Sew an iconic piece: the free hack of the Tigris coat into a trench coat

Back to a wardrobe “classic”

Iconic, glamorous, classic, charismatic and timeless… What’s more iconic than a beautiful trench coat? And what’s more disturbing than slipping on a devilishly feminine outfit underneath, to be revealed when the time comes?!

Our Fauvae Botanica winter collection includes a very pretty coat sewing pattern, the Tigris model . I thought this pattern would be perfect to divert, and to give you even more sewing options, we are offering you the pattern pieces in PDF format to transform your Tigris coat into a magnificent trench coat .

In a few words, a short history of the trench coat

The trench coat was originally an outerwear for gentlemen, and became popular when officers wore it during the First World War. The brands Burberry and Aquascutum had in fact reworked their "overcoat" design, already very popular with gentlemen, to meet the needs of the military, and the image of the elegant officer contributed to the enthusiasm of civilians for the trench coat.

Following the Second World War, its iconic status was reinforced when Hollywood incorporated it into the wardrobe of stars such as Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich. The trench coat is thus a garment that is also appropriated by women.

What is the new Tigris like?

The trench coat is a garment that features "signature" elements: a flap in the back, a pretty turn-down collar, shoulder tabs and a belt. The Tigris coat , with its long line, its straight cut, its large, slightly low patch pockets, its shoulders embellished with tabs, its low back slit and its particular buttoning lends itself well to the exercise.

To complete the revisit, the free extension of the pattern includes the flap piece, the new collar and the belt with 2 belt loops . The flap is lined, the collar constructed with a drop and a collar stand, and the belt is positioned in the hollow of the waist. I really like wearing my trench coat open, with the belt tied in the back, it gives a little je-ne-sais-quoi of nonchalance…

The iconic gabardine trench coat

It is part of everyone's imagination, it is timeless, it is essential! The beige gabardine trench coat is an iconic piece that spans generations and trends.

Tigris' hack sewn in our Greige gabardine is very successful: the new collar from the free pattern extension will be as elegant worn folded down as pulled up close to the face, the bib has a nice hold, the button tabs on the shoulder are embellished with our matching 18 mm Greige Poppy buttons , bringing a little softness to this sewing.

For the lining, I chose our khaki cupro lining fabric, which goes very well with gabardine and follows the codes of the trench coat.

A midnight-colored trench coat

To match this new model, I chose a fabric from the "L'Hiver Fauve" capsule , our sublime Italian navy blue and black tartan wool 100% wool . Very elegant, sufficiently supple, it gives the Tigris trench a perfect look. To add a precious touch, I chose the light gold jewel buttons , and I placed on the back of its beautiful collar a Flamboyant Heart pin by Christelle Dit Christensen .

Sewing my new Tigris trench coat

The PDF supplement that we offer you will accompany your Tigris sewing pattern, it is essential to have the coat pattern to sew this new variation. And as with each new free sewing hack, a dedicated video awaits you on our site to detail the specific sewing steps of the trench version. We show you the preparation of the new pattern pieces and what will change in the assembly compared to the original pattern. The complete range of garment assembly will be found on the complete video tutorial of the Tigris coat .

And you, what will you hide under your Tigris trench coat?