For more than a hundred years, the trench coat has looked almost the same and exudes an unchanged functionality and necessity for men. If you look at the style of these long coats for men in the past century, you will notice that it is more or less similar to the ones in retail stores nowadays. Unexpectedly, wearing these coats today are more often left to celebrities and the fashion aficionados. But, every man should know that wearing them is having a classic look that can add “good-looking” to any outfit. Known manufacturers of men’s trench coats such as Burberry try their best to update the classic garment with the modern times.

The history of trench coats goes back to the Tielocken coat designed by Thomas Burberry for the British army officers during the Boer War. It was originally made with a specially created fabric called gabardine that effectively repels water while keeping the wearer comfortably warm minus the stuffy feeling. It was strictly for the officers only and was only sold privately.

From War to Silver Screen

During World War I, the Burberry coat was revamped to feature shoulder straps and D-rings. The British War Board got for them officers each of these of long trench coats easily making them an in demand piece of clothing with soldiers. Eventually, it got its name by being the garment of choice of men in the war’s notorious trenches because of its function and efficiency. The coat did not only protect its user when worn but it was also transformed into a wool blanket and a sleeping bag during urgent situations.

Following the Great War, a lot of Hollywood actors started wearing the trench coat in their movies. One of these men is Humphrey Bogart (Casablanca). He was also seen wearing the symbolic garment in another movie, The Maltese Falcon. The long time comic strip “Dick Tracy” even showcased the trench through its character’s involvement in many mysteries and adventures while wearing the distinctive coat.

During World War II, American and Russian officers started using trench coats as well. On the other hand, it has undergone several changes in terms of length and design depending on the needs of different divisions. Currently, trench coats are still used around the world by military servicemen to protect their uniforms against light weather.

Fabric Variations

The Burberry brand started making trench coats using wool gabardine which is a very strong fabric finished with silk lining. It is luxurious and at the same time fashionable, functional and lightweight. Nowadays, this type of fabric has become very expensive to use for massive sales. Cotton, on the other hand, is what most manufacturers use to make trench coats because of its cheaper cost. It is mixed with other fibers like twill and poplin to make it more durable and treated to make it water resistant.

The more modern fabric used for men’s trench coats is leather. Although a lot heavier than wool or cotton, its efficiency in repelling water and dirt makes it easier to clean. This feature increases it attractiveness among urban working men. Black long coats are not traditional and became popular only during World War II. Khaki was the main color of men’s long trench coats back then but the practicality of darker colors prevailed. Today, you will see all sorts of colors, especially blue, grey and black and even patterned ones sold in clothing stores.

Now, you see that long trench coats for men are not just a fashion statement but one heck of a useful garment that helped soldiers through war back in the days. Its function, classic design and rich history make this garb a must-have for every man out there.