Men's and Women's Leather and Wool Trench Coats
Growing out of his military roots, the timeless trench coat is an all-season, all-occasion wardrobe staple for men and women.
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The classic trench coat has its beginning with the English military in World War I, and by World War II was a part of American soldiers' garb as well. Thomas Burberry, the inventor of garbardine (a tightly-woven water-resistant fabric from worsted wool fibers), submitted his design for the military raincoat in 1901, and it soon became standard issue for British officers.
During the First World War, Burberry's design was modified to include straps, D-rings and epaulettes. This later version was nicknamed the "trench" coat by soldiers serving in the trenches. By the beginning of World War II, the trench coat had become part of enlisted men's uniforms as well, especially in the American armed forces.
The typical trench coat is belted and double-breasted with cuff straps on the sleeves and epaulettes on the shoulder (originally to hold a service cap and gloves); the traditional belt may also feature small D-rings in homage to its military background – the rings were used to hold side arms or grenades!
Considered essential apparel for men, and women, of mystery, the trench coat has been popularized through the decades by intriguing screen stars the likes of Humphrey Bogart, Greta Garbo and lately, Keanu Reeves, and fictional characters Sam Spade and Dick Tracy.
While khaki and white, navy and black poplin and wool trench coats remain at the forefront of traditional styling, perfect for uptown professional looks, hot new trends in fabric and color are taking the waist-cinching, figure-flattering outerwear downtown and out on the town.
Men's and women's leather trench coats are a power look paired with a gabardine suit, and a casually elegant look when teamed with jeans and a bulky knit sweater. Convenient pockets store gloves, cell phone and a sunglasses case, making it a practical as well as sylish choice in outerwear.
For women and men, lustrous sateen, sturdy cotton, nubby wool tweed and supple leather, suede, and microfiber look-alikes are just a few of the fabrics turning up in trench coat fashion. New trim touches including zippers, snaps and toggles accent the familiar silhouette. Colors that span the spectrum – bold oranges, pinks, greens and yellows - are perked up with floral, plaid and pinstriped linings.
High-end retailers like Burberry (of course!) and London Fog consider the traditional coat a mainstay of their all-season collections, as do many designers who anchor spring and fall outerwear offerings with their take on the trench. But you don't have to have a big budget to afford the classic cut – with its broad appeal and fashion status, you're sure to find a figure-flattering, mood-lifting, affordable trench at any online or retail clothing store that sells fashion outerwear.
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