Why do trench coats have flaps

CuffDaddy Connoisseur. To prevent wind-driven rain from coming into the garment through button-holes or zipper teeth. If you're really out in the weather for an extending period, and are counting on the coat to keep you dry, they're somewhat important. Zippers aren't waterproof. To help secure the neck opening against leakage in driving rain. Soldiers in the Great War didn't get to carry umbrellas. A double layer around the shoulders, where the most water falls and sits.

Originally trenchcoats weren't completely waterproof, just a very tight water resistant weave. This just makes it take longer for the water to soak through. Same with the old wool capes you see in the movies set before the 19th century. They always had an extra layer on the shoulders. David V Super Member.

While your post refered to storm flap I'm inclined to believe you are refering to the flap over the right breast. I have always heard it called a "gun flap". Click to expand Last edited: Apr 10, David V said:. Oh, I see Thanks very much, that really clears that up, it seems that I could not in fact identify the storm flap, I meant the gun flap.

Very interesting, thanks very much. So, the gun flap is in fact a bit pointless nowadays, as is the cape, given that today's trench coats are waterproof and we don't tend to shoot in trench coats anymore?

So, the gun flap is in fact a bit pointless nowadays, as is the cape, given that Speak for your self. Its a misnomer. Three surgeries and a stroke couldn't keep him from football. Suni Lee barely survives elimination on 'Dancing With the Stars'. Restaurant roll call: The latest openings and closings in the Twin Cities.

Edwards blames himself, Towns and Russell after Wolves first loss. Variety Top 10 film trench coats Trench coats have been ready for their close-ups for decades. Here are the 10 best looks.

More from Star Tribune. Music 5 lasting impressions from what was likely the Rolling Stones' last time in town October More From Star Tribune. More From Variety. But with this knowledge now comes the responsibility to pass on the intel to the generations that come after us. Thanks to this brand new information, our kids will never know the struggle of going through life constantly having to adjust your bag on your shoulder. Lucky dogs. By Stephanie Montes.

All Saints. Search Close. Joined Nov 8, Messages 3, Reaction score 3. Originally Posted by bengal-stripe. Joined Sep 23, Messages 3, Reaction score 1. Joined Jul 22, Messages 2, Reaction score Originally Posted by a tailor. I wasnt convinced before but now i do think its more likely for a rifle since most men right handers would hold the butt to their right shoulder. I may have to call my contacts at Burberry to find out more.

Somewhere i have a facsimile of the first catalog that had a 'tielocken' the first trenchcoat i believe explained in it Lord knows where it is though TCN Distinguished Member. Joined Jun 22, Messages 1, Reaction score 3. Gentlemen, I checked with my friend EJ, the most knowledgeable person on these matters that I know, and this is what he wrote back: "The confusion seems to come from the fact that most gun flaps today aren't really properly cut.

The flap is essentially a "capelet", designed to button over and keep water from running into the upper corner on the buttoned side of the coat. If you button up a trench coat, you may notice that the part just infront of the collarbone is just one piece of fabric on top of the other, and the overlap is open on the top edge. This lets water in, and if you raise yr arms for any reason, but for example, shouldering a rifle , it has a tendency to open up even more by separating the lower and overlapping side of the coat.