What is the Difference Between a Trench Coat and a Mac?

Dear Ask Debonair,

What is the difference between a trench coat and a Mac?

Well, both are raincoats.
The term ‘trench coat’ refers to the commissioning of Burberry by the British Military in 1914 to adopt their water-resistant and breathable gabardine fabric for the British officers in the trenches of World War I.  The style is a full-cut, double breasted and belted coat with epaulets.
The term ‘Mac’ derives itself from the last name of Charles Macintosh, who, in 1823 developed a rubberized waterproof fabric (that is, spreading rubber onto cotton).  Any coat that is cut in the way of a classic Mackintosh is referred to as a Mac (as other companies has since adopted the style).  The distinctive cut does not contain lapels, epaulets or a belt.

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