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| Photo by Muffy Aldrich |
A reader question:
I have a problem that may be a bit too familiar to other readers. I like how duffle coats look, but I am not sure how I would best use it. Maybe for commuting. Maybe for watching soccer games. What is the coldest weather that it is useful for?
I am a professional person and wear them to work. Not as a top or over coat with a suit or sport coat, but usually over slacks and a sweater/tie combination on more casual days. I also take one when traveling in colder months and, yes, to sporting events. I think they lean casual and collegiate.
ReplyDeleteSecond that.
DeleteAgreed. I’ve worn duffle coats my whole life, and I was born, raised and still live in San Francisco. I wear it for most daily activities and will wear it to the office frequently. On days when I have important meetings I will wear a camelhair coat or black wool overcoat. I am a woman, and find the duffle coat goes well with wool trousers/cashmere sweaters. I live in them on the weekends.
DeleteLong ago, I had a nice looking dark green Duffle Coat with rope and real horn toggles (good for fastening while gloved). What became of it I can’t remember?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, generally speaking, Duffle Coats are best used in the 50 - 35 Degree range – brisk but not freezing. (Of course, you can layer up and wear it in much colder conditions, but when things turn frigid, I’ve become addicted to goose down jackets in recent years.)
And although the Duffle Coat’s origin and influence can be traced back to the Belgium town of Duffle (along with some 19th Century Polish hooded and toggled Frock Coats) - the Brits have adopted it as their own, and still make the best ones today:
https://us.gloverall.com/collections/mens-duffle-coats
The Monty has an oversized fit and I had to size down. Checking Gloverall's size guides is necessary for those who shop online. A cheaper alternative is the Original Montgomery brand which also makes in England. Everything is currently on sale at half price and duffle coats are only £150.
DeleteThose who want a heavy 100% wool cloth should consider SEH Kelly, a small London-based maker. The prices are higher than Gloverall's but the quality is excellent for just a bit more. SEH Kelly's other coats, e.g. the peacoat, are superb too.
Duffle coats were issued to British soldiers and sailors during WW2. They had a fit looser fit so that they could worn over uniforms (even peacoats) and were made of coarser cloth. They are very versatile and can be worn with anything. The hoods are protect the ears when its cold and/or windy. I wear my Monty for shopping, watching sports and walks in the country. For business, I wear an overcoat, SB Chesterfield or DB Ulster, with a blazer or a suit.
ReplyDeleteI too wear mine for casual wear Ken. It's very versatile and it's one of those staples I've never been without. My current one is navy but I've also had them in camel
DeleteFine for fall or spring soccer games in mid to cool weather but not warm enough later in the fall or early in the spring, at least from the mid Atlantic north. I see them as a great cool weather casual jacket.
ReplyDeleteI have two duffle coats. A Navy Gloverall full length Monty and full length Camel Thomas Farthing, both made in the UK. I wear them out and about, usually with a chunky sweater + OCBD underneath. I will wear it with a sports coat and tie w/slacks but not a suit. I love the them. They take me back to my university days.
ReplyDeleteAnywhere, anytime after December 1st.
ReplyDeleteyes!
DeleteMaybe lacrosse games?
ReplyDeleteWhat’s all this about lacrosse? Lacrosse wasn’t even an afterthought in New England before “the thing called preppy.” Drop the puck!
DeleteYou’re right. Lacrosse was only popular before The Thing Called Preppy on Long Island and in Maryland. It’s a good game but nowhere near as fast and creative as hockey, the original “preppy” team sport.
DeleteAnd your thoughts on where to wear a duffel coat ?????
DeleteDuffle coats are a superb standing up in the last row of the stands coat. They keep me warm while I sip lukewarm coffee from a paper cup watching hockey games, indoors or out, from Avon to Wallingford and many places in between.
DeleteI have a long 20 year old Ralph Lauren duffle coat made in the style of a Monty with the original snap close hood and hemp and wooden toggles. The coat is oversized, heavy wool and warm. I would wear it more often but a long coat is a pain to drive in.
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I could not imagine life with our tried and true vintage duffle coats! Bought them back in England, many moon ago. They have served, and still do, as truly faithful friends! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteI have had a Gloverall, and now have one made for Simons, dark blue. Wear it down to the low 20's farenheit. Great with a sweater under it. Just for fun, I have a red hat to go with it. No yellow wellies though.
ReplyDeleteI have two English-made children's duffle coats. I wish to pass them along to my niece ... but there are several distressing moth holes. At one time there was a repair shop for this problem in Richmond. But now I would not know where to look ....
ReplyDelete