One of the most recognised scenes we often picture about the First World War involves the fierce battles fought in the muddy and cold trenches across Europe. The British Army officers engaged in these clashes with challenging weather conditions were being protected by a trench coat, which today has become one of the most fashionable clothing one is proud to own.
The trench coats were glamorous, functional and all over the place during the first half of the 20th century, inciting a fascination among modern folks for a time period that was rather brutal for those who lived in it.
The Evolution Story
Origins of a trench coat can be traced back to 18th century the United Kingdom, with garments, such as coachman’s coat and serge greatcoats being partially responsible for its design. The name given to trench coats is attributed to its use in the First World War, as British soldiers wore them extensively, fighting in the trenches. Before this time, the use of trench coats was particularly restricted to army officers.
After the war, many veterans kept their trench coats with them, and it wasn’t too late until the coats started appearing on the streets of the United Kingdom. Now, not only the former soldiers but many businessmen fancy them in their daily lives.
Just imagine your next business trip to a region which is known to be extremely wet or alarmingly cold. It could be your professional time in the rainy seasons of New York or a personal trip to the beautiful and stylish city of Paris during mid-winters. You don’t want the weather to bother you when working outdoors or trying to have fun in a frosty environment.
That’s when a trendy trench coat comes handy. With its waterproofing and insulating qualities, it shall keep you warm enough without compromising on style.
Minutiae of Trench Coats
Trench coats in their true sense are raincoats made from waterproof material. This material could be waxed cotton fabric or wool with similar water repellent properties. Other materials that are used for this purpose include leather, poplin or artificial alternatives, such as polyester.
The length of a trench coat may vary, with certain varieties staying above the knee while others reaching as far as your ankles. The primary function of a trench coat is to keep you warm and dry so you can enjoy your trip with some sophisticated clothing.
A trench coat is typically a double-breasted garment, usually of 5×2 DB cut; though the single-breasted versions are not that far behind in popularity. Some of the general features of a trench coat include 10 front buttons, wide lapels and an insulated lining.
Many men prefer Raglan sleeves – a diagonal sleeve seam setting. The storm flap is another convenient feature that is especially useful in rainy days to prevent water from dripping down the shoulder and entering inside.
Other features, such as button-close pockets, wrists straps and a belt with D-ring, help you keep warm and dry, while also adding value to your styling quotient.
Modern-day trench coats show off some of the features which were exclusively militaristic in their origin. Shoulder straps, for example, are useful when attaching the epaulettes or the rank insignia. A modern man may keep them to emphasize their shoulders in a more fashionable sense.
Assortment of Fabrics
A coat that provides you with an array of styling options provides an equally exciting range of fabrics to choose from. Based on the fabric used, a trench coat shall fulfil a different set of requirements.
Wool Gabardine: A nice woollen trench coat on those chilly days not only keep you warm but also forms refined wear for your business meetings and family outings to a fancy place. Often equipped with insulated lining, woollen trench coats are lightweight. They are known to keep the insides well ventilated with high heat retention properties. However, wool won’t be a good choice if the conditions get a little wet. So if you are wearing a woollen coat in those rainy days, be sure to keep an umbrella with you.
Cotton Gabardine: Cotton has been present in trench coats since its early materialisation. Today, waterproof versions of cotton gabardine trench coats are also available.
One of the most popular materials used with cotton is the good old Khaki Drill; however these days, many artificial fibres are mixed in as well.
All-Weather Trench coats: These are the modern interpretations of the old style, made from a variety of materials including leather, which has the ability to repel dirt and water. Leather as a fabric requires high maintenance.
For those among us who need an animal-friendly alternative to designer leather jackets, the all-weather trench coats in Polyester waterproof fabric is an option. Besides its quality of being dissociated from any sort of animal harm, the durability of the jacket is much more. They are easier to maintain and offer a full range of colours and textures you can select from.
Popularity in the Theaters
Being an article of war has a certain significance attached with a trench coat. This is why after the First World War; they started appearing in Hollywood movies. Trench coats added a character of mysterious nature to many characters in media.
A more recognised version of the trench coat, with the old-school Khaki colours, has been immortalised on the silver screen by Peter Sellers with his portrayal of Inspector Clouseau. In the older times, Humphrey Bogart wore it with certain gravitas in Casablanca, as Tintin wore one on his various adventures.
The younger audience got more familiar with trench coats as modern actors, such as Keanu Reeves wore one in ‘Matrix’, a look that has become uber chic.
Cherry-Picking Your Classic Trench Coat
A trench coat is known to be the epitome of stylish clothing. Do you have one for yourself?
Traditionally an ankle-length coat with untied belt barely covering up the packed mid-section is considered to impart a conventional look. While shopping for a trench coat that perfectly suits you, it’s a good idea to consider the physical features of your body. Shorter men should look for a coat that stays above their knees, as this will make them look taller. In contrast, tall men should go for a lengthier version to cover up their legs. Individuals with larger mid-section should keep their coats unbelted, as someone with leaner waist should do the exact opposite.
So get ready to transform yourself into a fashion icon with a trench coat.