Activate Your Trench
It’s hardly surprising that as activewear moves into the spheres of day-to-day and office apparel, it has collected some fashion staples along the way.
This autumn and winter you can expect to see tights and trenchcoats teamed up to provide style, comfort, and practicality.
The Trenchcoat - A Long And Romantic History
The trenchcoat was first produced by Scottish and British innovators, Charles McIntosh and Ian Hancock back in the 1820s. The rubberised cotton garment was designed for the active, well-to-do gentleman. The ‘Mack’ was adopted and adapted by several drapers, most notably, Thomas Burberry who elevated not only the design but also the technology of the now classic trenchcoat.
During WWI the design was further refined as part of military uniform. Legend would have it that the name “trench”coat came about from soldiers wearing the customised Mack coat in the trenches, while this story pulls at the strings of nostalgia, it is not entirely true, in fact, the trenchcoat was worn mostly by personnel of the highest standing and rarely by those serving in the actual trenches. Its wartime era did, however, give the trenchcoat some of its classic features that we still see on designer runways.
The belt was equipped with D-rings for hooking accessories. The caped back allowed water to drip off, while the storm flap at the shoulder provided ventilation. The pockets were deep, the cuffs could be tightened, and the buttons at the neck helped protect the wearer from poisonous gasses. Some coats came with a warm, removable liner, which could be used as bedding if needed.
Epaulettes on the shoulders indicated the rank of the wearer. During the war, the coat was issued in khaki to provide the best camouflage. Both Burberry and their major competitor, Aquasanctum, take credit for “inventing” the trenchcoat when in fact, they merely reimagined a garment that had been around for decades.
Functional Becomes Fabulous
Its time in the WWI trenches gifted the coat with a rugged and romantic backstory but it was Hollywood that truly brought the trenchcoat to the masses. A feature of many iconic scenes like Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and Humphrey Boggart in “Casablanca”, the trenchcoat became a symbol of vagabond men and strong women.
A Fashion Icon Is Born
Across the decades, the biggest names in fashion have taken the foundations of the original trench and added their signature style, many brands producing a new trenchcoat each and every year.
This year, activewear labels have followed in the footsteps of the fashion greats and styled their own trenchcoats. It’s actually genius, the trenchcoat is the perfect outwear to get you from street to studio and back again in the cooler months or to add a touch of glam to a travel ensemble. And while a well-appointed trenchcoat might once have been buttoned and belted to disguise activewear in the office or cafe, it is now a celebrated element of a well-styled outfit.
The great thing about this emerging trend is that you can absolutely wear the classic you already have, or you can head to the shops and get your hands on a new active-inspired piece.
4 Active Trench coat Picks
Always There Trench - Lululemon
Lululemon is renowned for simple elegant activewear and the Always There Trench Coat is no exception. The trench boasts some of the traditional features like a shoulder flap and adjustable cuffs but elevates the simple lines with hidden pockets and snaps. A utility-style belt and reflective trim add a sporty edge. We particularly love the earthy “Desert Sun” colour for a twist on the original.
Oxford Trench Coat - Stylerunner
If you follow Stylerunner on any social media platform you would have already seen their Oxford Trench Coat. The clean design offers a simple take on the traditional trench. A stitched-down storm flap on the back only and button cuffs make it distinctively trench while the absence of detail on the front gives it a casual edge. The light drill fabric is less raincoat than most styles but it is hardwearing and stylish, just as you would expect from Stylerunner.
Recycled Tech Trench - Aim’n
Swedish brand Aim'n describes their Recycled Tech Trench as “the perfect fusion of fashion and function”, and we have to say, they pretty much nailed it. Made from 100% recycled polyester (outer only) the trench is classic in design. The uniform palette across the three colour options hits that sleek and simple Scandinavian design perfection we all love. Our fav is the Macchiato, the chocolate colour implies an innate cosiness that we can't wait to wrap ourselves in.
VIP Blazer Trench - Alo Yoga
Alo Yoga’s take on the trench definitely feels a little more overcoat than trenchcoat, even though they describe it as “blazer inspired”. It has the traditional line of a trench but with the simplicity, Alo is known for. The VIP Blazer Trench is absolutely made for the cooler months, it is crafted from heavy fleece fabric with an oversized, relaxed fit perfect for layering over tights and crops or even sweats. The fleece fabric looks super warm and it is machine washable but keep in mind that it won’t offer you much protection in the rain.
It’s safe to assume that trenchcoats will be everywhere this season so why not mix it up with something just a little bit different or perhaps splash out on more than one and give yourself options? Have a bit of fun and show off your personality all while staying warm and dry!