It’s hard to pick what’s sparked the avalanche of trench coats currently dominating fashion. Of course the belted style is an absolute classic, one of those pieces that’s never really out of style. But it couldn’t be more ‘in’ right now.
The trench coat was actually developed long before the world wars that gave it its name and hard-wearing reputation. As early as 1823, rubberised cotton was being used in weatherproof outerwear, developed by Scottish inventor Charles Macintosh. The ‘macks’ were effective but trapped heat in, got sticky in the sun and by some accounts were a bit stinky.
Think of a trench coat and you might quickly jump to Burberry’s tan style with the storm flap, epaulettes and double breasted closure. That’s because the British fashion brand had a key role in popularising the style. In 1879, Thomas Burberry invented gabardine and worked the weather-proofed, tightly woven, cotton textile that was breathable and durable, into its iconic shape.
The coat became popular over the following decades, including the wars, though it was reportedly more often worn by higher ranking officers than those actually in the trenches, given its expense. The style was later adopted by plenty of Hollywood stars – Think Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca, Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Meryl Streep in Kramer vs. Kramer- helping cement its fashion appeal.
This season, the style is popular for its minimalist chic, worn with easy separates like wide-leg pants and a cashmere tee, though variations like softer silhouettes, luxe fabrications and statement pieces created with bold colour and pattern are also marking their mark.
It’s the ideal trans-seasonal style as its splash-proof nature is perfect for protecting your outfit from the weather through autumn and spring, and you can easily layer underneath it on colder days in the depths of winter.
If you’re looking for cost per wear, given a trench coat’s timeless appeal, it is likely to remain relevant in your wardrobe for years.
Here are the styles we’re shopping right now:
Burberry
Rains
Assembly Label
Dior
Saint Laurent
Witchery
Camilla & Marc
Ruby
Zara
Aje
