Digging through the trench coats

With winter chills falling upon the southern hemisphere I think it's time we look at some trench coats. The trench coat is claimed by two companies firstly Aquascutum, whose trench designs date back to the 1850's, and then by the undisputed king of the trench, Burberry, who first posed a design in 1901 to the British military. Trench, as the word suggests, does refer to the trenches of WW1. The trench became and optional uniform item amongst officers only, lower ranks were not allowed to wear the new coat. The coat was worn during inclement weather as a rain coat or windbreaker and by WW2 the design was picked up by several other nations. Following WW2 the trench was seen in high regard and was worn by sophisticated, mind you fictional, heroes such as Dick Tracy, which brought the trench to the regular people.

A British WW1 officer wearing a trench coat (thanks Wikipedia, my least fave source)

Thankfully for us the trench has come far since the early 1900's. Today you can purchase the trench in a multitude of different fabrics and colours and with a plethora of trim options. Here's a selection of what's on offer for the southern hemisphere during autumn/winter 2010, starting with my pick of the season.

Burberry Cotton Contrast Trench (Net A Porter)

Burberry Check Print Taffeta Trench (Net A Porter)

Burberry Two Tone Technical Taffeta Trench (Net A Porter)

Anna Sui Ruffle Hem  Trench (Net A Porter)

Moschino Cheap and Chic double breasted trench (Net A Porter)

Algonquins cotton frill hem trench coat with napoleon collar (Maruione)

Apresjour Trench Coat with ribbons (Maruione)

Cooper and Stollbrand puff sleeve mac (ASOS)

Double breasted military mac (ASOS)

Hitch Hem Trench (Top shop)

Jill Sander Cotton Blend Trench (Net A Porter)

Kensington Jacket (Anthropologie)

Ponte Trench (Witchery)

Two Paths Trench (Anthropologie)

Vanilla French Double Breasted Trench (Yes Style)

Find anything you liked? Leave a comment and let me know!