What is a Car Coat? Its characteristics, history, and recommended models!

If you like fashion, you have probably heard of a “car coat” at least once. However, there are many people who do not know what kind of outerwear it actually is…? In this article, we will review the definition and history of the car coat, and introduce selected models that you should choose now.

What is a car coat?Outerwear born for driving a car, which is mainly divided into two lines

A car coat is a generic term for “a coat worn when driving a car” that was created in the early 1900s. At that time, cars did not yet have roofs, and car coats were created to protect against wind, dust, and cold while driving. The initial type was a long, regular-collar design with a thick leather or fur lining. Later, when cars began to be equipped with roofs and heaters, the emphasis shifted from “protection” to “driving comfort,” and the length was shortened and the material was lightened, while the collar design was retained.

Today, there are two main types of outerwear called “car coats. The first one is a rugged one made of leather as shown in the image below. Many people probably think of this design when they think of car coats. It is characterized by its thick material made of hard cowhide or sheepskin, large pockets, and simple button-only placket. This line became popular in the U.S. with the expansion of the car society, and has a rustic structure that prioritizes functionality.

Rakuten

Cleaner types made of cotton gabardine or nylon are also indispensable when talking about car coats. The “Camden” model by Burberry is a typical example, with a thigh-length design using water-repellent fabrics, and a winged tailoring. Although the materials and the expression are different from those of leather, both are positioned in the same lineage of “outerwear created for riding in a car”.

jp.burberry.com

History of the car coatWorn by James Bond and Liam Gallagher after the war and now a staple on the fashion scene

The car coat was born in the early 1900s as winter clothing for the open car era, but after the war, when cars were equipped with roofs and heating systems, the car coat became a popular item of clothing. From the 1980s onward, car coats began to appear in popular culture, including movies and music. For example, the black car coat worn by James Bond in the 1987 film ‘ The Living Daylights’ is said to have been designed by Kenzo Takada.

Photo by REX/AfroEditorial use only.No book cover usage.Mandatory Credit: Photo by Danjaq/Eon/Ua/Kobal/Shutterstock (5886137ak) Timothy Dalton The Living Daylights – 1987 Director: John Glen Danjaq/Eon/UA BRITAIN Film Portrait James Bond Action/Adventure Tuer n’est pas jouer

.

Liam Gallagher of Oasis in a sheepskin car coat at the 1996 Brit Awards. Furthermore, the drama ‘ Mad Men,’ which aired in the U.S. from 2007 to 2015, is set in 1960s New York City, and in the play, the main character Don Draper wears a car coat. Such a depiction can be seen as an example of how car coats were common in the U.S. at the time.

Photo: Newscom/AfroOasis, Feb 20, 1996 : The Brit Awards February1996
Best British Group : Oasis. Best British Video : “Wonderwall” – Oasis. Best British Album : “(What’s the Story?) Morning Glory” – Oasis. Here, Liam Gallagher insults the crowd. (Photo by Newscom/AFLO)[2352]