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.
Mens Double Breasted Trench Coats.
The mens double breasted trench coat has a long history that goes back to the first quarter of the 20th Century.
The famous Burberry clothing company and the London Fog clothing company who produced fine quality topcoats and other outerwear, were the first outfitters to produce this style of coat.
Since it was worn during the First World War by the British officers, it has been adopted as a part of the official uniform of Armed Forces around the world.
Originally designed to keep soldiers dry when fighting on the front, it was soon adapted to carry necessary equipment.
Progress saw its original fabric changed for fabrics that suited different climates and terrains.
Over the following years the mens double breasted trench coat was featured in countless movies, with a wide range of genres.
Westerns, Horrors, War Movies, Detective Movies, etc. have all featured the double breasted trench coat. Men were happy to adopt the elegant and mysterious look that the coat could provide.
Today, you can still spot the leading Hollywood screen stars wearing the garment, both on and off the screen set.
After the days of ‘Make do and mend’, men and women began to see clothes as a fashion statement rather than a necessity. This led to a rise in the number of fashion designers who were creating new and exciting clothing, including updated versions of classic coats. Followers of fashion were quick to add the latest model of the mens double breasted trench coat.
Originally seen as a full length trench coat, changes were made, and knee length trench coats, and short double breasted trench coats were added to the designs.
Fabrics also changed, and as well as the original gabardine and woolen trench coat, you could soon find a host of other materials being used. Vinyl and leather double breasted trench coats joined pigskin, lambskin, and simulated fur.
Today we still continue to enjoy the traditional designs and fabrics, but top brand designers continue to add new models to their collection every season.
The younger man often prefers the more casual short mens trench coat, because they can wear it with jeans yet still look smart.
The original mens double breasted trench coat was black, beige, or khaki. Today however, you can find almost any color combination available.
Many men still prefer the elegant look of the tradition full length trench coats style and color, but the more modern man knows that it’s how you wear it that counts.
Confident guys aren’t afraid to be noticed and that why you are sure to notice the man who’s wearing a purple, orange or white mens double breasted trench coat.