The humble duffel coat is getting the spotlight once again, this time on grown-ups rather than kids. The iconic British garment has made appearances in several high-profile Christmas adverts and campaigns, including Waitrose's featuring comedian Joe Wilkinson alongside Keira Knightley, and Burberry's starring footballer Cole Palmer.
This nostalgic fashion trend seems to be driven by a nostalgia for heritage and functionality. According to Andrew Groves, director of the menswear archive at the University of Westminster, "Menswear is shifting back to garments with clear origins and unambiguous functionality." The duffel coat fits perfectly into this category, offering weight, insulation, and straightforwardness that many men are seeking in their clothing.
As a result, duffel coats have seen significant sales growth on high street retailers like John Lewis, which reports a 75% increase in sales compared to last month. Online resale platforms such as Depop also show a substantial rise in searches for the garment, with a 159% surge over the past four months.
While it's clear that men are driving this trend, there is some debate about whether duffel coats should remain firmly in the playground or venture into the realm of fashion. Editor-in-chief of Esquire, Teo van den Broeke, argues that the coat looks infantilizing on adults and unsexy. However, he acknowledges its appeal lies in its functionality, heritage, and storied past, which resonates with men who value authenticity.
Rockstars like Liam Gallagher, Graham Coxon, and Alex Turner have long been fans of duffel coats, subverting their functional nature to make them a fashion statement. Van den Broke suggests that attitude plays a crucial role in pulling off the look – if done earnestly, it's game over.
Ultimately, as Groves points out, "It's a classic because you can't really reinvent it." The duffel coat has carved its own niche in fashion history and is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
This nostalgic fashion trend seems to be driven by a nostalgia for heritage and functionality. According to Andrew Groves, director of the menswear archive at the University of Westminster, "Menswear is shifting back to garments with clear origins and unambiguous functionality." The duffel coat fits perfectly into this category, offering weight, insulation, and straightforwardness that many men are seeking in their clothing.
As a result, duffel coats have seen significant sales growth on high street retailers like John Lewis, which reports a 75% increase in sales compared to last month. Online resale platforms such as Depop also show a substantial rise in searches for the garment, with a 159% surge over the past four months.
While it's clear that men are driving this trend, there is some debate about whether duffel coats should remain firmly in the playground or venture into the realm of fashion. Editor-in-chief of Esquire, Teo van den Broeke, argues that the coat looks infantilizing on adults and unsexy. However, he acknowledges its appeal lies in its functionality, heritage, and storied past, which resonates with men who value authenticity.
Rockstars like Liam Gallagher, Graham Coxon, and Alex Turner have long been fans of duffel coats, subverting their functional nature to make them a fashion statement. Van den Broke suggests that attitude plays a crucial role in pulling off the look – if done earnestly, it's game over.
Ultimately, as Groves points out, "It's a classic because you can't really reinvent it." The duffel coat has carved its own niche in fashion history and is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
... they're just so practical, but not exactly stylish if you ask me 
. I mean, have we really run out of other options? And what's with the whole nostalgia thing? It feels like people are just trying to cling to something familiar rather than embracing new trends 
. I guess it's cool that they're making a comeback, but let's not forget, this is still an 80s and 90s staple we're talking about 
...
, who wouldn't want to rock a duffel coat like Liam Gallagher back in the day? 
But, fair point about it looking a bit infantilizing on grown-ups, maybe they should stick to making them for kids' parties or something 
. Still, if guys can pull off the look with some sick attitude, I'm all for it 
. And, TBH, who needs reinvention when you've got a classic like that? The duffel coat is just one of those timeless pieces that'll never go out of style 
like seriously who would've thought duffel coats wud b so cool 4 grown ups? but honestly its kinda dope how theyre embracing their functional past lol, me personally love rockstars who pull off the look like liam gallagher or alex turner 
, gotta give it to teo van den broeke for keeping it real tho when he says attitude matters lol 
They're just so practical and comfy, you know? And yeah, I can see why guys are drawn to them - they're like a blank canvas for expressing your own style. Liam Gallagher's been rocking that look for years, and it's always looked awesome on him 
. Of course, it's all about attitude, as Teo van den Broeke said... if you throw in some swagger and confidence, that duffel coat can totally work as a fashion statement! 
But hey, at the end of the day, it's all about embracing what makes you feel good, right? 
[GIF of a person doing a load of laundry]
I'm loving the resurgence of the duffel coat trend! It's so cool that men are embracing functionality and heritage in their clothing choices. I mean, who wouldn't want a piece of history that's been around for ages? 
The fact that it's becoming more than just a kid's playground gear is awesome. And I'm totally with Andrew Groves - once you can't reinvent the classics, they're forever! 
️. Bring on more stylish, rugged vibes, I say! 
), but if you're rocking it with confidence and attitude, like those rockstars are doing, then go for it! It's all about owning the look and not apologizing for it.
but for those who say its just functionality & heritage, yeah that's a big part of it too...
i mean, who doesn't love the idea of a practical yet stylish piece that's been around for ages? Cole Palmer rocking it on Burberry's ads tho 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to channel their inner Liam Gallagher or Alex Turner? The fact that it's making a comeback is pretty cool. I remember getting my first duffel bag for school and thinking it was so practical and cool at the time 
.
. Bring back the duffel coat trend, I say! 
It's amazing how something that was once thought of as just a utilitarian piece can become a fashion icon again. I mean, who says you can't wear something practical and still look stylish? 
Plus, who doesn't love a good nostalgic vibe? 
The fact that rockstars have been fans of duffel coats for ages just adds to its edginess 
. i mean yeah teo van den broeke might think its a bit too playful for grownups, but like, attitude is everything, right? 
. Fashion is all about evolution and reinvention, after all!