Crombie Airman's coat

[TheEdwardian]

Since I've already touched on Crombie this evening:

This: http://www.crombie.co.uk/coats/mens/...bk-1-2381.html

On me, it looks more extreme, more built up shoulders, more nipped in waist. I rather like it as a statement piece, or something for supremely cold weather - feels at least 1.5 times heavier than anything I've worn before. I'm pretty sure it isn't worth £550, but I might be willing to spend £550 on it.

I'm told by the staff they are an authentic replica of a WW2 airman's coat.

I know Crombie have been doing them for at least a couple of years. Does anyone have any experience or further knowledge?

 

[Blackhood]

Crombie are widely regarded as being fantastic makers of Coats.

I personally very much like the look of this piece and as someone looking to replace a Double Breasted overcoat I will be making a trip into Crombie tomorrow.

 

[Ianiceman]

My dad was a WW2 RAF pilot. Officers didn't get issued uniforms they were given an allowance and sent to HM Suppliers. I have his great coat hanging downstairs made by Burberry. The style of that crombie looks very similar aside from the colour and buttons. My dads fits very close in the waist and looks longer run in your pic. It also has a strange **** and flap in the left seam, not sure what that was for as it's too small to allow access to a tunic pocket or anything.

Crombie makes beautiful coats too so choose carefully as it will last you a lifetime.

 

[drax]

The **** in the left side seam was to allow the hilt of the officers sword to be worn outside the coat, while the scabbard remained inside. Since the sword belt and slings are traditionally worn over the tunic but not over the great coat. I think this is the case for all branches of the services.

 

[Ianiceman]

Originally Posted by drax

The **** in the left side seam was to allow the hilt of the officers sword to be worn outside the coat, while the scabbard remained inside. Since the sword belt and slings are traditionally worn over the tunic but not over the great coat. I think this is the case for all branches of the services.

Thanks for that - I wondered if it might be something to do with regalia. The coat is so waisted that a sword under there would have been a very tight fit but I never saw a picture of him with his sword (I remember him saying he had sold it but he was fond of tall stories!) so it may be just a stylistic detail that is retained even though officer rarely wear swords these days - or even those days!

I do remember my Mam telling me when they were dating she had got a bit drunk. He had put the coat around her shoulders when they were walking outside and she accidentally dropped it in a puddle which was nearly a deal breaker!!

 

[Fred H.]

That is ONEHELLUVA great looking great coat. Love WWII-inspired garments such as this!