The trench coat, history and transformation of an essential garment
- Ale
- Sep 25
- 2 min read
But where does it come from?
You thought you knew everything about the trench, essential in any wardrobe. But did you know that it is already 120 years old and that nearly 500,000 "Tielocken" models were sold during the First World War thanks to Thomas Burberry, by order of the British army?
This gabardine coat (a tightly woven cotton fabric that makes it waterproof, invented by Thomas Burberry, who held the patent until 1917) was reserved for officers and used to protect them from the elements in the trenches, hence its name "trench-coat".
The war may be over, but the trench coat remains... Lightweight, durable and elegant, it has retained its military origins in the form of epaulettes, where braids, gloves or hats could be attached, and a shoulder flap to dampen the recoil of a rifle and protect against rain. It remains particularly suitable for protection against heavy rain, with cords on the neck and cuffs and a reinforced panel at the back to improve sealing. Often beige, ocher, khaki or black, it is recognizable by its 10 double buttons and its flared cut that falls to the calves.
The trench coat entered Hollywood as the uniform of private detectives in the 1940s: Rick Blaine in Casablanca, Philip Marlowe in The Big Sleep, Humphrey Bogart remains in our memories dressed in a trench coat worn in a casual way.
However, as with many other clothes, women gradually appropriated this garment which was initially reserved for men. The trench coat has become a very feminine garment when worn belted to accentuate the waist or with dresses that revealed women’s bare legs.
More than just a practical garment, the trench coat has become a style statement. It has become more colorful and modern, with a tighter fit and belts, and its materials are becoming more and more inventive: leather, suede or silk, the trench coat follows fashion and reinvents itself each season.
Girls, wear a trench with bell-bottom trousers, heeled ankle boots and a turtleneck for an everyday city look with a touch of the 70s. Guys, wear it loose and crown it with a hat, reminding Alain Delon, or go for an oversized look.
The choice is yours: dress it from top to bottom, the trench coat will suit any occasion
The trench version ALE
The trench is one of the iconic pieces of the ALE style.
Find it in all its forms: feminine, military or chic, in cashmere or double cashmere, or lighter version, in cool khaki wool, duck green or navy blue.
This timeless piece is revisited many times by Ale, from whom you can order yours, adapted to your measurements and in the color, material and details of your choice.
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