The toggle or duffle coat is a sporty classic for both men and women. It is a perennial favorite of fashion houses and outdoor brands alike, and owes its popularity to the British Royal Navy who made the coat standard issue during World War I. The distinguishing features of the duffle coat were designed for functionality. The wooden toggles could be easily fastened and unfastened while wearing gloves in cold weather at sea and the oversized hood offered enough room to wear over a Naval cap.
The same design prevails today and this fall season, brands from Saint Laurent and Burberry to Woolrich and Merrell have brought us their interpretations of this timeless classic. Here are our six picks for the season’s best toggle coats.
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ROW 1: BURBERRY BRIT WOOL DUFFLE COAT $995. Available in a wide array of colors, this classic pure wool duffle coat is lined with Burberry’s iconic beige and red check. It features all the traditional details such as toggle closure, oversize flap pockets and lined hood. WOOLRICH WOMENS BRISTOL DUFFLE COAT $229. This duffle coat from the iconic heritage brand, Woolrich, is constructed with a double-faced wool blend and features a fleece-lined hood, front zipper and storm flap for extra protection against wind and cold.
ROW 2: SAINT LAURENT $2950. Hedi Slimane’s duffle coat for Saint Laurent is beautifully tailored from Italian wool and celebrates all the traditional elements of the toggle with his inimitably chic style. J.CREW CONVERTIBLE TOGGLE COAT $398. Gotta love high-low, and in the less pricier range is this classic toggle from J.Crew which features a convenient zip-off hood.
ROW 3: Y-3 LITE TAFT COAT $ 525. The Y-3 Lite Taft Coat blends traditional styling with contemporary materials. The taffeta body is padded with warm PrimaLoft insulation and accented with a toggle button placket and touches of faux leather. MERRELL HAVEN DUFFLE COAT $199. Available in 3 colors, the Haven from Merrell blends the traditional elements of the duffle coat with the reliable warmth of a winter parka. Insulated and water resistant, this wooly twill coat is very warm, with a style at ease in town or the country.
