A Brief History of the Coat: Everything You Need to Know

A single or double-breasted coat originally came in the 18th century from the Spanish provinces, where it was considered a worker-peasant version of clothing. Then such clothes were called palletoque - from two words: pallium "loose cloak" and toque "headdress".

Over the years, a comfortable and functional item has gradually gained attention in other European countries - France, England, Russia - and in each of these countries, this type of clothing has followed its own development path. So, it was the British who gave the clothing of the Spanish commoners' variety, aristocracy, and elegance.

In the East, a coat (at that time it was also called a robe) was not only comfortable clothing but also an indicator of status. Subordinates were given a robe as a gift and at the same time promoted. They were decorated with embroidery, fur, decoration, various details were sewn on.

In China, from embroidery on coats, people understood who was in front of them. For example, a stork meant the highest rank of an official, but an embroidered magpie on a coat was worn only by peasants.

From nomads who traveled the world along the famous "Silk Road" that Marco Polo paved through Mongolia, Africa, South Asia, and to the countries of the Middle East, the fashion for the decoration of outerwear has gone. Symbolism has always been invested in patterns and embroidery, which would help the wearer in his mission, bring good luck, protect and protect.

In Russia, one could hear the word "coat" extremely rarely. Men's clothing of this type was called by the names that it received in honor of its creator - "Spencer", "Carrick", "Chesterfield". A. Pushkin did not even know such a word as "coat", the first sample of such outerwear appeared in rainy St. Petersburg only a year after the death of the classic, that is, in 1838.

One day a Scotsman got wet in the rain on his way home from work. One of the sleeves of his cloak was stained with rubber. He saw that the dirty sleeve was not wet at all and this prompted him to create a fabric that does not allow water to pass through. The inventor's name was Charles Mackintosh, who is the creator of the cloak of the same name. He received a patent for his invention and began to produce waterproof raincoats "Mac". In the 18th century, the coat was very long, so a button was sewn onto its back, for which they hooked the floor so as not to get dirty.

Interestingly, at the same time, the popular magazine Cosmopolitan sent his employee around the world. Only Elizabeth Bisland had to move in the opposite direction. Bookmakers in a rush accepted bets: "Which of the ladies will cope with the task faster?" The majority believed that it would not be possible to carry out their plans at all.

Why Nellie Bly chose a plaid coat for the trip is still unknown. She circled the Earth in 72 days 6 hours, 10 minutes, and 11 seconds. And Elizabeth Bisland of Cosmopolitan finished four days late, missing a steamer in Southampton. Just imagine the scale of the popularity of plaid coats during this period.

And by the way, PRADA in winter 2013 was clearly inspired by Nelly Bly.