The history of the trench coat

Since its creation almost two centuries ago, the trench coat has arrived from a long journey. We often turn to history to understand why spies and detectives, Hollywood stars and fashionistas all fell in love with the universal and concise cloak at one time or another.

The history of the trench coat

Despite the fact that it is not known for certain who first invented the trench coat, fashion historians can agree on one thing: its ancestor was the mackintosh — a waterproof raincoat. It was created in the late 20s of the 19th century by Charles Mackintosh, a Scottish chemist and inventor. This kind of outerwear was made from rubberized cotton, the main disadvantage of which was that this material did not allow the skin to breathe.

By the middle of the 19th century, an improved model of the mackintosh appeared — the Aquascutum cloak. At the same time, Thomas Burberry had developed a new fabric and produced a trench coat made of an innovative gabardine material under the ‘Burberry’ brand. The main difference was that such a fabric breathed, and was light and comfortable.

Trench coat and cinema

The trench coat is an essential attribute of spy films, detective stories and romantic vintage era pictures. One of the more notable appearances of the classic beige Burberry trench coat in the cinema was in the film "Casablanca" with Humphrey Bogarde, which was released in 1942.

A shot from the movie "Casablanca"

In the 1948 film "Foreign Romance", Marlene Dietrich also appears in a Burberry trench coat, and the heroine Audrey Hepburn in the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's" complements it with sunglasses and a kerchief. With their help, the trench coat has become a fashionable item in any women's wardrobe.

In the legendary film "The Devil Wears Prada", journalist Miranda Priestly also appears in a classic trench coat. Also, the heroine of Daryl Hannah from Quentin Tarantino's movie "Kill Bill" can be seen wearing the original model of a Moschino trench coat.

The trench coat today

Throughout its almost 200-year history, the trench coat has not lost its relevance. Every season, brands offer more and more new interpretations of the classic trench coat. Today, you can find models in unusual colours, and shapes and from completely different fabrics: from gabardine to leather and lacquer.

Nowadays, a trench coat is straight out of the category "eternal classics". It is difficult to find a more versatile outerwear piece than a trench coat. It looks equally as appropriate when paired with both a business image and a sporty one. It can be worn with a two-piece suit or a feminine dress, as well as with indigo jeans or joggers.

Current models

To make the search for the perfect trench coat easy, follow our guide on the most current models of the SS’22/23 season.

Classics for all times

We advise you to start designing your wardrobe with a beige trench coat. This model will be appropriate in any situation – from the office to a casual date.

The matrix

Leather models are a reminder of the cult film of the Wachowski sisters "The Matrix". These became incredibly popular in the wake of the 90s.

Holiday of Color

Bright colours have been the main trend of the last few seasons. We’re advising you to bet on pink — the most relevant shade of spring.