The Trench Coat
A piece of clothing that was never supposed to become a wardrobe must have, evolved into a functional, stylish worldwide style icon. The trench coat is a belted, double-breasted, waterproof coat that is often used in the rain. The trench coat was originally designed based off fabric that was created in the 1870s by Thomas Burberry. Gabardine is a unique wool material that repels water, has high durability, is crease proof, and well ventilated. Burberry submitted the original design in 1901 for an army officer coat that was the “trench coats” original purpose, to protect soldiers from wind and rain during WWI and WWII. After this design was produced it began gaining popularity and there was a spike in demand that was not limited to the military anymore. The trench is a piece that went from function to staple and has evolved from decade to decade.
As I look at the design of a classic trench coat, I begin to think how did this lead to the most functional and practical use for soldiers. How was the fabric created with the conditions in mind? Why were certain details placed in the places they were? But most importantly why does this piece of garment design stand out in innovation, popularity and functionality versus other pieces? I was inspired initially by this piece because of the reason it was designed in the first place. Often we forget that a majority of our garments stem from a purposeful time in history and is reinvented in the present in different forms. I would finally learn about the design process, meaning behind the design and the effects that come from that design. Why was it made? Why did the design go from a function for the military to a high demand for civilians? Questions like such excite me about the history and design of this piece because it makes me question and learn about something that has been integrated into my life.
, double-breasted, waterproof coat that is often used in the rain. The trench coat was originally designed based off fabric that was created in the 1870s by Thomas Burberry. Gabardine is a unique wool material that repels water, has high durability, is crease proof, and well ventilated. Burberry submitted the original design in 1901 for an army officer coat that was the “trench coats” original purpose, to protect soldiers from wind and rain during WWI and WWII. After this design was produced it began gaining popularity and there was a spike in demand that was not limited to the military anymore. The trench is a piece that went from function to staple and has evolved from decade to decade.
As I look at the design of a classic trench coat, I begin to think how did this lead to the most functional and practical use for soldiers. How was the fabric created with the conditions in mind? Why were certain details placed in the places they were? But most importantly why does this piece of garment design stand out in innovation, popularity and functionality versus other pieces? I was inspired initially by this piece because of the reason it was designed in the first place. Often we forget that a majority of our garments stem from a purposeful time in history and is reinvented in the present in different forms. I would finally learn about the design process, meaning behind the design and the effects that come from that design. Why was it made? Why did the design go from a function for the military to a high demand for civilians? Questions like such excite me about the history and design of this piece because it makes me question and learn about something that has been integrated into my life.
