The humble duffel coat is enjoying a quiet moment in the spotlight this year, transcending its association with children's culture and making its way onto the runways of high fashion. In Waitrose's latest Christmas advert, comedian Joe Wilkinson can be seen sporting the iconic garment alongside Keira Knightley, while footballer Cole Palmer has opted for one in Burberry's 2024 campaign.
Meanwhile, on stage in the West End, Paddington Bear is reprising his signature look, complete with the trusty duffel coat. And it seems that the high street is also embracing the trend, with Labrum's £279 cream-colored duffel and Marks & Spencer's £64 checked design making a statement.
But while its popularity may be widespread, the coat's appeal seems largely to be among men, particularly those who appreciate functional garments with clear origins. According to Andrew Groves, director of the menswear archive at the University of Westminster, this trend is part of a broader shift towards clothing that offers "weight, insulation and straightforwardness".
This sentiment is echoed by designers, with some opting for a more ironic take on the classic design – as seen in Liam Gallagher's signature style. When worn ironically, the duffel coat can become an endearing fashion statement, one that subverts its traditional associations.
However, not everyone is convinced of the duffel coat's place in high fashion. Teo van den Broeke, editor-in-chief of Esquire, believes that the garment should remain firmly in its childhood realm, where it belongs. "There's something really infantilising about them," he says, adding that grown adults wearing the coat can come across as unsexy.
But despite his reservations, van den Broeke acknowledges that the duffel has a certain timeless appeal – one that is rooted in its functional design and rich history. As Groves notes, "Whatever designers do to it, from Burberry to Prada, a duffel remains a duffel." The classic design may be here to stay, at least for now.
Meanwhile, on stage in the West End, Paddington Bear is reprising his signature look, complete with the trusty duffel coat. And it seems that the high street is also embracing the trend, with Labrum's £279 cream-colored duffel and Marks & Spencer's £64 checked design making a statement.
But while its popularity may be widespread, the coat's appeal seems largely to be among men, particularly those who appreciate functional garments with clear origins. According to Andrew Groves, director of the menswear archive at the University of Westminster, this trend is part of a broader shift towards clothing that offers "weight, insulation and straightforwardness".
This sentiment is echoed by designers, with some opting for a more ironic take on the classic design – as seen in Liam Gallagher's signature style. When worn ironically, the duffel coat can become an endearing fashion statement, one that subverts its traditional associations.
However, not everyone is convinced of the duffel coat's place in high fashion. Teo van den Broeke, editor-in-chief of Esquire, believes that the garment should remain firmly in its childhood realm, where it belongs. "There's something really infantilising about them," he says, adding that grown adults wearing the coat can come across as unsexy.
But despite his reservations, van den Broeke acknowledges that the duffel has a certain timeless appeal – one that is rooted in its functional design and rich history. As Groves notes, "Whatever designers do to it, from Burberry to Prada, a duffel remains a duffel." The classic design may be here to stay, at least for now.
. I mean, who wouldn't want to wear something that's been a staple in their childhood, right? 
It's like, we're embracing our nostalgic side and throwing those stereotypes out the window 
. And I love how designers are playing with the classic design – ironic or not, it's just fun to see. The thing is, the duffel coat does have that timeless quality to it, doesn't matter what label you put on it 
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I think the duffel coat's resurgence in fashion is a fascinating phenomenon that speaks to our desire for practicality and comfort in an increasingly fast-paced world 
. The fact that it's transcending its childhood associations and being adopted by both men and women, particularly those who value functional clothing, suggests that we're craving something more authentic and down-to-earth in our fashion choices 
. While Teo van den Broeke's reservations about the coat's appeal may be valid, I think its enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to adapt and evolve over time 
. Ultimately, it's a reminder that fashion can be both functional and fashionable 
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It's always been a practical & versatile piece of clothing but now it's getting a stylish revamp on the runways. The ironic take on the classic design is giving me all sorts of fashion inspo 
. I can see why some people might think it's too childish, but for me, that's part of its charm! 
Anyone else excited to see how designers like Prada are reimagining this retro staple? 
It's like it's come full circle – from being associated with kids' culture (like, who doesn't love Paddington?) to becoming a legit fashion statement on the runways. The irony of Liam Gallagher rocking one is just too funny . And you're right, there's something endearing about it when worn ironically... I guess some guys just appreciate the practicality and nostalgia behind it 
. But hey, if anyone wants to rock one, go for it! 
! it's like, who says it can only be for kids anymore? 
and i'm here for the ironic takes too - liam gallagher's style is EVERYTHING 
but you know what teo van den broeke said about grown adults wearing it being unsexy? tbh I think it's all about confidence and ownin' that look 
if you're feelin' it, rock it! 
... but at the same time, i get where he's coming from - grown adults in duffel coats might not be the most flattering combo 
... but hey, fashion is all about expressing yourself & having fun with it, so let's just enjoy the quirky vibes and not judge too harshly 
- and I think that's definitely true for fashion trends! Who would've thought that a humble duffel coat could make it onto the runways of high fashion? But hey, as long as people are enjoying it, who cares what others think? And honestly, I kinda love how designers are giving the classic design an ironic twist - Liam Gallagher's style is EVERYTHING 
From Burberry to Labrum, everyone's getting in on the action! 
#FashionSnob #DuffleCoatForLife 
Not just because it's functional, but also because it's finally being taken seriously by fashionistas. And yes, maybe not every guy can pull it off without looking like they're still in their childhood days 
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. Bring on the duffel coats! 
and yeah, the irony thing can totally make it a fashion statement – like, liam gallagher's style is iconic, right? 
anyway, i'm low-key loving this trend, who says menswear has to be boring? 
I've always thought Liam Gallagher's style was on point 
, and I love how designers are putting their own spin on it. Maybe Teo van den Broeke is right that grown-ups wearing duffel coats can come across as unsexy 
. Can't wait to see more creative interpretations of this classic coat! 
and i'm like wait what? but anyway back to the duffel coat lol its so cool how its gone from kids stuff to high fashion 
. In fact, Burberry's menswear sales increased by 25% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
. And who knows, maybe we'll see more guys like Cole Palmer and Joe Wilkinson rocking them on the runway, making it a thing for all ages 
. Maybe it's just an old man like me who's out of touch with fashion trends 
. And yeah, I get what Teo van den Broeke is saying about it being a bit childish, but come on, who doesn't love Paddington Bear? 
I'm all for ironic fashion statements too - Liam Gallagher is such an icon! 
Can't wait to see more of these classic designs reimagined by designers 
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