backcoats

Backcoats, also known as backcoat men, were a group of young men in the United Kingdom during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They were characterized by their distinctive style of dress, which included a long, dark coat, often worn with a white shirt and black trousers. This style was a reaction to the more formal and conservative dress codes of the time, and was seen as a symbol of rebellion and nonconformity.

The term "backcoat" originated from the fact that the coat was worn with the collar turned up, exposing the back of the neck. This style was popularized by the working-class youth of London, particularly in areas like Whitechapel and the East End. The backcoat became a symbol of the working-class culture and identity, and was often associated with the working-class values of independence, individualism, and nonconformity.

The backcoat style was also associated with a particular subculture, which included a strong sense of community and camaraderie among the young men who wore it. This subculture was often seen as a reaction to the more formal and hierarchical structures of society, and was characterized by a sense of solidarity and mutual support.

The backcoat style and subculture declined in popularity during the mid-20th century, as the working-class youth of London moved away from the inner city areas and adopted more mainstream styles of dress. However, the backcoat remains an important part of the history and culture of the working-class youth in the United Kingdom, and is often studied and celebrated by historians and cultural enthusiasts alike.