From the syndicated column of H.I. Philips – November 1924
The Roaring Twenties on and Off the Field: How Raccoon Coats Became a Touchdown at Football Games
The 1920s, a decade synonymous with flappers, jazz, and a booming economy, also saw a surge in the popularity of college football. Saturdays in the fall weren’t just about laundry anymore; they were about cheering on your team in style. And what said collegiate swagger back then? You guessed it – a raccoon coat.
Pigskin and Popularity: The Rise of College Football
College football wasn’t exactly new in the 1920s, but it was on the cusp of exploding into the national phenomenon it is today. Legendary coaches like Knute Rockne were household names, and universities were pouring resources into building grand stadiums. For alumni and students alike, attending a game became a social event of the highest order. It was a chance to school spirit, mingle with classmates, and be part of something bigger than yourself.
Fashion Takes the Field: Enter the Raccoon Coat
So what does this have to do with raccoon coats? Well, with open-top cars becoming increasingly common and stadium seating often lacking proper insulation, staying warm at a chilly game became a priority. Raccoon fur coats, with their thick pelts and distinctive black masks, offered both practicality and a dash of collegiate panache.
Icons and Influence: From the Gridiron to the Gallery
The trend was further fueled by style icons of the era. Football stars like Red Grange and celebrities like Rudy Vallee were photographed sporting raccoon coats, solidifying their association with youthful exuberance and college life. The image of the raccoon-clad college man became so ingrained that it even made its way into popular culture, appearing in cartoons and magazines.
