The Trench Coat Kid: A Youthful Style Icon

The trench coat kid is a stereotype of a student who wears a trench coat to school. They are often characterised as loners or outcasts and are sometimes the subject of school shooter jokes. In reality, the trench coat has a long history as a fashionable item of clothing, originally developed for British Army officers before the First World War.

Trench coat kids and school shooters

The phrase "trench coat kids" is often associated with school shooters, particularly in the aftermath of the Columbine High School shooting in 1999. The shooters responsible for the Columbine massacre, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, were reported by students and investigators to be members of a group known as the "Trench Coat Mafia". This group was described as a clique of generally quiet, brooding students with a penchant for dark trench coats, all-black clothing, and shaved heads. They were also said to be interested in the occult, mutilation, shock-rocker Marilyn Manson, and Adolf Hitler. The Trench Coat Mafia was estimated to have about 30 core members with 70 hangers-on, although some claimed the group was much smaller.

However, subsequent investigations by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office revealed that Harris and Klebold were not considered core members of the Trench Coat Mafia. They knew a few of the students in the group but did not appear in a photo of the group in the 1998 yearbook, and most of those students had graduated by the time of the shooting. Additionally, it was found that some students confused Klebold with another student who resembled him and was part of the Trench Coat Mafia.

The association between trench coats and school shooters has become a cliché, with "trench coat kids" often portrayed in media and popular culture as loners with no past, carrying heavy weaponry, and having violent or apocalyptic fantasies. In reality, the connection between trench coats and school shootings is more complex. While some school shooters may fit this stereotype, others may use trench coats as a fashion choice or a way to express their individuality. Additionally, not all "trench coat kids" should be assumed to be potential school shooters, as this stereotype can lead to unfair assumptions and profiling.

In the years since the Columbine shooting, there have been efforts to dispel myths and correct inaccuracies in reporting surrounding the Trench Coat Mafia and the shooters' motivations. It is important to recognize that school shootings are complex issues influenced by a multitude of factors, and generalizations or stereotypes should be avoided.

Trench coats as fashion items

Trench coats have been a fashion staple for decades, with their popularity dating back to World War I when they were worn by British Army officers in the trenches, hence the name. Originally made from gabardine, a waterproof wool fabric, the traditional colour of a trench coat was khaki. Today, trench coats are available in a variety of colours and styles, catering to different tastes and occasions.

The trench coat's journey into the fashion world began with film stars such as Humphrey Bogart and Peter Sellers, who donned the garment in classic movies like "Casablanca" and the "Pink Panther" films. From there, it became a versatile outerwear piece, suitable for various climates and weather changes, especially rainy days. Its water-resistant fabrication, along with its timeless details and neutral colour palette, make it a wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down.

When it comes to styling, the options are endless. For a casual look, an oversized trench coat can be paired with a t-shirt, baggy jeans, and dad sneakers. To elevate the outfit, add a bag and some layered jewellery. For a more polished and sophisticated vibe, layer the trench coat over a monochromatic outfit and accessorise with oversized sunglasses. This "quiet luxury" look is perfect for meetings or dinners with friends.

Trench coats can also be dressed up for more formal occasions. For a unique twist, pair a trench coat with a two-piece suit, or go for a bold statement by wearing it with a crop top, high-waisted black leather pants, and chic brown boots. For a touch of glamour, style a utilitarian trench coat over a metallic minidress, silver pointed pumps, and a matte leather handbag for a date night to remember.

The versatility of trench coats extends to their length as well. While the traditional trench coat falls to the knees, modern interpretations include cropped styles and standard jacket lengths. These shorter hemlines add a contemporary edge to the classic silhouette. Additionally, experimenting with colours, fabrics, and silhouettes can result in some seriously chic attire. For instance, a leather trench coat exudes downtown cool, loved by supermodels and fashion girls alike.

Trench coats in popular culture

The trench coat has been a distinctive garment in popular culture, with various famous characters across media sporting the look. The trench coat was originally developed for British Army officers before World War I and became popular during that conflict, hence the name. The traditional colour was khaki, and the coat was typically worn as protection from wind and rain.

Film and Television

Trench coats have been worn by many iconic film and television characters, including:

• Humphrey Bogart's loner hero in Casablanca
• Inspector Clouseau in the Pink Panther films
• Rick Blaine in Casablanca
• Fox Mulder and Dana Scully in The X-Files
• David Tennant's Tenth Doctor in Doctor Who
• Clark Kent in Smallville
• Castiel in Supernatural
• Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl
• The eponymous detective in Columbo
• The Joker in various Batman-related media
• John Constantine in the Hellblazer series
• The Punisher in various media
• Lemony Snicket, the fictitious author of A Series of Unfortunate Events
• Inspector Gadget
• Freddy Krueger in Wes Craven's New Nightmare
• Angel in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel
• Gambit from the X-Men
• Hellboy
• The Replicant Roy Batty in Blade Runner
• Eric Draven in The Crow
• Silent Bob, a character created by Kevin Smith
• The vampire David in The Lost Boys
• Sho in Moon Child
• The Undertaker, a WWE wrestler

Comics and Animation

Trench coats are also prevalent in comics, animated series, and graphic novels, with their use possibly tracing back to the Golden Age of Comics, where they established aspects of characters' personalities. Notable wearers include:

• Rorschach
• Doctor Occult
• Green Hornet
• The Sandman
• The Crimson Avenger
• Fantomex
• Jean Grey and Emma Frost in the New X-Men
• The Joker
• Tommy Monaghan in Hitman
• The Phantom (aka Mr Walker)
• The Question
• The Spirit
• Clark Kent
• Gambit from the X-Men
• Hellboy
• Many characters in Frank Miller's Sin City
• Vash the Stampede in Trigun
• Seto Kaiba from Yu-Gi-Oh!>
• Alucard from Hellsing
• Timmy Turner from The Fairly OddParents
• Kyle Reese in The Terminator
• Scott Shelby in the video game Heavy Rain
• Solid Snake in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
• Snow Villiers from Final Fantasy XIII
• Sephiroth in Final Fantasy VII

Other References

The trench coat has also been referenced in other contexts, such as:

• In the song "Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley, the singer wears a trench coat in the music video.
• Chiptune artist Nullsleep is known for wearing trench coats while performing on stage.
• Musician Kurt Cobain was often seen wearing trench coats or similar clothing.

Trench coat kids as adults

Now, as adults, they wouldn't need to disguise themselves to gain access to such things. However, the impact of their childhood experiences as "trench coat kids" may have had varying effects on their adult lives. Some may have fond memories of the fun and mischief of those days, while others may have more negative associations, perhaps feeling like they were ostracised or even bullied for being different.

Some former "trench coat kids" may have grown up to have a more rebellious or counter-cultural mindset, continuing to challenge societal norms and conventions in their adult lives. They may have become involved in activism or alternative lifestyles, or continued to express their individuality through their fashion choices, perhaps still favouring trench coats! On the other hand, some may have moved away from this identity, embracing more mainstream interests and activities as a way of fitting in or compensating for their previous feelings of exclusion.

In terms of career paths, it's difficult to generalise, but based on the limited information available, it seems that former "trench coat kids" may be overrepresented in certain fields such as banking and finance, information technology, and science. This may be due to a combination of factors, including their intellectual curiosity, problem-solving skills, and comfort with technology.

Of course, it's important to remember that individuals are shaped by a multitude of factors beyond their childhood interests or fashion choices. While the "trench coat kid" identity may have influenced their development to some extent, it is just one aspect of their complex lives and personalities.

Trench coats and weapons

The trench coat was originally designed for British Army officers before the First World War. The coat was designed to protect soldiers from the harsh conditions in the trenches, hence the name. Trench coats are made of waterproof heavy-duty fabric and were originally made from gabardine, a worsted wool fabric waterproofed using lanolin before weaving. The traditional colour of a trench coat is khaki.

Trench coats have been associated with weapons and warfare due to their military origins. The design of the trench coat includes features such as epaulettes, D-rings, and large pockets that can accommodate maps, grenades, ammunition cartridges, swords, and other equipment. The D-rings were originally used for attaching map cases, swords, or other equipment to the belt. The gun patch or storm flap on the right shoulder serves two functions: it can act as a gun flap to protect against rifle recoil, and it prevents rainwater from flowing down the shoulders and into the coat.

The trench coat's association with weapons and warfare has been portrayed and exaggerated in various media, including films, television shows, and video games. Characters in these works often reveal an arsenal of weapons concealed within their trench coats, such as guns, knives, and swords. This trope, known as "Trench Coat Warfare," adds an element of surprise and creates a dramatic reveal.

In recent years, the trench coat has lost its military significance, but it remains a popular fashion item for both men and women. However, following incidents like the Columbine High School shooting, where the perpetrators were associated with the "Trenchcoat Mafia", some public schools in the US have forbidden students from wearing trench coats due to their cultural associations and the potential for concealing weapons.

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