Velvet Duster Coat
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Finding the Right Coats-outerwear for You
There is a stylish garment for anywhere in the universe, and on 1stDibs, finding the right vintage and designer coats and outerwear doesn’t have to feel like a journey to the ends of the earth.
Outerwear includes many types of garments aside from the standard coat. From capes, gilets, jackets and cloaks to raincoats and kimonos, fashion designers have long been preparing us for the elements, and outerwear in general has changed and evolved significantly over time.
A lot of the coat styles in our closets, such as the durable Navy-inspired peacoat, were popularized by soldiers who battled aggressive climes in their regulation field jackets and parkas — indeed, keeping troopers comfortable guided the design of the military surplus garments that have often become buzzy fashion trends. Even today, owing to the likes of Burberry, a luxury fashion house that is among the originators of the trench coat worn by British officers during World War I, the trench remains a timeless style, now available in a range of colors that can be worn throughout the year.
While women in late 1700s England donned an adaptation of a men’s jacket called a spencer — the likeness of which could be spotted in Ralph Lauren’s ready-to-wear collections hundreds of years later — designers hadn’t widely been crafting outerwear specifically for women. Generally, the outerwear of choice for the fashionable, well-heeled lady prior to the 1800s usually consisted of capes, shawls and stoles. By the mid-1800s, women were wearing overcoats with multiple layered collars popularized by men (often called a Garrick coat in England), and as women entered the workforce during the 1920s, hemlines climbed, jewelry was prominent and fashion conventions were broken across the board.
Thankfully, the 20th century’s tradition of challenging the norm continues steadfast in today’s outerwear fashions. Contemporary designers certainly find inspiration in 1960s and 1970s coats by Pierre Cardin, Yves Saint Laurent and Bonnie Cashin, but unisex options abound in modern creations that take both function and style into account. Find what inspires you in the full range of vintage and designer coats and outerwear available for sale on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022How long a duster coat should be depends on your height. As a good rule of thumb, the hem of a duster should fall between your knee and mid-calf. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of vintage and designer duster coats.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Today, the purpose of a duster coat is to add a layer of warmth to an outfit. Historically, the coat helped to keep dust off of the clothing of men and women traveling by horseback. Shop a range of duster coats on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The reason why duster coats are called duster coats relates to their original purpose. When first developed during the 19th century, dusters helped men and women keep dust and dirt off of their clothing when they were on horseback. You'll find a variety of duster coats on 1stDibs.
- What is a duster coat used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A duster coat is a loose- fitting, lightweight coat made of canvas or linen. They were originally worn by horsemen to protect their clothing from trail dust and were slit at the back up to hip level for ease of wearing. Today, a duster coat is often worn unbuttoned over the clothing. On 1stDibs, shop vintage and designer duster coats from top fashion boutiques around the world.
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