Investment Piece: Classic Trench

Front

Undeniably one of the classic wardrobe pieces is the trench coat. Ladies we must give it up for the boys, because this is one item we have hijacked from them. The invention of the trench coat is in dispute by two of the great British fashion houses. Aquascutum's claim dates back to 1850, while Burberry's claim is founded in 1901. This is when Thomas Burberry submitted a design for an Army officers raincoat to the United Kingdom War Office. The trench coat was designed  to be incorporated as a form of military dress (as if the double breasted front and epaulets didn't give this away) an alternative to the heavy Serge greatcoats worn by soldiers at the time.  

Traditionally the trench-coat is double breasted, incorporating 10 buttons, wide lapels, a storm flap, removable insulated lining, raglan sleeves and pockets which button close. It is usually made of a weatherproof heavy duty cotton such as gabardine, or leather.  The classic Lengths come in lengths from above the knee to mid calf. 

 The classic color of a trench coat is khaki. 

Back 

 Now while I sincerely thank Acquascutum and Burberry for their efforts, I do not have the resources to purchase one of their trench coats. My first "trench" like coat was not made in the traditional sense. It was a poly/cotton mix and had no lining,  in essence it was more like a shell than a coat. However last November I stumbled upon the GAP's trench coat offerings for Autumn/Winter 13. Let's just say GAP hit the nail not only on the head but all the way through the board. 

Inner lining

First of all these coats possessed ALL the traditional "Trench Coat" elements. the GAP A/W 13 trench coats are made from 100% cotton. The outer shell is definitely a heavy gabardine, the inner lining is also made from 100% cotton twill. Other elements include a 6 button double breasted front, buttoned epaulettes, buttoned wrists, storm flap and belt. 

Lining pattern - upclose

collar - with hook and eye fastening 

buttoned epaulettes

6 button double breasted front

buttoned wrists / buttoned pockets

GAP Classic Trench A/W 13 (still being sold) 59.99

This trench coat is a contender in the trench coat stakes. The coat itself is heavy, which signifies the quality of the materials used. It keeps out the cold/ snow/ and is suitable for light to mid range rain showers.  After washing it dries well and the material keeps it's shape. 

It is a great unisex gift seasonal/birthday/anniversary/graduation (my brother keeps trying to steal mine to wear out) and it is firmly in the affordable price category. What I like about this coat is he fact there isn't a compromise,. Yes this coat might be cheaper than a Burberry Trench, but apart from the label, this coat offers everything I expect from a traditional  military inspired trench coat. 

I would urge you to go and have a look/feel/try it on of this coat 

if there is a GAP store nearby in your local town.

As for now this has the Graduate Fashionista stamp of approval.

GAP Trench - £59.99 

(I bought both of mine 30% off)