Not everyone knows about the origin of many things that have become an integral part of the wardrobe of fashionistas who prefer comfortable and practical outfits. Meanwhile, the history of some of them is very interesting: for example, a stylish coat in the English spirit - a duffle coat - "migrated" to the women's wardrobe from the uniforms of British sailors. Actually, this is precisely what determines its characteristic features: the presence of voluminous patch pockets, a mandatory hood (although in some models of duffle coats for women it can be unfastened), hinged loops and massive buttons.
Although stylists emphasize that such an outfit will suit young ladies with different types of figure: both slender and fuller, however, in order for the duffle coat to “play”, it must be correctly combined with the rest of the clothes.
Like many other outfits "borrowed" from the stronger sex, the duffle coat looks very elegant. You can supplement it with a variety of accessories, but stylists still have a few recommendations.
Ensembles in which this coat is combined with “rough” or overly masculine clothes are not the most successful: a duffle coat with a skirt or dress looks much more organic and stylish. You can choose a skirt both classic and more “playful”, for example, in a cage. It is better to prefer a dress made of fairly dense materials, as an option - with a high waist; perfectly "sound" paired with a duffle coat and knitted models.
As for other accessories, the widest field for experiments opens up here: a plain duffle coat with a checkered scarf and an eight-piece cap will turn you into a real British miss, and beret and jockey gloves, complementing the shortened version of the coat, will create a charming tomboy look, while maintaining a note elegance. A women's tweed cap and duffle coat are another quintessentially British win-win. 
Experiments with handbags are also quite acceptable. So, classic duffle coat bags are “loved”, but it is better that they are not too big. An important point - you should not complement the duffle coat with unisex models, you should choose more feminine options.
It is very important to correctly combine shoes with a women's duffle coat: stilettos or pointy boots will not fit this coat. But army or jockey boots will come in handy. 
When advising what to wear with a women's duffle coat, designers offer quite a variety of options: these are berets, similar to army ones, and shoes stylized as them; and derby shoes; and high jockey boots. All of them will perfectly complement both classic duffle coats and designer models of this coat.
What you should refuse is emphatically feminine boots that make ladies look like snow maidens: with pointed socks, with fur, and even more so with rhinestone trim. Since a duffle coat is a rather conservative outfit, it should be complemented with elegant and discreet accessories that will help to “collect” a single harmonious image.
Naturally, this does not mean at all that it is forbidden to experiment, and it will not work to look bright. Do you want to attract attention? Focus on accessories: gloves, scarf or bag; try to combine outfits of various lengths and cuts with coats; finally, choose a coat of rich and deep color - for example, red.
Many people think about what to wear with a red duffle coat, for fear of looking flashy. And in vain: the strict cut of this coat will “protect” the image from vulgarity, and stylish accessories, for example, black or gray, will look especially appropriate with it, creating a really elegant and at the same time far from boring ensemble.
Choose a classic duffle coat or a cropped model in our store and experiment by trying on new looks and creating original sets.
Do you know that the convenience and practicality of many things in a women's wardrobe is due to the fact that at one time they were borrowed from military uniforms? Such things include, for example, cargo pants, a pea jacket and a duffle coat. Recently, the practical duffle coat has become a massive trend. It is not surprising that such a coat model appeared in the wardrobe of many fashionistas.
The duffle coat is easily recognizable from other coat models. A straight silhouette, large patch pockets, a voluminous hood and traditional hinged loops - the presence of these design features says that you have a duffle coat in front of you. One of the main advantages of a duffle coat is that this coat is suitable for absolutely all fashionistas, regardless of physique and height. Despite the fact that today the duffle coat is an element of the conservative English style, this coat will look appropriate in business, sports and youth ensembles.
This season, the most fashionable duffle coat colors are:
These colors are not only relevant, but also universal, as they are perfectly combined with other shades.
TOP 20 successful looks with a duffle coat
1. Cropped duffle coat, black shirt, plaid skirt, jockey boots. As accessories in such an ensemble, you can include a messenger bag, a classic black beret.
2. Sandy duffle coat, classic blue jeans, turtleneck and high berets. You can add a voluminous tote bag and a few discreet jewelry, such as leather bracelets, to this look.
3. Duffle coat, high-waisted dress made of dense jersey, high rubber boots. This ensemble is perfect for rainy weather, and a stylish Burberry-colored umbrella will not only come in handy in inclement weather, but will also become a stylish addition to the image.
4. Duffle coat, short pleated skirt, a wool V-neck jumper, a white shirt in a men's style, knit knee-highs, low-heeled brogues. A typical ensemble in the style of the faculty can be completed with a cap and a shoulder bag.
5. Duffle coat, straight trousers with arrows, Lapel Vest And Shirt. This set is perfect for work, especially if you complement it with a briefcase bag and lace-up ankle boots. Duffle coat, despite its democratic character, looks great with almost any trouser suit.
6. Duffle coat, sweater dress with Norwegian patterns, tight tights to match the dress and timberland boots. In such a cozy look, you can add knitted berets and mitts.
7. Checked duffle coat, skinny leather pants, high neck sweater. Complement this ensemble with high-heeled, hidden platform ankle boots and a large leather clutch.
8. Duffle coat, skinny pants, jersey turtleneck and sock cap. A mix of English and youth style - this is how this ensemble is characterized. It can include military-style boots and a barrel bag.
9. Duffle coat, blouse with a collar in the form of a scarf, strict suit fabric skirt. This conservative look of the "English lady" can be complemented with a beret, retro ankle boots and a satchel bag.
10. Duffle coat, shorts with cuffs, knitted turtleneck. Simple and stylish for everyday wear. You can complement it with a scarf-snood and a hat-sock. But with shoes you can experiment. For example, you can include ankle boots with heels, boots with thick soles, or boots a la the 70s.
11. Duffle coat, long pleated skirt, loose sweater, knitted beret and ugg boots. This ensemble is multi-layered. When creating such an image, it is best to use different textures, but harmoniously combining colors, i.e. avoid contrasts. This ensemble is suitable only for slender and tall fashionistas.
12. Duffle coat, chinos, knitted vest a la Oxord, classic shirt. Strict, but at the same time democratic image. Loafers and a satchel bag can be an addition to this ensemble.
13. Duffle coat, plaid shirt, trousers with cuffs a la Marlene Dietrich. This ensemble can be complemented with low-heeled brogues, a bag with short handles and leather gloves.
14. Duffle coat, dark turtleneck, plaid trousers or capris, high jockey boots. A stylish casual look that can be complemented with a wide leather belt, a cap and a voluminous hobo bag.
15. Duffle coat, knitted cardigan, shirt, pleated midi skirt and high boots in the style of the 70s. In such an ensemble, you can experiment with styles. For example, bet on ethnic style, using a granny knit cardigan with fun colored braid patterns. You can create a more formal look by incorporating an Oxford-inspired cardigan and a pinstripe shirt.
16. Duffle coat, dress in retro style with a seam at the waist and a scarf, high boots with heels. To emphasize the elegance of the image, you can use a reticule bag and jewelry in vintage style.
17. Duffle coat, knitted mini dress. Such a duet is room for imagination. For example, you can bet on the grunge style by including actual chopper boots in the ensemble. Or, on the contrary, create an image in the style of the faculty by adding knitted stockings and ankle boots.
18. Duffle coat, loose "fisherman's" sweater and denim shorts. As accessories, you can choose military-style boots, a snood scarf, leather mittens and a messenger bag. In this image, you can use a fashionable detail - wear boots with socks, the edge of which should peek out from under the shoes.
19. Duffle coat, Aran sweater, corduroy pants and ankle boots. In such an ensemble, you can use a variety of accessories. For example, include a knitted hat with a large fur pom-pom and mittens in the image.
20. Duffle coat, woolen sundress, shirt and jockey boots. In such an ensemble, checkered sundresses will look most advantageous. Complete the look with tight tights and a satchel bag.
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Under the mysterious name duffle coat hides a very popular men's style coat among women, similar to the uniform of the British Navy. This is a single-breasted model with a hood, usually not lower than the middle of the thigh, straight or slightly flared to the bottom, made of wool with elongated buttons that are fastened with air loops. Not everyone knows what to wear with a duffle coat, so before you buy it, you should figure out what wardrobe items it goes with.
What to wear with a duffle coat? Examples of images with photos
The model of such a coat is a classic fitted and tight-fitting or oversized. Tight-fitting styles fit well on overweight women, hiding flaws due to dense fabric. Slender girls will suit both a fitted and a free-cut style resembling a cocoon.
The color scheme of such coats is very diverse, therefore, what to wear with a duffle coat depends both on the model itself and on its color. A fitted duffle coat will suit any style of wardrobe items. For an oversized coat, it is better to choose narrow and tight-fitting things.
The duffle coat can be paired with skinny or straight trousers and jeans. With pencil skirts, A-line skirts and wide pleated bodycon skirts. From simple cut dresses with a fitted skirt and classic shorts. From the top, narrow turtlenecks, tight and loose sweaters with a round neckline or high neck, shirts and blouses, including sleeveless, simple cut and semi-fitted silhouette, knitted T-shirts and T-shirts, as well as long sleeves and sweatshirts are suitable. For skirts and dresses, as well as shorts, one should take into account the condition that their edge should either be completely hidden under the floors of such a coat, or look out no more than five centimeters. The top is better in a solid color or with a soft print in the form of a cage, stripes or flowers.
Black
The black duffle coat is perhaps the most versatile and you can create many combinations with it. To do this, you should choose trousers in dark colors, blue jeans, plain skirts and dresses of any color. The top must be chosen to match the trousers or skirt. Tights under the dress and skirt are either black or flesh-colored.
blue
The blue coat of this model is bright enough in itself, so things in dark colors look good with it. Black, navy blue and dark gray are the best color options for bottoms. The top is matched to the bottom from shades of white, gray, beige and muted blue. As for jeans, they can be dark blue or blue. Flesh-colored tights can be worn under shorts and skirts.
Green
The green coat of a duffle coat is usually marsh, grey-green or dark green. This color looks best with clothes matched in black, beige, brown or white, and also goes well with green. Moreover, it is better to choose black for the bottom, and pick up the top for it from the other specified colors. If we are talking about a skirt, shorts or a dress, then black tights are needed for them.
Beige
The beige coat goes well with black, beige and brown trousers, with blue and black jeans. With black, dark blue, dark gray skirts and dresses. With black, white, beige, blue, dark green and pastel-colored shirts, blouses, turtlenecks, long sleeves and sweaters. With turtlenecks and sweaters in black and white or blue and white stripes.
White
A white duffle coat is best worn with black trousers, skirts and shorts in black or dark shades of gray and blue, and blue jeans. In this case, the top is selected in tone to the bottom, predominantly black, white or light gray.
Pink
This coat can be light or dark pink. The bottom of the universal black or gray color, as well as blue jeans, are suitable for both, trousers or a skirt in brown, dark blue, white or beige are acceptable. The top should be matched with trousers, jeans and skirts. With a coat of light shades of pink, it is better to choose a top in black or light colors, both light and dark shades are suitable for dark pink. Flesh-colored tights look best with such a coat under a skirt.
Red or blue
The red or blue coat of this model is ideal for blue or black trousers and jeans, skirts, dresses and shorts, of the same colors. Let's say the bottom is gray. The top is white, burgundy, green, gray, blue or black. You can wear a red dress with a blue coat and vice versa with a red blue one. The blue duffle coat also goes with a red top with blue jeans, with a black skirt or trousers.
A duffle coat is a coat model borrowed from military uniforms. Today, it is in the wardrobe of many fashionistas, so it is not surprising that many of them are interested in what to wear with a duffle coat in different sets and combinations. 
The duffle coat has a straight silhouette, a voluminous hood, large patch pockets, hinged loops - all this vaguely resembles an officer's uniform. This coat model is suitable for all fashionistas, regardless of physique and height. Traditionally, the duffle coat belongs to the English conservative style, but gradually it acquired shades of other styles: sports, youth, business. Mustard, sand, navy blue or checkered classic colors are considered the undisputed winning colors of a duffle coat. 
Several successful sets with a duffle coat
- A cropped duffle coat goes well with a black shirt, a plaid skirt and jockey boots. As accessories for this set, a messenger bag and a classic black beret are suitable.
- A sand-colored women's duffle coat will be successfully complemented by classic blue jeans with a turtleneck and high berets. A voluminous tote bag and leather bracelets will add lightness and originality to the ensemble.
- An open duffle coat will emphasize the dignity of a high-waisted dress made of dense jersey in combination with high rubber boots. In rainy weather, a stylish umbrella will complement the look.
- For a business lady, a women's duffle coat is ideal in combination with classic trousers with arrows. The top of the set will be a vest with lapels and a plain shirt. From shoes, stop at lace-up ankle boots. As an accessory, choose a briefcase bag.
- The image of a lady in the English style will be created by a duffle coat, a strict tweed skirt and a blouse with a scarf collar. Accessories for him are a beret, ankle boots and a satchel bag.
- A winter duffle coat can be complemented with a sweater dress with Norwegian patterns. Tight tights and timberland boots look beautiful with knitted mittens and a beret.
- A duffle coat, together with chinos, an oxford knitted vest and a classic shirt, will create a moderately strict and democratic look. You can complement the ensemble with loafers and a satchel bag.
- The duffle coat can be worn with a plaid shirt and cuffed trousers. Complete this ensemble with low-heeled brogues and accessorize with leather gloves and a tote bag.
- A duffle coat with a dark turtleneck and plaid capri pants looks stylish with high jockey boots. A casual look can be completed with a leather belt complete with a bulky hobo bag and a cap.
- With a knitted cardigan, a duffle coat is worn complete with a pleated midi skirt, shirt and high boots.
- The duffle coat can be complemented with a dress in retro style, choose a model with a detachable waist. A scarf, purse and high heeled boots will emphasize the elegance of this look.
- For bohemian-inspired duffle coats, opt for a long pleated skirt paired with an oversized sweater, knit beret and ugg boots. Different, but not contrasting, textures create a feeling of lightness and romance. The ensemble is suitable for tall and slender women of fashion.
Autumn has come. Despite the optimistic forecasts of the Hydrometeorological Center, rains and cold winds will certainly come to the city. To protect yourself from chilly weather, one of the best solutions, I would say, is a classic coat. It will protect from dampness, and from wind, and from cold. In addition, you will also have to wear a hat with a scarf. However, there is one unique coat that has a classic cut and a hood at the same time. Today we will talk about the English coat Duffle coat (duffle coat), which is increasingly appearing on the streets of our cities.
Today, there is a huge variety of types of duffle coat. They differ in style, length, decorative elements, fabric quality and of course color. They all look great, and you will probably be interested to know the origin of the duffle coat. How did it get its characteristic hood and large buttons in the shape of a walrus tusk? Why do the English love it so much? It is noteworthy that the duffle coat remains the only one in the wardrobe of a man who has a hood.
History of the duffle coat
It is worth starting with the Belgian origin of the term "duffle". The most common myth about the origin of the duffle coat is that the coat is Belgian. The city of Duffel, in the province of Antwerp, was known as the "city of fabrics" in the 15th century. He was an exporter of fabrics throughout Europe, including the supply of "duffle" fabric, which was made from coarse black wool. The coat was named after her. However, the duffle coat itself was never made in Duffel, nor was it made from genuine duffle wool.
The ancestor of the duffle coat is the Polish frock coat. It was first made in 1820 and gained considerable popularity in Europe in the 1850s. Just like the modern duffle coat, it had a hood and a horizontal row of buttons. Some time later, around the end of the 19th century, a British tailor named John Partridge sewed the first examples of a duffle coat from thick woolen fabric. Buyers liked the coat, and it began to gain popularity every year.
Polish frock coat circa 1850 - predecessor of the Duffle coat with a horizontal row of buttons and a hood
The appearance of the Duffle coat of those times was very far from today. However, even then there were characteristic wooden buttons. The coat was short, with a very spacious cut. Overall, the coat looked like an old biker jacket.
A few years later, the Royal Navy of Great Britain was looking for a hard-wearing suitable coat for sailors. So the duffle coat became part of the ammunition of the British fleet, which is successfully used to this day.
Peak popularity of the duffle coat
The duffle coat reached its peak of popularity in the 1950s and 60s for several reasons. First of all, British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, who liked to appear in public in a duffle coat, helped popularize the coat during World War II. That's why the duffle coat is also called "montik" in the UK. There was even a wax figure of Montgomery dressed in a Duffle coat.
After World War II, the military sold surplus Duffle coats to the public, including artists, students, and intellectuals. Jean Cocteau, a French writer, poet, painter and playwright, made his own coat in white. As a consequence, mothers in Europe began to dress their children in them. And the Dutch men's fashion publication SIR published an article called "Montik forever."
Farid Chenowne, author of A History of Men's Fashion, states that the duffle coat was often worn with sweaters and scarves. And also with corduroy trousers, which can be seen in numerous photographs. But the duffle coat could also be worn with almost any outfit, classic suits and even tuxedos!
Today, the duffle coat is a common sight on the streets of Europe, although these models are often fashionable interpretations that are far from the original.
Details and characteristics of the duffle coat
Since the 20th century, the duffle coat has typically been made from heavy, coarse wool. The coat has a loose fit and has a hood. Patch pockets are sewn on the duffle coat, fasteners are made of textile cord, and instead of buttons, wooden or bone “fangs”. It is worth considering every detail of the duffle coat in detail.
Cut duffle coat
The first duffle coat models looked ridiculous and rude. If you look at old photographs of sailors from England, you can see how huge the duffle coats were. Particularly short sailors looked lost in such oversized clothing.
At the time of the appearance of the duffle coat, the crew of the ships needed to move along the rigging of the entire ship, they had to climb and jump in the coat, so a loose fit was a necessity. On the other hand, a cold wind with rain constantly blows on the sea and it was necessary to keep the body warm. Agree, this is difficult to do in a loose coat. Therefore, some sailors tied a duffle coat around themselves with a rope, making a kind of belt. In addition, a drawstring was attached to the hood so that it would not fall off during the wind.
Based on the experience of the sailors, the admiralty came up with some design changes in duffle coats. They began to fit closer to the body and began to have a more strict fitting style. Additional stripes were made on the shoulders to secure the shape and protect against rain. In general, the duffle coat began to resemble modern models.
In terms of coat length, the original duffle coat was quite short. During World War II, the length increased to knee length or just below. Standard models from the war times reached 1.88 meters!
What fabric is the duffle coat made from?
As mentioned above, the duffle coat takes its name, albeit indirectly, from the Belgian city of Duffel and the coarse and heavy woolen fabric produced there. It is worth noting that, by analogy with a coat, they received a similar name “duffle bags” or “duffle bags”.
Duffle bag or duffle bag The duffle coat was never made from the original black duffle fabric. Instead, an analogue was used: a heavy (1050 grams per meter) woolen cloth with a fleece similar to twill twill. Actually, such a fabric began to be called "duffle". The original color for the military duffle coat was camel. At the beginning of the 20th century, khaki and dark brown were used. Blue coloring appeared only in the thirties of the XX century. In the 1950s, navy blue became popular. Today you can find coats in every color including red, green, olive, grey, yellow, white and more.
In 1950, the Englishman Harold Morris and his wife Frieda, who had their own production of workwear for workers, bought surplus fabric from the British Navy along with ready-made duffle coats. They planned to sell products in the shortest possible time, since the demand, in the post-war period, was very good for a coat of this kind.
After some time, the demand for workwear fell. The enterprise of Harold and Frieda retrained into the production of fashionable clothes for men and women. At this time, the Gloverall brand appeared, which is considered one of the best in the production of English duffle coats. Instead of coarse wool, Gloverall began to use a fabric called loden. This is an excellent fabric for outerwear, as it is made of felted wool (similar to felt) and has water-repellent properties.
Gloverall is one of the best manufacturers of English duffle coats. As popularity grew in the 50s and 60s, duffle coats came in a wide variety of fabrics. At that time, synthetic fabrics were rare, so duffle coats were made from camel hair, tweed and even gabardine.
Fang-shaped buttons and a textile cord on the coat
Oblong wooden or bone buttons are the most distinguishing feature of the Duffle coat from all others. Initially, a textile fiber cord was used in combination with wooden buttons. Gloverall replaced them with more ornate fang designs in 1954. Most buttons today are made of plastic. Traditionally for the Royal Navy of Great Britain, 3 buttons were made with a lace; later added a fourth button.
It is believed that buttons in the form of fangs are more convenient than buttons or round buttons. In my opinion, this is a matter of taste, but on duffle coats, the “fangs” certainly look very stylish.
Other elements of a duffle coat
- Collar closure on duffle coat. Similar to the trench coat, the duffle coat has a fastener under the collar with two buttons. There is no doubt that your neck will be protected from cold and wind.
- Shoulder pads on a duffle coat. All models of duffle coats are equipped with additional shoulder pads, which serve to repel water and prevent premature wear in the shoulder area.
- Patch pockets. The duffle coat has two types of patch pockets: with flaps on top of the pocket and without flaps.
- Lining. The first duffle coats were unlined until 1954. Gloverall has added lining to their collections. Interestingly, the original duffle coat had a belt on the inside of the coat, which allowed the coat to be fastened to the legs. After they began to make the lining, the strap was removed.
What to wear with a duffle coat
Traditionally, the duffle coat was worn over military uniforms. In the fifties, in addition to the uniform, the duffle coat was worn with various suits and outfits, including tracksuits. The duffle coat does not restrict movement, as it is more spacious than other types of coats. Needless to say, you should never wear it with a tuxedo, but overall Jean Cocteau thought it was a pretty versatile coat.
Duffle coat goes well with jeans, chinos, corduroy trousers. Under the coat is perfect or other knitwear. In terms of shoes, it is best to wear classic boots or sneakers are also suitable. I think you should not wear oxfords, as they will look too formal.
color combinations in clothes, since duffle coats are often worn by people with a non-trivial style: artists, writers, stylists and other creative personalities. In addition, the duffle coat suits both the student and the older man. In all age categories, the coat will look great. As always, we welcome your comments. Good luck!
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