Many of our most popular fashion statements began life as practical clothing and accessories, often for the working environment. Take Doc Martens, for instance, which began life as comfortable boots for workers and then found themselves a special place in fashion history as the boot of choice for successive youth cultures. Now even the humble Wellington boot has somehow become be a fashion statement. Practicality doesn’t have to be at the expense of style and can sometimes even define it.

The Wellington boot has experienced a boom in popularity in recent times with even the big brands and fashion house turning their attention to this most utilitarian footwear that boasts a long and interesting history.

History

The story of the wellie started when the first Duke of Wellington decided to have his own boots modified. He believed that better boots would help immensely in battle and that it was possible to create something which was much more comfortable and practical than the typical hessian styles of the 18th century. He therefore instructed his boot makers to create something in leather that was cut to mid-calf and which had a small heel. He asked that the boots be stylish enough to wear to formal occasions.

The Duke was a war hero and so it was inevitable that the British aristocracy would soon be keen to copy his style. The new boots quickly found favour with the nobility and then Wellingtons were developed further when Charles Goodyear invented the vulcanisation process for rubber. A footwear manufacturer called Hiram Hutchinson picked up on the potential of the new material and purchased the patent to make waterproof Wellingtons for farm workers in France. His boots were an instant hit with the agricultural community. Then Wellington boots proved to be the perfect choice for soldiers in the World War I trenches and their future was secured.

By the end of World War II affordable rubber Wellingtons had become extremely popular amongst civilians for coping with wet weather. Rationing had made leather boots hard to come by and so Wellingtons were also the first choice for labourers who needed durable work boots. The boot was now roomier with a rounded toe and basically the style that we now all know and love.

Another Chapter

There was never any doubting the Wellington boot’s practicality but stylish they were not! They will never be the picture of elegance but at least these days new patterns and bright colours have resulted in Wellingtons which are much more visually appealing. You can really have fun with wellies now as many brands and labels have seized an opportunity to expand their ranges by including more fashionable wellies that bling up even the most miserable of days. Of course you can still opt for restrained styles in black or green for the working environment but when you are out and about why not blaze a trail in a riot of spots and stripes! Wellingtons are certainly here to stay.

Article By Sally Stacey