Best bib and tucker

This now refers to our Sunday best or our smartest clothes worn for that special occasion. The expression in this sense dates from the mid-18th century but derived from bibs and tuckers, which were worn to protect fine clothes. Bibs, as worn mainly by babies and small children today, were routinely worn over clothes to protect them from spilled food and drink, while tuckers were much the same thing, but were so-called because they were tucked into the neckline.