Military Duffle Coats

The classic duffle coat has graced our catwalks for many a decade, and has become as British as Winston Churchill himself. This classic cut coat has come through a vast historic path including surviving two world wars, in turn it has earnt its name as one of Britain’s best kept fashion Gems.

The duffle coat first appeared and in turn owes its popularity to the British Royal Navy, who donned camel coloured (very in this season) duffle coats known as a convoy coats throughout WW I. By the time WWII occurred the camel duffle coat was standard issue. During WWII two of the duffle coats most enthusiastic supporters were Lt Col Sir David Stirling, the founder of the SAS, and “Monty” (Field Marshal Montgomery), who lent his name to the Burberry duffle coat, known as the Montgomery Duffle coat.

 The coats were intended to keep the troops warm during the bitter Atlantic and North sea winds and were also handy as due to the toggles being so large, the troops could undo their coats without taking their gloves off.

This fashion trend that was set by the British Royal Navy caught on in a massive way, so much so that in 1954 the British company ‘Gloverall’ made their own version of the classic navy style duffle coat, and during the 1960s it was seen on many a left wing politicians aswell as our very own British Gem ‘Paddington Bear’

What our troops didn’t know about this ohh so warm garment, however, was that they set the standards for fashion which are still obeyed to this day, one more thing to thank our Royal British Navy for.