The mac coat holds a firm spot in the British wardrobe as a year-round solution to in-between temperatures, unexpected showers and blustery wind, but the lore of this practical style goes a lot deeper than its transeasonal status. It’s one of the few clothing items that retains almost an identical design today as it did when it was first invented. 

While many people link mac coats to wartime and military clothing during the 1900s, ‘macs’ as they were known, can be traced back to as early as 1823. Invented by and named after Charles Macintosh, mac coats were made from heavy rubberised cotton and were used by military men and civilians alike.

Nowadays, macs are more commonly referred to as trench coats, and the style as we know it got its name and familiar construction from its use in the First World War. Developed for British Army officers, trench coats were made of waterproof heavy-duty wool gabardine fabric and traditionally colored in shades of khaki-green and brown for camouflage. 

The double-breasted and longline shape that’s still used for modern day styles originated as a means of delivering the most coverage possible, while still remaining practical. Traditional features all served specific functional purposes, such as belted cuffs to prevent water running down the arm while wearing binoculars.

Following its wartime use, the trench coat began to make its way into men’s and womenswear fashions during the post-war period. Hollywood stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn popularised the style for women, whereas the style’s army officer origins and smart look made it an enduringly strong choice for men.