4-492: A British Warm , British warm or British Warm overcoat is a type of woollen overcoat based on the greatcoats worn by British Army officers in the First World War . The British Warm first appeared around 1914 as a military greatcoat for British officers. It was made famous, however, by Winston Churchill . According to Scottish clothmakers Crombie , the term "British Warm" was coined to describe their version of
8-414: Is a large, woollen overcoat designed for warmth and protection against wind and weather, and features a collar that can be turned up and cuffs that can be turned down to protect the face and the hands, whilst the short rain-cape at the shoulders protects from the wind and repels rain. In the 19th century, such a coat was part of a soldier's military uniform , to be worn whilst on watch (guard duty), hence
12-474: The coat worn by around 10% of British soldiers and officers. It is currently the only authorised overcoat for serving British Army officers. A British Warm is typically a heavy, double-breasted wool coat made from a 100% wool cloth known as Melton . It is taupe -coloured, has peak lapels and leather buttons, often has epaulettes , and is slightly shaped. It falls just above the knee, and is sometimes belted. Greatcoat A greatcoat (also watchcoat )
16-532: The term watchcoat . The drape of the greatcoat reached to below the knee of the wearer, the short cape drapes to the elbow, and the capacious external pockets allow the wearer to carry dry food and other items; an example is the Petersham coat , named after Viscount Petersham . In the fashion of the Regency era (1795–1837) a greatcoat might feature several short capes, usually designed, cut, and tailored to
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