The basic construction of a garment from a geographical region is said to be much more stable than the fabric, ornamentation, etc., since the construction changes only with major historical developments -- population movements and technological developments. Therefore, ethnographic costume may be viewed as historical evidence for the modes of a very complex past, and the cut of Turkmen coats is examined within this historical and geographical perspective. (See also <b>AATA</b> <i>20-526</i>) -- AATA