black parka jacket mens:Brief history of the duffle coat

An essential item in any devoted fashionista’s winter wardrobe, the duffle coat is a perennially stylish option for the chillier months. Characterised by its traditional toggle fastenings, a spacious cut and roomy hood, this garment is an icon of British style.

Rooted in the British Royal Navy, this polished piece of outerwear is the ideal accompaniment to a relaxed, informal look. It also works well as a formal get-up, demonstrating the versatility of this timeless classic.

Although it is strongly associated with British fashion, the duffle coat’s name comes from the Belgian town of Duffel—where a coarse, heavy wool of the same name was used to create bags. A similar material was adopted by the British Royal Navy, who used it to craft overcoats.

After the Second World War, a surplus of duffle coats saw them grow in popularity among civilians. The coats were distributed by Gloverall: the ‘Gloves and Overalls’ wholesalers. (That’s us!)

In response to its growing demand, Gloverall modernised the traditional duffle, transforming it into a casual-wear staple. (Something we still do today; jackets like our Short Monty display how innovation and reinvention continue to define our brand.) Since then, the word ‘duffle’ became synonymous with Gloverall.

In the 50s and 60s, duffle coats became the choice for intellectuals and students. The duffle coat was soon worn by mods in the UK and beatniks in the US. Then, from David Bowie to Oasis, musicians have further cemented the duffle coat into 20th-century popular culture.

Speaking of duffle coats in popular culture, who could forget a certain Peruvian bear named Paddington? The lovable children's character first appeared in his iconic blue duffle coat in Michael Bond’s A Bear Called Paddington, published in 1958.