Gothic Coats.
The gothic coat is said to have originated in Germany in the Middle Ages, and found its way into the United States and other countries when German families started to settle there.
The gothic coat, in its traditional style, can be seen in many of the early horror and vampire movies. This has led it to be also termed a vampire coat, as it was often worn by the vampire or the vampire slayer. Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, and Vincent Price have all probably donned a gothic coat at one time or another.
The gothic coat was considered a serious and smart form of outerwear in the Victorian era, and would be worn for formal and solemn occasions such as funerals. During this period it was mostly worn by the upper classes, it was always black in color, and was almost identical in shape to the mens double breasted trench coat.
As the decades moved on so did the style of the coat, but it always held some of its original features. The lapel sizes and cuffs may have changed shape, but it always remained a black full length coat. New materials led to it being manufactured in different textures other than wool, such as velvet and leather.
By the 1960’s had passed and the 1970’s had arrived, fashion was the order of the day. Everyone wanted to look fashionable and designers were continually inventing new and different styles to keep up with the demand.
Fashion designers often look back in history for their inspiration for new designs, and this happened with the gothic coat.
The fashion of the latter part of the 1970’s was for the ‘Buccaneer’ look, with frilly shirts and pirate coats, and the ‘Punk’ look, with chains, ripped t shirts, and ‘Goth’ coats.
The ‘Goth’ coat was the latest name for the gothic coat. The latest style was a full length PVC or full length leather trench coat. It had wide lapels and a deep vent at the back, which went from the waist down.
Alongside the punk brigade came the ‘Goth’ brigade. Bearing a striking resemblance to the ‘Punks’ the Goths preferred straight black hair to the spiky or ‘Mohican’ cut. They were more into black or blood red lipstick, and black eye shadow and eye liner. They used pale face powder, which gave them the look that they had already been paid a visit by a vampire.
So now we move on to the current day, and who wears this style of topcoat.
Well, the ‘Goth’ wears this style because it fits perfectly with the unconformist attitude. The ‘Emo’ wears it because its black and fits perfectly with the ‘Emo’ dress code, and finally the confident man wears the gothic coat because it looks smart, elegant, and just a little mysterious.
Gothic Trench Coats For Men.
The gothic trench coat for men is the preferred coat of the confident self assured individual. Someone who is happy to be noticed but doesn’t care whether you approve or disapprove of his image.
The punk rock movement of the late 1970’s saw the introduction of this style of topcoat. If fitted perfectly with their other apparel such as ripped clothes and bondage trousers. Jewelry usually included safety pins and razor blades, and it was intended to shock.
The gothic trench coat for men has many designs, one of which is the bondage coat. This design has tapes or chains running from the sleeves to the main body of the garment. It creates a rather sexual and sensual image.
Other designs that are very popular include the ‘Vampire’ and the ‘Emo’ trench coat. They are usually very similar to the traditional gothic trench coat for men, but the fabric may be slightly different.
Leather, velvet, PVC, cotton twill, and faux fur are just some of the materials that are commonly used to make the coats, but the PVC and the full length leather trench coat are definitely the most popular.
The fitting of the coat can vary from straight figure hugging, to fitted to the waist and widening towards the hem. A long back vent is included to enable the wearer to easily sit down.
Originally the gothic trench coat always had a single or double row of buttons. However, as fashions changed later models began to have a hook and eye or zipper fastening. Indeed, some models even have lacing on the rear upper part.
The gothic trench coat for men can be spotted on many a leading actor in both old and new movies. You are just as likely to see the hero and the villain both wearing one. That’s because Hollywood screen writers know the appeal of this style of coat. Everyone can picture The Matrix in his full length gothic trench coat.
The fans of the gothic style are known as ‘Goths’. They usually wear dark clothing, black eye shadow and eye liner, have black or red lips, and black hair.
As with any group, gang, or cult, they present a mysterious image that can often be quite intimidating to the older generation. However, one should remember that the ‘Teddy Boys’ of the 50’s, the ‘Mods and Rockers’ and ‘Hippies’ of the 60’s all created a similar image. And they turned out alright, didn’t they?
With every generation come new designs, new ideas, and new ways to shock and surprise the older generations.
The gothic trench coats for men are all about standing out in a crowd of people. They are about showing that you won’t conform and blend away.