Thanks to the World Wars due to which the Trench Coat saw the light of the day. Then the movies, Hollywood stars made them so popular that they are not going to go out of style. But, what is so special about this trench? It is the features, which make trench coat a trench.
The Trench coat, which is the apple of the eye of all, actually evolved more out of practicality than fashion sense.
1. FABRIC: Invented by Thomas Burberry in 1879, gabardine is a comfortable and water resistant fabric. Tightly woven, 100 percent cotton gabardine is both durable and lightweight. The first major client for this fabric was the British Army.
2. COLOR: Khaki, sand and stone, navy blue, these three were the traditional colors. However, today you could find them in a multitude of colors.
3. RAGLAN SLEEVES: Although there are many stories as to how raglan sleeves came into being, the sleeve got its name from an aristocrat Fitzroy Somerset 1st Baron Raglan. A diagonal sleeve seam setting that extends from the neck to the underarm and provides greater mobility.
4. DOUBLE-BREASTED: 10 buttons on the front and 5X2DB cut, and belt configurations, make for the classic military trench coat.
5. EPAULETTES: Unlike the shoulder tabs on military uniforms, the epaulettes were used to secure gloves, whistles, or gas masks.
6. GUN PATCH/STORM FLAP/GUN FLAP: It served two purposes; served as a gun flap for the rifle recoil, and prevented the water from entering inside the gun.
7. HOOK AND EYE & THROAT LATCH: A hook and eye fastener for keeping the collar closed to save from the chilly cold winds. Some coats also come with a strap and buckle system, known as throat latch that has the same function as the hook and eye fastener.
8. D-RING WAIST BELT: The main purpose of this D-ring was to hold certain equipment like, hand grenades, swords etc. However, today they enable to create a structured waistline.
9. DEEP YOKE BACK SADDLE: This helped the water to roll straight on the floor rather than the back of the wearer. This one feature is not to be found in any other garment, making trench coat unique.
10. BACK WEDGE: It allowed for easy movement of the soldiers. They block the wind and the rain. However, if you do not like to keep it open, you can button it up.
11. BUCKLED/BUTTONED CUFFS: They are provided on the cuffs to stay protected against chilly winds and heavy rains.
12. CHECKED LINING: This is again an integral feature of the trench coat and makes it unique. The first check pattern that became popular was Equestrian Knight and the classic house check. Most of the trench coats come with a removable lining option that makes them wearable in both hot and cold season.
FABRIC: Although gabardine still rules the roost, many other fabrics have become popular over time. Rubberized fabric, leather, wool is some of the very popular fabrics these days.
COLORS: Apart from the traditional colors, today you will find them in every color; yellow, black, blue, pink, red, every color is possible in trench coat today. If you are looking for a professional look, go for the traditional colors.
PATTERNS: The earlier trench coat as we have discussed was military inspired. However, with the changing time and immense popularity of the coat, the designers have launched numerous patterns like checkered, floral, stripes, ruffles, single-breasted etc.
TRENCH DRESS: Unlike the past, when trench coat was worn only over a suit or dress, today it is designed in such a fashion that it is a complete dress. Take some style inspiration from the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton.
