Developed for wear by soldiers in the First World War as part of the dress uniform, the original trench coat included military elements to allow the display of rank insignia and attachment of equipment. The modern men’s trench coat mimicking these original features has become a staple in today’s male wardrobe. Modern men’s trench coats are the classic overcoats for many looks from casual jeans and sweater to a more business like suit and tie to even the most formal tuxedoed look. The classic construction and variety of fabrics and cuts make a trench coat a very versatile part of any man’s wardrobe.
Popular culture icons, including several created by Hollywood, have long used the trench coat as a signature look for a variety of characters including Inspector Clouseau, Dick Tracy, and Columbo. The men’s trench coat has also enjoyed a long run as the iconic wardrobe piece for detectives and spies. Humphrey Bogart’s character in “Casablanca”, sporting a classic trench coat, is perhaps one of the most recognizable movie icons of all time. The men’s trench coat in modern fashion mimics some of these characters as a statement piece that can complete almost any outfit.
Whether you are looking for a formal overcoat when wearing a suit and tie or for a more trendy finish to a casual outfit, a men’s trench coat is the perfect choice for outerwear. Although most modern trench coats, mimic the classic construction of a knee-length belted coat with shoulder strap and d-rings, fabrics have expanded from the traditional waterproof cotton or wool gabardine. The original trench coat design included shoulder straps to display rank insignia and d-rings to carry a map case or to don a sword with dress uniforms. Most modern trench coats kept these fashionable features for a smart military look.
Modern men’s trench coats come in the classic wool gabardine and cotton. Many designers such as Burberry and London Fog produce a trench coat that copies the original design and frequently includes a removable liner for colder weather use. In addition to these traditional versions, current men’s trench coat fashions include the longer duster length and shorter hip length versions in a variety of fabrics. Two of the richest looks in men’s trench coats are copies of the original design produced in leather and cashmere. One current trendy version of the men’s trench coat is the double-breasted hip length version worn without a belt. Whether produced in leather or gabardine a black hip length version is currently a very popular fashion trend in men’s trench coats.
From the original function as part of the military dress uniform to the current role as a fashionable piece of outerwear, the men’s trench coat has a rich history. Whether you are looking to complete a comfortable casual outfit or a more formal suit and tie look, the modern men’s trench coat is the perfect fashionable finish. The smart military styling and variety of fabrics and lengths make a trench a coat a must have for any modern man’s wardrobe.
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