The history of the appearance of the leather coat is incredibly interesting and fascinating. Since ancient times, it was believed that this element of the wardrobe was intended to protect against wind and rain. Capes, similar to modern raincoats, were worn both by the northern peoples in order to keep warm in the cold, and the inhabitants of the south.
For the first time such "mantles" appeared in the XIV-XII centuries BC. Then the ancient people covered themselves with the skins of wild animals. The similarity of a cloak (mantle) began to be used four thousand years ago. One of these models with decoration and bronze clasps, which was worn 3000 years ago, is still kept in the museum of North Ossetia. At that time, the cloak was a cape like a mantle or penula.
The leather coat came much later. Only in the nineteenth century was the first raincoat with sleeves sewn. By the end of this century, all fashion designers and tailors created their own variations on the theme of outerwear, similar to modern ones. With lightning speed, things made of waterproof fabric began to be popular with fashionistas of those times. Merchants traveled all over Europe in search of those models that would please the high society. The leather cloak was also designed to protectfrom rain and chilly wind.
More and more new styles were created by craftsmen. By the beginning of the twentieth century, the cloak was available everywhere. With a yoke on the back, with straps on the sleeves, with a collar and a belt - there were no other models in the boutiques! The military officers liked the functional and comfortable thing. An element of the wardrobe, unpretentious in everyday life, which is easily washed and does not take up much space, was purchased by men on the road. Travelers chose for themselves products made from natural materials. A man's leather cloak was by no means a symbol of we alth and prestige. Leather could be purchased absolutely everywhere for little money.
In the middle of the twentieth century, the leather coat reached its peak of popularity. We all remember the movie The Night Porter. It is from there that all the brands that are still relevant are taken. A variety of products made of black leather and latex began to buy dandies and women of fashion in Europe. A long cloak, the hem of which reached the heels, was worn by both women and men. Closer to the 70s of the 20th century, the fashionable image has changed significantly and has become much simpler. On movie screens, Hollywood divas flaunted in trench coats made of various materials. Leather coats faded into the background and were no longer a model of beauty and style.
But fashion is cyclical - and in the 90s this wardrobe item returned to the shelves again. Women born in the Soviet Union learned for the first time what it means to dress in foreign fashion. They wore coats and raincoats made of material that was remotelylooked like skin, but it wasn't. Oilcloth products were actively bought up in the markets near the Central Department Store. People could not afford branded items, but they really wanted to look stylish. It was for this reason that it was not uncommon at that time to meet a girl on the street in a faux suede jacket, nubuck boots or a latex raincoat. Fortunately, now, at the beginning of the 21st century, such products are not fashionable, the demand for them has fallen sharply.
