Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Focus On: Coats

by Sherri, Sew Betty and Dot

Now that winter is truly upon us, I bet most of us have reached for a coat. What kind of coat are you wearing this year? Duffle, trench, or princess? Reefer, chesterfield, or polo? Loden? Redingote? Trimmer or cocoon? Swagger or clutch? (Or just a plain ol' coat?) These are all styles of outerwear that have been popular since the turn of the twentieth century. In this post, I have focused on long coats--those that come to the knee or below; shorter coats, or jackets, will be discussed in another post.

Coats, specifically "overcoats," are relatively new garments for women; due to the wide skirts that were the fashion up until the turn of the twentieth century, many women wore capes, cloaks, or shawls for warmth (there were exceptions, of course--the pelisse was a long-sleeved outer garment that echoed the lines of ladies' dresses before, during, and after the Regency period).

In the 1920s, coats became fashion statements as much as protective garments against the elements. The straight lines of twenties frocks were covered with cocoon coats, somewhat shapeless garments that swaddled the body; these often had fur cuffs and fur collars. In the thirties, more styles of coats emerged: double-breasted coats that buttoned, including the collegiate-style coat, Hollywood, and reefer coat; the polo coat, a double-breasted wrap coat ; princess coats had, well, princess seams that created a slim silhouette on top with a more flared "skirt" on the bottom half; swagger coats are very full coats, shaped like an inverted "V," usually with raglan sleeves. (By the way, a Chesterfield coat--originally an man's style--is a double-breasted coat with high peaked collars, somewhat flared, with a velvet collar.)
Top row, left: a cocoon coat (courtesy artdecoblog.tumblr.com)
Right: swagger coat (courtesy vintagedancer.com)
Bottom row, left: princess coat (courtesy adore-vintage.blogspot.com)
Right: wraparound, reefer, Hollywood (courtesy vintagedancer.com)

In 1942, as fabric became more scarce due to wartime restrictions, the United States War Production Board implemented L-85, which forbade things such as unnecessary pleating, turned-back cuffs, overly large collars, etc., and coats became much simpler and boxier for a time. After the war, the New Look (nipped-in waist, very full skirt) could also be seen in outerwear (princess coats again). Coats with very full silhouettes and bell sleeves, sometimes called swing coats, were popular (partially due to the postwar baby boom: a full coat was comfortable for a pregnant woman--no belts!). And clutch coats--that wildly impractical garment with no fasteners--were stylish throughout much of the 1950s. And of course, in the 1960s, anything went: women wore men's coats, short swingy coats were made to cover short minis, ethnic influences could be seen (East Asian embroidery, Russian steppe dwellers, poncho shapes)--and of course, there was the maxi coat. 
Left to right: 1940s wartime coats (courtesy uvm.edu; New Look coats (courtesy glamourdaze.com); a 1950s swing coat (unattributed, from Pinterest.com); 1960s coat styles (courtesy secondhandwithstyle.com); early 1970s coat (courtesy bessgeorgette.com)

In the 1970s, maxi coats and trench coats were often seen, with wrap coats becoming very popular (short jackets and longer coats). Duffle coats (wool coats fastened with toggles), pea coats--anyone else here buy those sorts of coats at the Salvation Army? I did!--loden coats...the seventies fashionista could take her pick. As always, fashion recycles itself...in the 1980s and 1990s, some version of almost all of these styles could be had. 

Now let's take a look at some lovely coat patterns from members of the Pattern Patter team. 
Top row, left to right: 1920s/1930s Pattern (PDF): Mrsdepew


Top row, left to right: Vogue 1466: Anne8865
Top row, left to right: Simplicity 9019: PeoplePackages
Vogue 1458: allthepreciousthings

Which one of these coats would YOU like to wrap yourself in? Tell us in the comments!

11 comments:

  1. I've always loved coats! Growing up my mom made my clothes including my Easter Dress, Coat, & Hat. Now I live where coats are a rare need. Maybe this winter? Right Sherri!!
    Great post - I love it!

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  2. I'd have a different coat for every day of the week if I could! I had no idea there were so many different styles to be had. I would have have to say that my personal favorite style is a princess with a full skirt. Great post!

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  3. We only have about 3 months here in Las Vegas to wear coats.... but I love them! Great blog!

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  4. I'm cold-blooded, so I love my coats. I really love the swing style, but I don't have one.

    Thanks for including my coat pattern in your wonderful post!

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  5. I really enjoyed your blog! It was informative and the patterns you selected are perfect examples of the various eras and styles. thanks for including one of my coat patterns.

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  6. Thank you for this information! I hate wearing a coat , but in the Winter I must sometimes give in....lol

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  7. I thought a coat was a coat...not anymore...such a variety !
    Unfortunately here in Sunny Queensland (Australia) coats are a rarity.
    Thank you for show casing the Coat !

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  8. I love a fit and flare princess coat! Vogue 5837 is a great example. Nice post!

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  9. Great styles, there are more than a few that I'd love to make! Wonderful post!

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  10. With our long winters coats are an important part of the wardrobe! Love the variety!

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