Thomas Burberry, founder and original designer for the British line, Burberry, can be credited for the development of the trench coat. He first designed the trench coat as a raincoat for an army officer during the United Kingdom War Office in 1901. It then became an optional coat to the heavy serge greatcoats worn by the British Army.The coat then had a basic uniform design. It was usually ten buttons long and double-breasted, typically in khaki or black. The coat was also developed with intricate details such as cuff straps, shoulder straps and most notable for its wrapped belt. Fabric used for the trench was ideal for protection from the cold, snow and rain.

Following World War II, the trench became a garment of business-like respectability and worn by popular fictional characters on the big screen such as Dick Tracy, Rick Blane from Casablanca, Audrey Hepburn for Breakfast at Tiffany's, and most recently on Keanu Reeves in the box office hit, The Matrix.

Later in the 1960's, the trench coat became the alternative to the fishtail parka or crombie, and was seen as a highly fashionable overcoat. The trench has also been portrayed as a provocative garment worn by women in an effort to conceal their bare bodies.

Since the days of war, the trench has become a staple piece of a fashionable wardrobe. It is especially a popular item during the winter for both men and women alike. Looks for the trench coat has transcended into short and long. Modern changes to the look also include pleated or voluminous skirts, short, wide sleeves, and a variation in fabrics. Its silhouette has also changed to be more tailored and fitted, and although styles and colors change each season, the look is a timeless classic.

Like many other fall and winter weather choices, today's fashionable trench coat is military in origin. Lightweight and rain-resistant, it was created as an alternative for officers and other ranked personnel during World War I, which was, of course, dominated by trench warfare. The coat is somewhat common; however, it is often easy to forget its origin, even though many of the details we consider hallmarks of the trench coat's style actually originated as military practicalities for the display of insignia and the carrying of equipment and weapons.

Military clothes have always had a presence in civilian fashion, usually because they are retained after war both for durability and as an indicator of status as a veteran or survivor. The trench coat was no different, and because its use had been restricted to those of rank, it quickly morphed into an indicator of wealth and sophistication. Civilian versions of the trench coat for both men and women began to be produced between the two world wars, and the military version of the coat remained in use during World War II, although in more variants as more countries added similar garments to their uniform options.

After WWII, the trench coat's trendiness really took off, and the coat became a staple of fashion in both books and films, particularly the detective genre. Perhaps most surprising, though, is the way the trench coat has been embraced by various alternative youth fashion movements for decades.

The trench coat was popular with the mods in the 1960s and is often seen in both the goth and heavy metal scenes (although usually in longer, black versions more accurately known as dusters). In more mainstream fashion, Sex in the City's Carrie also popularized the trench coat for women by making it sexy and flirty. For a coat that started in battle, the trench coat has had a surprising fashion history that is only likely to continue.