The Iconic Teddy Bear Coat

Trends are often borne from invention and the iconic Teddy Bear Coat is no different.

Instantly recognizable and widely coveted, its allure is the cozy, cuddly material that delivers warmth and simulates a hug at once. Originally named “The Borg” after entrepreneur and knitting mill owner George Borg, it dates back to the 1940s when textured car coats were already on-trend. A supplier of deep-pile fabric for paint rollers, Mr. Borg saw an application of his fuzzy fabrication for outerwear, pitched the idea to NYC garmentos and transformed his household material to high fashion overnight.

The Teddy Bear Coat’s voluminous, menswear-inspired silhouette is traditionally a blend of alpaca and mohair shaved down to make a smooth yet tactile surface. Luxury retailer MaxMara is credited for its modern day resurgence. Launched in 2013, the MaxMara Teddy Bear Coat has sold more than 17,000 units and generated over $50 million in revenues. In 2017 they changed its fiber content to camel hair and silk, making sales explode even more despite its $3,500 price tag. Of course it helps that Carine Roitfeld, Alexa Chung, Kim Kardashian, Julia Roberts and Nicky Hilton Rothschild are all fans.

It’s no surprise the retail market is now flooded with copycats that range in style, price and fiber content — from Asos to Zara to Ralph Lauren. Which color sells out the quickest, you wonder? Pink.

Sources: The Guardian, The New York Times and MaxMara.