Chantelle`s Diary

Hi guys today I am going to be talking about The History of Trench Coats. There is something about trench coats that give such a mysterious look but also a very classic look. These coats are mostly worn in the winter and fall but sometimes I feel if you have an outfit on and the trench coat is the extra piece missing put that thing on! I know it can be quite uncomfortable if it is summer time but if you want to take that good picture with the trench coat on and no matter the season go for it! I’ve always loved how trench coats are so long plus they keep you comfortable it is a huge win-win situation. That is why today I wanted to give some history on the popular trench coat. I hope you all enjoy it!

So, when it came to these iconic trench coats it started during the First World War and it still remains popular even though it has been around more than 100 years. In 1823 cotton that was rubberized was in outerwear that was weatherproof that civilians can use and also for the military. The inventor of these “Macks” as they were called were invented by Charles Mackintosh. Even though these Macks were able to keep rain out of it the sweat was building up underneath them. The smell of them and also these Macks melting in the sun did not help as well, so they did have some issues. Even though they did have all these issues the British military soldiers used them in the 19th century. These Macks were being created even better by other people and they were being created to be more breathable. John Emary in 1853 he created a less stinky and a better looking Mack and named his company “Aquascutum”. Trench coats were being made more lightweight and breathable which is more comfortable instead of feeling like you are being sucked in. What drove different designs of the trench coat was how the British military started to style and also how the war was being waged. When it came to troops fighting with opposite, bright colored uniforms were often used so commanders could spot their own troops. The only thing about bright colored uniforms is that it could be deadlier and troops could be more noticed out in the field.

So, the military did decide to make a change when it came to the uniforms and they went with a khaki color. In 1840 uniforms were being dyed to blend in with the landscape. Khakis and Camouflage did become a huge transition for the rest of the British military in the 1890’s. Khaki uniforms were really helping soldiers blend in with their surroundings. When it came to flooding or muddy areas or even rats the trench coats were designed the way they were to deal with these type of issues. Both Burberry and Aquascutum created designs that were for people who were wealthy and who liked to fish, shoot, ride, and golf. British officers did adopt trench coats in 1916 and the term trench coat was also adopted. As we know the trench coat was worn by officers and trench coats had specific ways it was being used and how and also who was wearing it. The trench coats were becoming an easier target for snipers when the military were wearing them and the trench coats were becoming a huge competition with other army men. Both male and female started to buy trench coats and if you did see anyone with a war coat on it was an act of patriotism to show support to the military. Officers were the face of trench coats and back then if you had a trench coat you were known as someone who knew their fashion very well. Officers honestly felt like they needed these coats because it made them feel like a man with them on and they felt a higher status with the coats.

Trench coats remained popular during the wars and were still popular even during the Second World War. Trench coats got into another limelight with being in the Hollywood scene and famous people were being seen in film with them on. Trench coats became a huge piece for fashion from history to now and I feel that is a huge thing because they became an essential piece that people should have in their closet. I do believe the trench coat will live on forever because of the background of the coat and just how stylish it is!