The history of the trench coat might be one that eludes many, despite the name. It’s in the title, you see? Popularised by the British military before the First World War, trench coats were originally sewn from gabardine — a material containing waterproofed lanolin and worsted wool. They came in the ubiquitous khaki we still associate today with the house of Burberry. Designed to shield wearers from bad weather, they also featured raglan cuff straps at the wrist to prevent rain from running down the forearm while using binoculars.
Today, trench coats are a staple for city slickers, a runway favourite, and a reliable companion for the colder days to come. They’re no strangers to our own wardrobes, and labels like Bassike and Aje are key players in the game. After a classic silhouette? There’s plenty to sample — from oilcloth dusters by Courrèges Studio to offerings from Balenciaga. Looking for plum tones or even latex? There are Australian designers covering that spectrum too.
If you’re in the market for a new addition to your trench coat family, T Australia editors have compiled a collage of the go-to uniforms for winter wear.
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