Wind from the sea – Style – Kommersant

A duffle coat is a thick woolen coat that features rope closures instead of buttons. Protecting from rain, wind and cold, the duffle coat began its history almost 200 years ago.

Like many immortal pieces in a modern wardrobe, the duffle coat began its history in the army. However, before entering the service, this coat was the clothes of ordinary citizens at the beginning of the 19th century. The name, according to legend, comes from the small town of Duffel in Belgium – the material from which duffle coats are sewn is named after him. Paying attention to the warming and water-repellent qualities of the fabric, tailors began to sew outerwear from it. In the 1820s, she entered service with the Polish army, and in the 1850s, British sailors began to serve in her.

Initially, duffle coats were shorter and wider, it was the British Navy that created the model that we know today – just above the knee and with a hood. The front fasteners on the ropes remained unchanged, because they are easy to unfasten even with bulky gloves or mittens (which sailors wore during a particularly cold season). Duffle coats were part of the uniform of British sailors in both World War I and World War II. One of their unofficial names – Monty’s coat – they received in honor of Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery (Monty). Montgomery fought in both wars and invariably wore a duffle coat, so much so that soldiers began naming the coat after the officer.

After the war, a surplus of duffle coats remained at the disposal of the British army, and it was decided to sell them to the civilian population. The coat gained particular popularity among students – because it was a reliable, durable and affordable wardrobe item. From British students, duffle coats have spread all over the world, because the clothes worn by the young and free are invariably included in world fashion. Later, duffle coats began to appear on the screens – first as part of a military uniform, and then as part of the image of an English rock and roll or fashionista.

Today, the duffle coat is not the most popular item in the men’s wardrobe. However, if you want to try something other than classic coats, this piece of clothing will do just fine. November rains, winter cold, wind – a long coat of dense wool with a hood protected sailors from such weather conditions. You can pair a duffle coat with just about anything. For example, you can pay tribute to British fashion and wear such a coat with trousers made of thick wool or tweed and knitwear. As an accessory, add a beanie to remember the maritime heritage of the duffle coat.

Ilya Petruk