The trench coat 2.0

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Back from... never left the building!

There aren’t many coats or garments that appeal to the imagination as much as the trench coat does – from spies disguised in them to the beloved-coat-of-choice in film classics (think Marlene Dietrich in Foreign Affair or Audrey Hepburn's soaking wet trench in Breakfast at Tiffany's).

So, where did this iconic coat come from anyway? 

The classic trench coat dates back to 1825. Its predecessor was the ‘Mac’, a collared cape. The Mac was initially made from a rubbery fabric that was fantastic at keeping the rain out. Sadly, this fabric was also great at trapping sweat and other (undesirable) odours. The quest for the perfect rain-repellent fabric was off!

Thomas Burberry was the first to design the waterproof, breathable fabric gabardine. And consequently, Burberry also claims to have invented the first trench coat. However, that claim hasn’t gone uncontested. Another British company, Aquascutum also alleges to have invented the indispensable trench coat. Which of the two really came up with the idea first? We'll probably never know. 

What we do know for sure is that the trench coat was initially designed for the British military in World War I. Soldiers who wanted to wear the coat had to pay for it with their own money (– and it wasn’t cheap!). In the end, that’s what turned the trench coat into a status symbol among British officers. When the war ended, the trench coat stayed in fashion.

The trench coat today has been completely reinvented, retaining all the classic elements of yesteryear but not quite as expected... The typical beige fabric has been substituted with patent leather and denim (or even corduroy, on display at La Maison Six Chouettes) and the classic collar has become a statement. Think ‘the bigger, the better’ and above all, don’t be afraid to let your creativity run wild! Last but not least, the belt is now everyone’s favourite guinea pig. You can replace it with a sturdier, bigger version or tie a lovely light and airy scarf ‘round your waist. 

You don't have to look far to spot this trend because it's all over the street scene. The trench coat has been catapulted to the status of a true it item. No classic can match the trench coat for trendy. There’s something for everyone, young and old alike. Styles can vary a lot, which means there should be room for everyone to come up with their own personal style. Wear your trench over your chicest outfit, or just throw it over a pair of boyfriend jeans for a comfy look.

This stylish classic is an absolute must-have for every wardrobe.

Is the classic Burberry where you're at or are you more of a trendsetter?

For the classic trench coat, there’s no fabric that tops gabardine. Gabardine is typically a tightly woven, smooth fabric with a fine diagonal rib, also known as 'steep twill’. Gabardine fabric can be a wool or cotton thread weave or involve a blend of one of these raw materials with polyester or polyamide.

Gabardine’s weave is so tight that almost no rain can permeate it. This new functional, patented fabric was used for raincoats, sportswear, tents and even polar expedition gear!

The trench coat is hot. Consider why you’re making the coat. Should it be a trend item or is it mostly a practical coat for staying as dry as possible? Suitable materials: A tightly woven fine cotton satin (with polyester) or a cotton or wool gabardine with polyester. A coat made from any of these fabrics will yield a gorgeous high-quality garment that you'll enjoy for years to come. For a beautiful classic, go for a fabric in black, grey or sand. However, to weather a heavy downpour, real rain gear remains a must.

Your sewing machine → your very own trench coat? Want to make it happen?

Fibre Mood to the rescue! Make your own trendy trench coat with the Martha pattern. Martha is a mix of classic and street style. The oversized pattern has statement ties on the sleeves & large shoulder plackets, but also has a touch of sophistication thanks to the slit at the back and the welt pockets.

Making the Martha takes a little more time than other projects, which makes it a perfect way to spend the long stretch of stay-at-home ‘indoor days’. The result is guaranteed to be fantastic!

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