Childrens Duffle Coats Test

A nod to the coat’s naval origins, internal webbing leg straps were initially designed to anchor the coat in high winds—essential for sailors on deck during WWII. Though rarely used today, they remain a hallmark of authentic duffle craftsmanship, offering function and a link to timeless utility style.

Initially chosen for their ease of use in gloved hands, wooden toggles were a practical solution for naval personnel battling the elements at sea. Paired with rope or jute loops, they could be fastened quickly and securely, even in freezing conditions—now a signature detail that defines the duffle’s unmistakable silhouette.

Known as a martingale tab, this tailored cuff detail allowed wearers to tighten the sleeve opening, preventing wind and rain from creeping in—crucial for Royal Navy sailors exposed to the elements. Today, it remains a subtle but authentic nod to the duffle’s utilitarian past, adding structure and shape to the sleeve.

True to its wartime roots, the Monty duffle features a pancake hood. This flat, rounded design sits neatly across the shoulders when not in use, engineered for ease under naval headgear. The traditional rope-and-wood toggle fastening offers glove-friendly practicality and timeless military charm, setting the standard for all duffles that followed.