The redcoat (or scarlet tunic) was used by widely regiments of the British Army and Royal Marines from the 17th to the 20th century. Some regiments still use the red coat as their full-dress uniform in the 21st century, including the Coldstream Guards.

The Coldstream Guards is the oldest, continuously serving, regular regiment in the British Army. As part of the household division, one of its prinicpal roles is the protection of the monarchy, and due to this, it often plays a central role in state ceremonial occasions.

The defining factor of the Coldstreams Guards' coats as opposed to other scarlet tunics are the grouping of buttons. The buttons on a Coldstream Guards' tunic are arranged in pairs, while a Star of the Garter is marked on their brassware.