A British Warm, [1] British warm [2] or British Warm overcoat is a type of woollen overcoat based on the greatcoats worn by British Army officers in the First World War. [3]
The British Warm first appeared around 1914 as a military greatcoat for British officers. It was made famous, however, by Winston Churchill. [4] According to Scottish clothmakers Crombie, the term "British Warm" was coined to describe their version of the coat worn by around 10% of British soldiers and officers. [5] It is currently the only authorised overcoat for serving British Army officers. [6]
A British Warm is typically a heavy, double-breasted wool coat made from a 100% wool cloth known as Melton. [4] It is taupe-coloured, has peak lapels and leather buttons, often has epaulettes, and is slightly shaped. It falls just above the knee, and is sometimes belted. [3]