Rain, rain, go away come back again another day. Who doesn’t remember that childhood proverb?  While most of us wish it wouldn’t rain on our day off, vacation, or other times when sunshine and a cloud free sky would be more preferable; some of us see those days as an opportunity to wear some of our favorite wet weather gear. Accessories like rain boots in wild colors and patterns, and umbrellas of every size and shape are par for the course in today’s fashionable gals’ closet. But, what do you know about the most basic, yet iconic coat of all time - the classic trench coat? If you don’t own one of these all-season wonders, here’s a little background of how they achieved their place in style history.

During the late nineteenth century, the troops in France and Great Britain grew weary under the weight of their “great coats,” as they were called at the time, which were made of heavy wool gabardine. Thomas Burberry submitted a new design for an army officer’s raincoat to the United Kingdom War Office in 1901, and thus, the modern trench coat was born. In reality, the trench coat was really a marriage of a waterproof cape and the aforementioned great coat. Upon returning home many soldiers added the military trench to their civilian wardrobe out of the sheer practicality the oversized pockets presented, and its ability to offer stylish protection from the elements. Soon men and women around the world were wearing this utilitarian coat as a fashion statement. Designers, quick to recognize its popularity, started tweaking the original design and adapted the look for everyday attire. Over 100 years later, we’re still talking about it!

Because of its classic lines and businesslike appeal, the trench became a part of menswear history, sported by guys like Madison Avenue “Mad Men,” and adding tough guy appeal to private detectives in film noir mysteries. Nowadays, however, the same lines are still here, but the styles run the gamut and are worn by men and women alike.  

Burberry is still the world leader in the trench coat business, but almost every designer worth his salt has done his or her version of this coat. Here are a few examples:

Classic tan – This is the type we associate with onscreen detectives and businessmen, but they never ever go out of style.

Basic black – This looks and feels slightly more formal and less utilitarian than the original.

Colorful - Every shade under the rainbow has been made into a trench coat at one time or another.

Patterned – Animal prints, floral, and geometric patterns always look fashion forward.

Floor length – Known as a “duster” these are a little more out of style in today’s world. But, if you find one that fits you well at Goodwill, it’s easy to shorten and hem it to your desired length.

Embellished - Burberry has shown heavy metal spikes and other elements adorning their coats in recent seasons, and this could be a DIY project for those inclined. Ruffles and feminine elements have also seen their moment in the runway spotlight.

You can always spot something classic, like the trench coat to add to your well-rounded clothing collection if you carefully shop the racks at your local Goodwill store every chance you get. You may not be a detective, a businessman, or a military officer, but you will be doing your part for your community by supporting our mission while helping yourself to some new-to-you fashion!

For a more in depth look at the history and evolution of the trench coat, click here to check out this video.