Buttoning Your Burberry Trench

The Burberry trench coat is an iconic piece of outerwear with a rich history. First worn by British soldiers during World War I, the trench coat has become a timeless staple in the fashion world, known for its sleek and functional design. When it comes to buttoning a Burberry trench coat, there are a few key aspects to consider. The coat is typically double-breasted, allowing for flexibility in how you choose to fasten it. You can opt to button one on the inside left and one or two on the outside right, or simply follow the same way you would button a shirt or a single-breasted coat. The coat also features a throat latch that can be buttoned across the front for extra protection from the elements. Additionally, the shoulder flap, often referred to as a gun flap or storm flap, serves to protect against rain and provide additional coverage in driving rain.

Buttoning direction: left over right

Buttoning a trench coat is not just about looking good; it also serves a practical purpose. The buttons on a trench coat are designed to protect you from the elements, particularly rain and wind.

When buttoning your Burberry trench coat, you should follow the standard convention of buttoning from left to right. This is the same direction you would button a shirt or single-breasted coat. Start by buttoning the interior button on the left, then move to the exterior buttons on the right. You can choose to button one or two buttons on the right, depending on your preference.

The buttons on a trench coat are not merely decorative; they serve a functional purpose. The left lapel has an additional button to which the rain flap can be attached, providing extra protection from the rain. The rain flap, also known as a storm flap, is designed to prevent rainwater from dripping down inside the coat. It is typically found on the right side of the coat, covering the opening on the left lapel.

The belt of your trench coat can be tied or buckled, depending on your preference. If you choose to tie it, you can either tie it in the front or back. Additionally, the belt ends can be tucked into the pockets for a more streamlined look.

The shoulder flaps, or epaulettes, also serve a functional purpose. They allow rain to roll off your shoulders without collecting, providing additional protection in heavy rain.

By following these instructions, you will not only look stylish in your Burberry trench coat, but you will also stay warm and dry, just as the original design intended.

The shoulder flap: a 'gun flap' or 'storm flap'

The shoulder flap, also known as the gun flap or storm flap, is an iconic feature of the Burberry trench coat. It is a protective flap that serves multiple functions, depending on the wearer's needs.

Firstly, as a gun flap, it provides extra padding and protection when a rifle is shouldered for firing. The flap covers the top of the left side of the coat and the left lapel when buttoned, adding a layer of defence against the recoil of the rifle. This interpretation of the flap's purpose is supported by the fact that during World War I, officers complained about water seeping into their coats after firing their rifles. The act of raising the right arm to shoot would expose the breast fold to the elements, and the gun flap was designed to prevent rainwater from entering the coat through this opening.

Secondly, as a storm flap, it acts as a shield against rain and wind. The flap effectively caps the wearer's shoulders, ensuring that rainwater rolls off without seeping into the coat. This is especially useful in driving rain, providing additional protection from the elements. The storm flap also prevents rainwater from dripping down the inside of the coat, as it covers the opening on the right side when the coat is buttoned left over right, the typical way of fastening for men's trench coats.

The shoulder flap, or gun/storm flap, is a testament to the trench coat's military origins and functional design. It is one of the many features that have endured over the years, blending practicality and style, and contributing to the trench coat's timeless appeal.

The throat latch: a weather protector

The throat latch is a staple feature of trench coats, providing extra protection from harsh weather. It is a detachable strip of material that is attached to the front collar stand of the coat, usually with a heavy-duty hook and bar closure. This feature is designed to be loose or sewn to the undercollar so that it can hinge around and be buttoned across the front of the collar and collar stand when protection from the elements is required.

The throat latch is particularly useful in cold and windy climates, as it can be used to secure a scarf in place and provide extra warmth. It can also protect the wearer from rain, with the latch acting as an extra barrier to prevent water from seeping through the opening of the collar. When not in use, the throat latch can be discreetly hidden under the collar, secured by buttons and buckles on the undercollar.

The throat latch is an example of the functional details that are characteristic of trench coats, which have their origins in military wear. These practical features have been retained and refined over time, ensuring that the trench coat remains a staple garment, offering protection from the elements.

The waist belt: for warmth and wind protection

The waist belt is a key feature of the Burberry trench coat, serving both a functional and aesthetic purpose. In terms of functionality, the belt allows the wearer to adjust the fit of the coat to their body and the weather conditions. By tightening or loosening the belt, the coat can be made more or less snug, which not only affects the overall silhouette but also helps to keep out the wind and retain warmth. This adjustability is especially important given the often blustery and rainy weather of Great Britain, where the trench coat originated.

The waist belt is typically made of the same durable material as the coat itself and is designed to be long enough to wrap around the waist and be tied or buckled at the front. Some trench coats may have additional buttons or straps on the underside of the collar, allowing the wearer to create an even tighter seal against the elements. This feature is particularly useful when facing strong winds or heavy rain, as it provides an extra layer of protection by sealing the coat tightly around the body.

For those who prefer a more relaxed look or feel, the waist belt can also be left untied and simply knotted or tucked into the coat's pockets. This approach still provides some adjustability and wind protection while offering a more casual and relaxed silhouette.

The waist belt also contributes to the iconic silhouette and style of the Burberry trench coat. It emphasizes the waist, creating a flattering and defined shape, especially when paired with the double-breasted front closure of the coat. This design not only serves a practical purpose but also adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall aesthetic of the garment.

In conclusion, the waist belt of a Burberry trench coat is a versatile feature that allows the wearer to adjust the fit, protect themselves from the elements, and make a style statement. Whether tightened for warmth and wind protection or left casually untied, the waist belt is a key component of the trench coat's functionality and timeless design.

The back button: for the expansion flap

The back button on a Burberry trench coat is for the expansion flap. This button should be kept fastened unless the wearer is "of the well-fed variety" or plans to be "running with a long stride". Keeping the button fastened ensures the coat fits snugly against the body, preventing wind from entering the coat and keeping the wearer warm.

Frequently asked questions