What is a Trench Coat?

What makes a trench coat a trench coat? The trench coat is a classic style created by Thomas Burberry during WW1. According to "The Fairchild Dictionary of Fashion", a trench coat should have the following style details:

- Double breasted with a convertible collar that has large lapels
- Shoulder epaulets
- Self-fabric belt, sometimes with a buckle, but usually worn tied
- Slotted pockets
- Back vent
- Extra hanging yoke in back
- Extra flap hanging from front right shoulder

Not mentioned in the dictionary, but also usually found in classic trench coats:

- Leather buttons
- Removeable lining
- Raglan sleeves with cuff straps



This 1970's ladies trench coat is fashioned from wool herringbone tweed and is available from Couture Allure on EBay.

Women adapted the trench coat in the 1940's, and it has become a classic style. Do you have one in your closet?