bib and tucker

noun

1. clothes:

   to dress in one's best bib and tucker.

bib and tucker

noun

1. informal.
   an outfit of clothes (esp in the phrase best bib and tucker )

Word History and Origins

Origin of bib and tucker¹

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

“I was born with a boy’s spirit under my bib and tucker,” wrote Miss Alcott in 1856.

From New York Times

Stravagante 10-3 Ballos 7-2 Ol Man River 9-2 Festive Fare 9-2 Mr Singh 10-1 Magic Dancer 12-1 Father Christmas 20-1 View the King Edward VII betting AP McCoy looking dapper in his best bib and tucker during the Royal Procession earlier today.

From The Guardian

Stravagante 10-3 Ballos 7-2 Ol Man River 9-2 Festive Fare 9-2 Mr Singh 10-1 Magic Dancer 12-1 Father Christmas 20-1 View the King Edward VII betting AP McCoy looking dapper in his best bib and tucker during the Royal Procession earlier today.

From The Guardian

As for the name, “a bib and tucker was the finest wardrobe a gentleman could put together back in the day, which was the late 1800s," he explains. "Remember the show ‘Beverly Hillbillies?’

From Los Angeles Times

My dad Bill was on a night shift so he came home, got me and my brother Kevin out of bed, got us dressed in our best bib and tucker and took us down to the station to have our picture taken.

From BBC