Comfier, lighter and better camouflaged, the trench coat was a must for military personnel in the first World War. Handy features such as belts with hook on accessories, back capes that removed water and removable inner linings that could double as bedding or pillows if necessary, the coat was equally as functional as it was stylish.
After the war, timeless Hollywood characters immortalised the trend into on screen pop-culture with Noir stars like Humphrey Bogart in films like Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon. The trench grew to become the uniform of the private eye, the undercover sleuth of 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s America. From 1971 Columbo to the 90s Law and Order’s Lennie Briscoe, the trench is the symbol of the hard-hitting detective.
Today Trench Fever still exists. Each season the brand favourites release their own take on the wardrobe staple, from classic A-Line silhouettes to more contemporary buckled styles. Discover the Coggles edit here.