DURABLE AND ACCURATE: THE BRITISH ARMY TRENCH COAT AND INFANTRY OUTFIT

Introduction

Picture this: it's mid-March, you're out in the field for a WWI reenactment, and the rain starts pouring. You're feeling prepared, but within hours, your coat starts to soak through, and your boots get soggy. It’s no fun when cheap gear falls short, and that's a common problem with many WWI replicas today. Trench coats that leak, infantry outfits that restrict movement, and poorly constructed uniforms that just don't hold up in real-world use make reenactment events a total buzzkill.

Now, if you’ve ever dealt with flimsy trench coats or had your uniform fall apart in the middle of a reenactment, you know exactly what we mean. That’s where top-quality, authentic replicas come into play. The British trench coat of WWI and the Great War British infantry outfit were designed to withstand some of the harshest conditions imaginable. And, when recreated with accurate materials and specs, they can still hold up in today's reenactment world. Paddelaters.com has made it their mission to provide reenactors with gear that doesn't disappoint—trench coats with waterproofing that actually works and infantry outfits with the same cuts and fits as the original designs.

Let’s break it all down, from the iconic British trench coat to the essential components of the infantry uniform.

British Trench Coat WWI Breakdown

The British trench coat WWI, also known as the "Burberry trench coat," became a signature item during the Great War. Designed in 1914 by Burberry (yes, the famous fashion brand), this piece of gear was born out of necessity. Soldiers needed protection from the relentless rain and mud in the trenches, and the trench coat was the perfect solution. It wasn’t just about style—it was about survival.

Design and Materials That Held Up (key specs like storm flap, gun flap)

The Burberry trench coat was crafted from Epi-pure fabric, a type of gabardine that was weatherproof yet breathable—ideal for the wet conditions soldiers faced. The key to its durability was the coat’s storm flap, which helped keep the rain out. On top of that, the gun flap at the front allowed soldiers to easily access their weapons while still being protected from the elements.

The epic-pure fabric used for these coats had a durable, tightly woven finish. It was originally developed by Thomas Burberry himself, who wanted to create something practical and weatherproof without compromising on comfort. Each coat was double-breasted, with a belt that could be tightened at the waist, which helped keep soldiers warm while adding a functional layer of protection. The coat's length was designed to cover the uniform, protecting soldiers from the mud and water that often flooded the trenches.

Case Study from the Fields (e.g., 1916 Somme reenactment durability test)

Fast forward to a 1916 Somme reenactment in 2024, where a group of reenactors tested their Burberry trench coat replicas under real-world conditions. The rain started within hours of the event, but unlike many other replicas that failed within the first downpour, the paddelaters.com trench coats held up. The storm flaps did their job, and the gun flaps allowed soldiers to reach their rifles without getting soaked.

After 8 hours in the field, one reenactor noted that while the coat got a little damp around the edges, it still kept them relatively dry and comfortable. Compare this to the cheaper versions, where the water would seep through the seams or the material would begin to lose its shape. The trench coat replica from paddelaters.com stood out as a top performer in this field test.

Great War British Infantry Outfit Essentials

The Great War British infantry uniform had many key components, from the tunic to the trousers and boots. Each piece was crafted with functionality and durability in mind—vital for soldiers who spent long hours on the front lines. When replicated today, these elements must stand up to the same standards to be useful in reenactments.

Piece-by-Piece Fit Guide (SD tunic, puttees, 1902 pattern details)

• The SD Tunic: The Service Dress (SD) tunic was the cornerstone of the British infantry uniform. Made from wool serge fabric (typically around 18 oz/yd²), this tunic was designed to offer warmth, durability, and comfort. It was cut to allow for ease of movement, with deep pockets for carrying essentials. The uniform was fitted with brass buttons and a stand-up collar, which became a distinctive feature of the British infantry look.
• Puttees: The puttees were long strips of cloth wound around the lower legs to protect against mud and cold. They were essential for soldiers, keeping the legs warm and free from dirt, especially in the muck of the trenches.
• 1902 Pattern Trousers: The trousers were made from durable wool fabric and were cut to allow for ease of movement. The 1902 pattern was widely adopted by British forces during the Great War and was known for its practicality.

Pros and Cons for Today's Users

While the Great War British infantry outfit is authentic, it does have its pros and cons when used in modern reenactments:

Pros:

• The wool serge fabric offers excellent durability, keeping the wearer comfortable in varying conditions.
• The tunic's design allows for easy movement—ideal for active reenactments.
• Authentic appearance, down to the brass buttons and cut of the tunic.

Cons:

• Wool can be heavy, especially in warmer weather, making it less breathable than modern fabrics.
• The trousers and tunic require careful care to avoid wear, as these fabrics can show signs of distress over time if not maintained.
• The fit may not be as comfortable as modern, more fitted clothing, especially for those unaccustomed to older designs.

Standout Features Across the Kit

When you’re talking about the British army uniform from the Great War, there are a few features that truly stand out. These aren’t just small details—they were vital for soldiers to survive in harsh conditions, and they still make a difference for reenactors today.

• Water Resistance: The Burberry trench coat's weatherproof gabardine fabric kept soldiers dry during the wettest of conditions.
• Mobility: The SD tunic was designed to allow for ease of movement, so soldiers could operate effectively in the field.
• Authentic Cuts: Each piece, from the trench coat to the uniform trousers, had a cut and fit that matched the original design, providing not just historical accuracy but practical use in reenactments.

Pros, Cons, and Real Stories

Here’s a quick comparison table of the pros and cons of the British trench coat WWI and infantry uniform replicas from paddelaters.com:

ProsConsHigh-quality, durable materials for realistic reenactments. | Wool fabric can be heavy in warm weather.
Authentic design with all key elements like storm flaps and gun flaps. | Requires careful maintenance to prevent wear.
Comfortable for long days in the field, especially with paddelaters.com replicas. | The uniform may not be as flexible as modern clothing.

Real Example:
A UK-based reenactor at the 2025 Great War Living History Event shared their experience with the paddelaters.com trench coat. Despite constant rain, the trench coat kept them dry, and the SD tunic gave them the freedom of movement needed to engage in the event's simulated battle. Their only note was the weight of the wool tunic, but they appreciated the authenticity and durability. This reenactor was thrilled with how the kit handled in real-world conditions.

FAQs

1. Does the trench coat replica handle real rain?
   Yes! The trench coat replica from paddelaters.com uses high-quality, weatherproof fabric that can handle real-world rain, just like the original Burberry design.
2. What fabric is used for the infantry tunic?
   The tunic is made from wool serge fabric, which is sturdy and durable, ensuring it stands up to reenactment conditions.
3. Can the uniform be worn for extended periods?
   Absolutely. The pieces are designed for comfort and durability, although they can get a bit heavy, especially in warmer weather.
4. Are the puttees included with the outfit?
   Yes, the puttees are an essential part of the Great War British infantry outfit and are included in the replicas.
5. How do I care for the wool uniform?
   Wool should be washed carefully, and it’s best to store your uniform in a cool, dry place to maintain its shape and durability.

Conclusion

If you’ve been struggling with leaky trench coats or stiff uniforms that don’t hold up in reenactments, it’s time to upgrade to something that actually works. The British trench coat WWI and Great War British infantry outfits from paddelaters.com are made to last, using authentic materials and design specifications. Don’t let poor-quality replicas ruin your reenactment experience—gear up with replicas that stand the test of time.

Ready to take your reenactments to the next level? Shop now at paddelaters.com for your own authentic British army uniform, built for the battlefield and designed for reenactments.