The humble duffel coat has been quietly enjoying its moment in the spotlight this year, transcending its association with beloved children's characters like Paddington Bear. In various high-profile campaigns and advertisements, designers have given the classic garment a fresh spin, showcasing its versatility on the runway and on real-life streets.
Gone are the days when duffel coats were relegated to playgrounds; instead, they're being sported by grown-ups with flair, often paired with high-end labels like Burberry. According to John Lewis, sales of the coat have skyrocketed 75% compared to last month, while searches on resale app Depop have increased by a staggering 159%.
The duffel's newfound popularity can be attributed to its masculine allure and functional appeal. "Menswear is shifting back to garments with clear origins and unambiguous functionality," explains Andrew Groves, director of the menswear archive at the University of Westminster. This shift towards practicality seems to resonate with men who value a coat that provides warmth, weight, and insulation.
However, not everyone is convinced of the duffel's appeal on adults. Teo van den Broeke, editor-in-chief of Esquire, believes that seeing grown-ups in duffels can be "infantilising" and unsexy. Yet, he acknowledges the coat's enduring charm, particularly when worn with attitude by rock stars like Liam Gallagher and Alex Turner.
Ultimately, it seems the duffel's staying power lies in its ability to adapt to different styles and subvert expectations. As designer-friendly as it may be, the classic design remains rooted in history, as Groves notes: "It's a classic because you can't really reinvent it." For now, at least, the humble duffel coat continues to defy expectations and make its mark on the fashion world.
Gone are the days when duffel coats were relegated to playgrounds; instead, they're being sported by grown-ups with flair, often paired with high-end labels like Burberry. According to John Lewis, sales of the coat have skyrocketed 75% compared to last month, while searches on resale app Depop have increased by a staggering 159%.
The duffel's newfound popularity can be attributed to its masculine allure and functional appeal. "Menswear is shifting back to garments with clear origins and unambiguous functionality," explains Andrew Groves, director of the menswear archive at the University of Westminster. This shift towards practicality seems to resonate with men who value a coat that provides warmth, weight, and insulation.
However, not everyone is convinced of the duffel's appeal on adults. Teo van den Broeke, editor-in-chief of Esquire, believes that seeing grown-ups in duffels can be "infantilising" and unsexy. Yet, he acknowledges the coat's enduring charm, particularly when worn with attitude by rock stars like Liam Gallagher and Alex Turner.
Ultimately, it seems the duffel's staying power lies in its ability to adapt to different styles and subvert expectations. As designer-friendly as it may be, the classic design remains rooted in history, as Groves notes: "It's a classic because you can't really reinvent it." For now, at least, the humble duffel coat continues to defy expectations and make its mark on the fashion world.