WOOLRICH WOOLEN MILLS STORM COAT
This season's Woolrich Woolen Mills Storm Coat in striped blanket material reminds me so much of the mountain man capotes of the North American fur trade days. The designer was so smart to request to have the fabric cut randomly to emphasize the stripe wool because it gives this garment such a strong blanket feel that you can't help but think that they had the capote in mind.
"Called "Capote" after the French word for "Hood", blanket coats like this originated in Central Canada and were probably made as early as 1675. This popular style coat was standard issue during the French & Indian War and the American Revolution and many times were made by the soldiers from issue blankets. By the mid-l9th century, the popularity of the Capote had spread westward with the fur trade and it was commonly seen in use by the Indians of the Northern Plains, Rocky Mountains and Columbian Plateau.
Capotes varied greatly in cut, style and decoration, with the American Indian versions being decorated with beadwork, sequins, hawk bells, binding of a contrasting color, etc. Some Capotes even contained a cotton lining of calico or similar print fabric; however, most examples were hardly decorated other than having fringe at the shoulders and hood.
This practical coat is as popular with today's Buckskinners & Indian Enthusiasts as it was in previous times. No doubt this is due to the great versatility of the garment as well as its colorful style. Capotes can be worn over several layers of clothing in extreme cold weather and can double as an extra blanket if needed."
Woolrich Woolen Mills - Storm Coat
in black and blue
DETAILS: 85% wool 15% nylon storm coat with notched collar with removable cotton backed acetate fur liner, two mid-torso single welt pockets, two large open flap patch front pockets, adjustable wool waistband, single vent in back hem, and two-piece sleeves with button tab at cuff in black and navy horizontal stripes. Unlined with cotton facings and two inside patch pockets with buttoning flaps.
sizes: XS, S, M or L
