The Raccoon Coat - A Roarin’ 20s Fad
A raccoon coat is a full-length fur coat made of raccoon pelts, which became a fashion fad in the United States during the 1920s, particularly popular with male college students in the middle and later years of the decade.
Many automobiles in the 1920s still had open tops or were made of wood and canvas, and had poor heaters or no heaters at all, and the speed of these automobiles was increasing where winter drives without heat became very uncomfortable.
(James Van Der Zee, 1930s)
Stepping back into the Roaring Twenties, one fashion item truly captures the spirit of the era for young men: the iconic raccoon coat. When I first saw photos, like the one showing a man and woman in their full-length fur coats posing with a vintage open-top car, I couldn't help but wonder about the story behind them. It’s more than just a cozy garment; it was a symbol of an entire generation. While the article mentions the practical need for warmth in chilly, open automobiles – and let’s be honest, who wouldn't want to be toasty on a winter drive – the raccoon coat's popularity soared far beyond mere utility. Imagine being a college student during this incredibly vibrant decade. The 1920s were a time of newfound prosperity, jazz music, and a rebellious spirit, especially on university campuses. The raccoon coat became a quintessential part of the "rah-rah" collegiate look, signaling both affluence and a carefree attitude. It was an expensive item, often passed down or bought with hard-earned money, making it a status symbol among the student body. You'd see these coats proudly worn at football games, parties, and even just walking around campus, embodying the youthful exuberance of the age. This wasn't just a trend confined to a few; it was a widespread cultural phenomenon. Famous figures, from athletes to jazz musicians, were often photographed donning their luxurious raccoon coats, further cementing their status as a must-have item. It wasn't uncommon for young couples, like the man and woman in the image from the 1920s-1930s, to both embrace the trend, adding a touch of glamorous practicality to their outings. The coats were bulky, yes, but they exuded a certain charm and confidence that perfectly matched the era's grand parties and burgeoning freedoms. However, like all fashion fads, the raccoon coat's reign eventually came to an end. As the 1920s transitioned into the stricter realities of the 1930s with the Great Depression, the extravagant display of wealth that the coats represented became less fashionable, and even somewhat insensitive. Styles changed, automotive heating improved, and the cultural landscape shifted. Yet, the image of a young man, or even a daring woman, bundled in a plush raccoon coat, cruising in a vintage open-top car, remains one of the most enduring and evocative symbols of the Roaring Twenties. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how fashion can truly reflect the times, mixing practicality with profound social and cultural statements.
