I mentioned a while back that my sainted mother is helping me with a blue velvet doublet in the Montrose ( high collar, double breasted) style. I am posting this on the Traditional pages because I am not so interested in DIY technique as I am in knowledge and opinions of existing coats. Somewhere, sometime, I saw a DB ( double breasted) doublet worn open, with the two aprons buttoned back onto themselves- at least that is what it looked like. I thought it might be interesting to try that.

As I say, I am not so much seeking DIY technical advice as more general wisdom. We have several jackets to look at and go by, including a velvet Montrose whose waistline has inexplicably shrunk in proportion to its chest and shoulders. BUT the pattern we are using is adapted from a Confederate Officer's pattern made by one of the major pattern companies (McCalls, I think).

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-MENS-CIVIL-W...item4cebf4ba71

I have also looked at a "Belgian Chef's jacket" pattern from Folkwear. One view of the Folkwear pattern shows the jacket buttoned halfway with the lapels folded back to show contrasting facings.

http://folkwear.com/133.html

The jacket at its present stage has pretty red-to-burgundy lining beneath the aprons with a plan of maybe being able to fold back lapels. But things are not looking good on that front just yet. We probably should have used the Folkwear pattern. Time and energy have probably run out for that.

Has anyone seen a high-collared doublet worn half-opened or any other way than buttoned all of the way? Any photos, by any odd chance?

Thanks