Duffle Trouble

We mentioned the resurgence of interest in the Duffle coat a while back and have since seen it become more and more widespread on both the catwalks and on the street. For such a logical piece of outerwear it seems a mystery as to why it was really restricted to Indie bands and boys on vintage vespas for such a while. This very traditional of coats might herald in it's name from a town in Belgium called Duffel where the course, thick woollen material was produced but it was the English who decided it might be a bright idea to turn it into a fine winter coat. Like many a British icon..Burberry Mac anyone...it has a bit of the military history to it and one can see why. They must be one of the most functional pieces of clothing we own here at The Established Man towers, with their secure toggle fastenings in horn or wood, along with a hefty hood and a length traditionally long enough to protect your thighs when atop a horse or scooter, its no wonder they are back on fine form.

For the quintessential Duffle coat look no further than Gloverall. These are the Rolls Royce's of the Duffle coat ticking order and are certainly enjoying a heightened interest in their designs that have been worn for sixty years. Whilst the offerings might be limited the Original Monty is the coat to go for. With its unvarnished wooden toggles, chunky cuffs and large pockets its every bit the original. Rather a shame there's not more offerings in terms of toggles, pockets and colours. Perhaps another collaboration with Dover Street Market might woo them again. We're not entirely sure if we'd squeeze into a children's version but if we did then we would be snapping up a kids version in dark green quicker than you can say 'do your homework'

Away from the English traditions of the Duffle there's some fair competition blowing in from the mainland. Spring Summer is not normal duffle territory but on a quick jaunt to the new A.P.C store on Dover Street the other day we spied a navy fine weather version. Perfectly set-off with some nice tan leather and rope ties along with light wood toggles. The epitome of French chic. But don't just think it's A.P.C from across the channel who's playing the Duffle game. On a recent trip to Paris to stock up on everything stuffed and the odd box of butterflies at Deyrolle we went into a branch of Monoprix for some brioche and came out with several nice items of clothing. Hardly what one expects when the quality of supermarket clothing here is so pitiful. It was a near keeling over experience we had when we spied a tip top Duffle coat for sixty Euros that has done us proud all winter. In a deep indigo navy and cashmere mix with horn toggles it even got the sign of approval from the world's finest Duffle coat wearer; the honorable Paddington Bear.