Operation Overcoat | An Illustrated History II, circa 1951

 

Beginnings of Some

Famous Overcoat Fashions

 

Lord Raglan’s Design

Opposite of Lord Chesterield’s fitted coat

The Raglan.  Originally the coat tailored for Lord Raglan was a tweed wrap which kept off the foggy chill while its wearer was shooting grouse.  What remained of the basic style was the Raglan Shoulder which was a marked departure from the set-in type.  It is still a favorite among men who want a more casual look in their overcoats.

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Operation Overcoat | An Illustrated History, circa 1951

 

Emotional as well as economic changes often create the need for a change in fashion, and the textile world must be ready with the cloth.

The overcoat styles which are classified within the industry today as staples had their origin in circumstances which vary in many respects but have the common bond of functional need.  Demonstrating the philosophy that as the world changes in manner or in mood, fabrics must change.  We illustrate several instances wherein a new set of conditions created both the opportunity and the necessity for overcoats which are commonly worn today … but were novel departures at the time of their conception.

The Polo Coat. So far as written record reaches, it is believed that the soft, fine underhair of the camel was used to weave warm and luxurious cloths for the Tartar and Mongolian chiefs. Merchants whose caravans traveled through the passes of India to the north brought back lengths of the precious cloth for use by Indian potentates. Many centuries later, when British cavalry officers in India took up polo to while away their tedious stay, they became acquainted with camel’s hair cloth and discovered that it made up into an excellent lightweight yet warm wrap for wear between chukkers or after the strenuous game.

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