Burberry Trenchcoat: The origins of the trenchcoat

On this showery day, I invite you to reflect on one of the great men’s fashion classics, and an ideal mid-season choice: the trenchcoat. Although we’ve spoken about them a few times before, I realised (with surprise) that we’ve never devoted an article to their origins and their creator: Thomas Burberry.

The story starts during the first world war. In 1914, Thomas Burberry created the first trenchcoat to meet the needs of British Army officers. Lord Kitchener was one an early devotee, which helped make them popular. Compared to other military coats of the time, which were heavy mackintoshes waterproofed with rubber, the trenchcoat was made of cotton gabardine, which was lighter and more comfortable. It also had a d-shaped buckle, which allowed military equipment to be attached to it.

After the war, former soldiers continued to wear trenchcoats in civilian life. And although the d-shaped buckle is now purely decorative, it is still there alongside the other details to stay true to the original. The Burberry trenchcoat is slightly re-interpreted from one season to the next to follow the latest trends. The trenchcoat has also adapted to new fabrics and colours that didn’t exist nearly a century ago.

The trenchcoat has become so popular over the years that it has been widely copied, particularly by the Americans, the French and other British brands. Its lightness and protection make this coat a mid-season must-have, when temperatures aren’t too low, and the weather is changeable. Its stylish, casual look suits different styles as show above. Price-wise, expect to pay between €800 and €1,000 for a Burberry trenchcoat. However, while you’re saving for a brand new one, look out for one in a vintage store! Expect to pay €150-€200. And wait for the sun to return!

Details of the styles shown above:
1st style (tie + grey trousers): Ref. 3456669 – DK/05700 – “Dark Mushroom fully lined DB cropped trench”
2nd style (cream jumper and white trainers): Ref 3459362 – MIWL/25200 – “Taupe garment washed trench coat”