Only in Trenches?

STYLE_GUY_ARCHIVE_Rubric.gifWhat's the difference between a raincoat and a trench coat, and when is it appropriate to wear one? Should you wear one only when it's overcast or raining?

The founder of Burberry, Thomas Burberry, created the modern raincoat early in the twentieth century, after he devised a new, breathable water-resistant fabric called gabardine. A trench coat is a type of raincoat that was created by Burberry for officers of the British Royal Army during World War I. It's a rather full cut, double-breasted, belted coat. It features a buttoned yoke over the shoulders in the back, a buttoned flap over the right shoulder in the front and epaulets. The belt of the original officer's coat featured D rings from which equipment could be hung. The modern trench coat is almost identical in style to the original issue, although today the fabric may contain some synthetic fiber, such as polyester. In Britain the raincoat is widely accepted by gentlemen as a lightweight overcoat, whether rain is in the forecast or not. I accede to their judgment. I suppose rain is always possible in this apocalyptic age. Let's just hope it's not frogs.

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