Waterproof Trench Coat | Waterproof Trench Coats By Paul Brown

A waterproof trench coat is a very versatile garment. The ability to resist water takes it from a fashionable coat to a functional protective garment that can be worn over a multitude of outfits, including suits, dresses or shirts, and with a variety of footwear, especially smart shoes and boots. Although there are a variety of wax jackets available from the likes of brands like barbour, most fashion trench coats have little water resistance, limiting their use in inclement weather. A genuinely waterproof trench coat is however a coat for all seasons

Waterproof Fabrics for Raincoats

Rubberised Cotton
Early waterproof trench coat examples were made from rubberized cotton, evolving from waterproof coats created by Scottish chemist and inventor Charles Macintosh and British inventor Thomas Hancock.

Gabardine

This was a Burberry fabric created by weatherproofing the individual strands of cotton and wool fibre rather than the finished textile. It offered water resistance yet remained breathable, and to this day Burberry is responsible for growing and promoting the trench coat.

Ventile

Ventile is a treated water repellent fabric initially developed by The Shirley Institute in the 1930s. It was created with the specific aim of saving the lives of Air Force personnel flying over the Atlantic in wartime England. Pilots needed a garment that was cool and comfortable in the cockpit, but warm and impenetrable if it came into contact with water.

Wax Coated Fabrics

As early as the end of 1880's, British Millerain were developing waterproof fabrics suitable for outdoor clothing requirements, patenting a bespoke rainproof finish in early 1894. They now offer a range of water repellent and resistant fabrics particularly relevant to country pursuit clothing and jackets but versatile enough to find their way into quality trench coats such as those manufactured by Paul Brown in the UK

Showerproof or Waterproof or Water Resistant?

Water-resistant means that an item is able to resist the penetration of water to a specific degree, but not totally, whereas waterproof means that an item is completely protected from the effects of water. Showerproof refers to fabric that resists rain. Generally the fabric has been treated with a water-repellent finish to allow water to roll off the surface. Showerproof rain coats will offer protection from light rain showers but aren't suitable for very heavy downpours.
Both versions can be found on sale for women and men.

History of The Classic Trench Coat

The Classic Trench coat design we see today was believe it or not developed from garments designed for soldiers in WW1. They offered a more comfortable yet waterproof alternative to the itchy and heavy wool overcoats that they had traditionally worn. They fitted better, were lighter and had deep pockets and D rings attached to the belt to accommodate tools. Primarily worn by officers and often self purchased they are a common sight in wartime photographs. After transitioning into civilian life trench coats have become an important men and women’s fashion item in a huge range of colours and designs.

An Iconic Raincoat for all Ages. Trench Coats and Fashion

You really can’t go wrong with a trench coat. It remains one of the most iconic coat designs to date and is so versatile that it can be worn both formally over smart clothes such as dresses or trousers with shoes, and casually with jeans, trainers or boots. The list of accessories is endless. Trench Coats never go out of fashion so it will give many years of service, and a waterproof example offers protection as well as style. The list of iconic celebrity photos wearing trench coats is extensive. Audrey Hepburn, Kate Moss and Goldy Hawn are just a few of the stars seen wearing them.

Shop our belted Trench Coat for Men and Women

Here at WISC our Men and Women’s Double Breasted Belted Trench Coat is the result of a decade of British tailoring and expertise. We have spared no expense in delivering the ultimate trench coat in terms of design, materials and construction. This is our flagship garment and we are very proud of it. Attention to detail and the history of this icon is fully realised with key features including sleeve straps, a check under collar and gun flap. For the outer shell we use coated twill from British Millerain, a globally respected player in quality water resistant fabrics, selected for its performance and feel and its UK manufacture. Inside is a traditional check lining inside along with real leather buckles and buffalo horn buttons. Available in three colours, Beige, Navy and Black, they are all mid length coats and are available in size M to XXL for men and 8 to 16 for Women on our online shop.

Each coat is hand cut and made at our Suffolk factory where we have been making clothes for many years, and takes over a day to complete by experienced tailors and seamstresses. It is the ideal showerproof raincoat for the ever changing British weather come summer or winter. View the range on sale on our website.

Free UK Delivery
Made in England

Trench Coats Special offer

While we do not offer a sale on our trench coats as they are made to order, you can benefit from 10% off all our British made clothing if you apply discount code: MAKEITBRITISH on our basket page. We also offer free UK delivery on all orders.