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What is a morning suit?

MANY guests to the Queen's funeral next week will likely be wearing morning suits.

Prince Harry and Andrew dressed in morning suits for the Queen's coffin procession after they were refused permission to don military uniform.

The long jacket is a trademark of a morning suit
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The long jacket is a trademark of a morning suitCredit: Moss Bros

What is a morning suit?

The traditional wear has a long history in the UK and is often worn on special occasions.

A morning suit is most noticeable for its long tailcoat jacket, where the back goes as low as the knees.

A shirt, tie, waistcoat and trousers will make up the rest of the ensemble.

The colour of the outfit is normally black or grey depending on the occasion.

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It is customary for a large top hat to be worn alongside the suit, and formal black shoes.

Why is it called morning suit? 

The formal suit can be seen during weddings, funerals and even horse races.

The origin of the name goes all the way back to the 19th century.

It originated from the practice of upper-class men of the period riding a horse in the morning with a cutaway front, single-breasted morning coat.

The suit has since grown in popularity and is now used on a number of occasions beyond horse-riding.

When should a morning suit be worn?

A morning suit can be worn on a number of occasions.

It is usually associated with formal occasions such as weddings or funeral.

But the outfit can also be seen during the State Opening of Parliament, royal garden parties, official functions and, on occasion, at the horse racing.

Those who go into the Royal Enclosure at Ascot are required to wear a morning suit - with the top hat.

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On rare occasions such as earlier this year the rules can be relaxed due to weather.

While less common, men in other countries such as America will also wear morning suit to special events.

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