This dress coat of a lieutenant has much in common with the formal suits of the mid-18th century. It is full skirted with no collar and very deep boot cuffs. However, instead of the silks, velvets or extremely fine wools that were used for formal clothing, this coat is of an extremely hard-wearing wool. The dress uniform of the Royal Navy was really a hybrid between fashionable and occupational dress. This garment is an example of the first patterns of naval uniform.