heavy cloth such as cheviots, beavers, meltons and witneys, and often had a velvet collar.