Amber Waves

Amber waves of grain, anyone?

We hit Vermont right in between Fall and Winter, but it’s absolutely gorgeous all year round, clearly. We wandered into this field to watch the sun set and the grain (or weeds?? I have no clue… :P) were above my head! I know I often take the city for granted, but if you are lucky enough to live in nature, take every opportunity to soak in how amazing it can be. 

This Winter, I’m trying to round out my coat assortment. Most guys start with a peacoat, then get a topcoat, then a puffer— or some variation of those 3. But what about the duffle coat? It doesn’t get enough play, in my opinion! 

Duffle coats come Duffel and are made out of duffel. 

Yup. That’s a thing.

Duffel is a type of thick wool fabric and the design may have been inspired by Polish military coats in the early 1800s (Duffel is a province in Belgium). Nowadays, they’re made all over world and out of all sorts of materials, but the essential design remains the same: a longer, hooded coat with large patch pockets and wood or horn toggle-fastenings. 

In America, we call them toggle coats. 

We lack subtly in America.

Think of the duffle coat as the casual cousin of a topcoat. It’s about the same length but has an innate ease about the design. I wouldn’t recommend wearing it with a suit, keep it strictly casual.  Wooden toggles and a pocket square don’t really mix.

This green plaid coat is from Original Penguin, one of my favorite brands right now. Check out their assortment of men’s outerwear from duffle coats to peacoats to topcoats.

Original Penguin Paddington coat / Native Youth sweater / J-Crew trousers and socks / Wolverine boots / Ivory + Mason sunglasses / Cos scarf