The humble duffel coat is enjoying a surprising resurgence on the high street and in fashion circles. While it's often associated with childhood icons like Paddington Bear, this year it's also being sported by grown-ups from the worlds of comedy, football, and music.
From Waitrose to Burberry, the duffel coat is making an appearance in top adverts and campaigns, showcasing its versatility and timelessness. And while the trend may have started on the playground, it's now firmly on the high street with brands like John Lewis and Marks & Spencer offering their own versions for under ยฃ100.
So what's behind this sudden surge in popularity? According to Andrew Groves, director of the menswear archive at the University of Westminster, it's all about functionality and heritage. "Men love things that function," he says. "They love things that have heritage. They love things that have stories behind them."
Indeed, the duffel coat has a rich history that dates back to Duffel, Belgium, where the thick fabric originally used came from. It was popularised by the Royal Navy and became a symbol of heroism in World War II, with Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery wearing one during the war.
Today, designers like Burberry and Prada are reinterpreting the classic design, while musicians like Liam Gallagher and Alex Turner have long been fans of the duffel coat. So why has it become so popular among grown-ups? Teo van den Broeke, editor-in-chief of Esquire, suggests that it's all about attitude. "If you're a musician, and you look like you don't really care," he says, "then you could probably get away with wearing one."
Ultimately, the duffel coat's enduring appeal lies in its ability to transcend age and style boundaries. As Groves notes, "It's a classic because you can't really reinvent it." Whether worn by kids or adults, the humble duffel coat is a timeless staple that continues to delight fashion fans of all ages.
From Waitrose to Burberry, the duffel coat is making an appearance in top adverts and campaigns, showcasing its versatility and timelessness. And while the trend may have started on the playground, it's now firmly on the high street with brands like John Lewis and Marks & Spencer offering their own versions for under ยฃ100.
So what's behind this sudden surge in popularity? According to Andrew Groves, director of the menswear archive at the University of Westminster, it's all about functionality and heritage. "Men love things that function," he says. "They love things that have heritage. They love things that have stories behind them."
Indeed, the duffel coat has a rich history that dates back to Duffel, Belgium, where the thick fabric originally used came from. It was popularised by the Royal Navy and became a symbol of heroism in World War II, with Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery wearing one during the war.
Today, designers like Burberry and Prada are reinterpreting the classic design, while musicians like Liam Gallagher and Alex Turner have long been fans of the duffel coat. So why has it become so popular among grown-ups? Teo van den Broeke, editor-in-chief of Esquire, suggests that it's all about attitude. "If you're a musician, and you look like you don't really care," he says, "then you could probably get away with wearing one."
Ultimately, the duffel coat's enduring appeal lies in its ability to transcend age and style boundaries. As Groves notes, "It's a classic because you can't really reinvent it." Whether worn by kids or adults, the humble duffel coat is a timeless staple that continues to delight fashion fans of all ages.