The….Shirt Coat?

Doing research for my thesis this weekend I stumbled upon this crazy piece of turn-of-the-century tailoring.  The accompanying headline touted a miraculous new “Shirt Coat” for wearing in the heat of summer.  Well, if a coat and a shirt is too much, I guess making them one garment is the only logical conclusion, right?

This garment presents quite a few confusions, such as how one properly puts this on, whether it is two layers or the braces sit against the skin, and in what scenarios would such a Frankenstein be permissible?  Any guess is as good as mine, and the article provided with the picture said little more than “Wow, isn’t this a really unique and new pattern?”  So much for good editorial.

Also, sir, if it’s so hot out you must resort to such things, might I suggest a bit less mustache wax…