How to recognise it
Thick wool cloth, a hood, large patch pockets and a fastening of toggles through rope or leather loops. The silhouette is loose and straight.
Where it comes from
The cloth is named after the Belgian town of Duffel. In the Second World War British naval crews and Field Marshal Montgomery wore these coats, hence the nickname Monty coat.
Who and when it suits
A warm everyday winter coat that goes with jeans, knits and boots. Toggles are easy to fasten even in gloves.
Variations and look-alikes
It comes in classic navy, camel, green or red, with wooden or horn toggles, shorter to the hip or longer to the knee, sometimes with a check lining. Children's duffles are often brightly coloured. It differs from a pea coat in the hood and toggles. A good duffle is made of thick, dense wool that keeps out the wind.
How to style it
- With a chunky jumper and jeans.
- A scarf and hat go well with the hood.
- Choose a mid-thigh length.
- Navy and camel are the classic colours.
Similar styles
Frequently asked
01Why is it called a Monty coat?
British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery wore one in the Second World War.
02How is a duffle coat different from a parka?
A duffle is wool with toggles; a parka is technical fabric with a zip.