The Imperial German Army greatcoat, or Mantel, was one of the most distinctive and essential garments issued to soldiers during the First World War. Designed to provide warmth and protection in the harsh conditions of the front, it was a long, double-breasted coat made from heavy feldgrau (field-grey)/Stiengrau (stone-grey) wool, reaching well below the knees for maximum coverage.
The coat featured two rows of six metal or painted buttons down the front, with a broad fall collar that could be turned up and closed across the throat for additional warmth. The shoulder straps (Schulterklappen) displayed regimental or branch distinction, often in colored piping, making the greatcoat not only practical but also an item of unit identity.
Each sleeve was cut generously to allow freedom of movement and had a turned-back cuff. A rear half-belt and vent allowed for easier marching and riding, while the large cut gave room for layering over the service tunic. The coat was also fitted with two internal slash pockets, useful for carrying small personal items.
Issued in variations throughout the war, early models were made from a higher-quality thick wool in a greener shade of grey, while later-war examples tended toward a browner, coarser cloth due to shortages. Despite these differences, the overall design remained consistent.
When not worn, the greatcoat was often rolled and carried over the shoulder or strapped to the Tornister (backpack), forming part of the soldier’s field kit. In the trenches, it became indispensable during cold weather, providing warmth, limited water resistance, and even serving as bedding in makeshift shelters.
The WWI German Mantel stands as a symbol of the rugged endurance of the front-line soldier—functional, durable, and unmistakably military in appearance.
WWI Imperial German Army Greatcoat (Mantel) – Early War (1914–1915)
The early-war Mantel was a long, heavy, double-breasted greatcoat cut from thick, high-quality feldgrau wool, leaning toward a greenish-grey shade. It reached well below the knees, ensuring warmth and protection during long marches and cold field conditions.
It featured two rows of six metal buttons, a large fall collar that could be turned up in foul weather, and regimental shoulder straps with colored piping that identified unit branch and number. The rear half-belt and long vent allowed greater mobility, particularly for soldiers on the march or mounted.
These early models were sturdily built, with generous tailoring, turned-back cuffs, and deep interior pockets, reflecting pre-war attention to quality and uniformity. The early Mantel was often rolled and worn slung over the shoulder when not in use, forming part of the iconic silhouette of the German infantryman at the outbreak of the Great War.
WWI Imperial German Army Greatcoat (Mantel) – Late War (1916–1918)
By the mid-to-late war years, material shortages forced significant changes to the Mantel. The cut remained the same—long, double-breasted, and practical—but the wool cloth shifted toward a browner shade of grey (stone-grey or mouse-grey) and was generally of a coarser, less durable quality.
The metal buttons were often replaced with painted steel or composite types, and piping on the shoulder straps was reduced or eliminated to simplify production. Though still featuring the broad collar, rear vent, and pockets, the finish was noticeably less refined than pre-war examples.
Despite these changes, the late-war Mantel remained a vital piece of kit. It provided warmth in the trenches, could serve as a blanket, and was indispensable in the harsh winters of the Western and Eastern Fronts. This version epitomizes the wartime shift from parade-ground elegance to sheer practicality and economy.
