Duffle Coats

Like many other garments, such as the trenchcoat and the peacoat, the duffle coat too comes from a history in the military, and later gained mainstream popularity in the fashion world. While the material from which the coats were traditionally made is named for the Belgian town of Duffel, the style of coat itself is of British origin. In 1890, British outdoors clothing maker John Partridge began making these coats from this warm and durable fabric. A duffle coat is characterized not only by this signature fabric, but also by its hood, toggle fastenings, front flap pockets, and ¾ length.

The duffle coat gained popularity with the British Navy in the early 20th century due to several of these features: the durability and warmth of the fabric, the toggle fastenings which cold fingers could easily maneuver, and the hoods which could fit over other caps or hats. When an inevitable post-war military surplus of these coats flooded the market in the mid-20th century, they became widely popular for their practicality and affordability.

Today, the duffle coat is a popular casual outerwear choice for men, women, and children alike. The features once prized by the Navy are now favored by children, as the hoods keep them warm against any malady-causing winds, and the toggles are quite manageable yet durable against their small yet oddly destructive fingers. University students find that the duffle coat will keep them warm and stylish as they trudge between their courses and social gatherings, while for professionals it can keep you warm yet sharp-looking on the way to or from the office and those after-hours drinks. While the classic styles were normally either camel-coloured, dark blue, or black, today duffle coats come in all shades, with light pink and blue options for children, and more vibrant colours such as reds, as well as checked or plaid patterns, for women.

The traditional duffle style is also being applied to other articles of clothing, and isn’t just found in outerwear anymore. The knitted duffle jacket, which combines the sweatercoat with the duffle coat and its classic toggles and hood, updates this classic and turns it into a piece optimum for layering or lighter weather. The duffle coat has come a long way from drab military gear to a casual fashion must-have for those in the know who want to be out in the cold in style.


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