A style signifier and vehicle of intrigue, the trench coat has evolved into a symbol of sophistication and fashion. This garment, however, has its origins deeply embedded in military history. The journey of the trench coat from the battlefield to fashion runways is a fascinating story of adaptation and renewal.
A brief overview
The Trench Coat’s Military Origins
The trench coat itself dates from the sad years of the early 20th century. British and French military officers required a jacket that could stand up to the demands of modern warfare, which had become a game of mud. Consequently, the “trench coat” was born.
The invention was first introduced by Thomas Burberry, who used a new material called gabardine, a lightweight but weatherproof cloth. There was a wide back and large lapels on this coat, which was built so a belt around the waist and epaulettes allowed for freedom of movement with space left over to carry the military gear you might need.
Courtesy of Canva
From Battlefield to Civilian Wardrobe
After the war, soldiers continued wearing their trench coats to the ordinary world—as usual, finding Business, Communications, and adventures on extremes. Attracted by its wearability and feeling that this was the uniform of a hero, soon civilians followed suit.
By the 1920s and 1930s, the trench coat had broken away from its purely military identity; everyone from starlets like Humphrey Bogart to silver screen sweethearts such as Audrey Hepburn were wearing it in fashionable attire.
The Trench Coat’s Fashion Metamorphosis
Since then, designers have played with different fabrics, colors, and styles. However, despite these changes in detail, the classic silhouette has always remained the same. Because it can be easily dressed up or down depending on what you wear underneath it, this is a coat that remains in everyone’s wardrobes.
It shows that some things in fashion go beyond the transient desire for something new and establish themselves for good.
A New Face on an Old Standby
Today’s trench coats still retain their military ancestry in the eyes of designers even as they are remodeled. A few adjustments may be made: modern details that hadn’t been included in the original design are added to accommodate different looks.
It is a testament to the changing relationship between function and style in fashion, history meets innovation once more. The trench coat has changed so much—and always for the better. This centuries-old type of fashion that was once simply utilitarian now has its own iconic place in modern life owing entirely to a bit of thoughtful creativity.
Enjoy this article? Click here for more on history and fashion!
