| abstract | - An "evil" character, or otherwise out-of-the-ordinary character, can always be identified (by the observant audience anyway) by the fact that he wears a concealing trenchcoat, fedora and occasionally dark glasses that are in no way seen as suspicious by any passers-by. Not to be confused with Badass Longcoat or Trenchcoat Brigade. Lawmen or vigilantes wearing these do not count unless they are deliberately trying to avoid notice. This one started out as Truth in Television. From the late 1930s to late 1950s, a trenchcoat and fedora were the standard outerwear for a man who was neither upper-class nor extreme lower-class. Consequently, they were the natural choice for spies, detectives and anyone wanting to blend in with the added bonus of easily concealing weapons. But as this style fell out of fashion with the general public, it came to be exclusively associated with said spies and detectives, whose continued use of this fashion would make them more conspicuous if anyone were paying attention. Thus, whether this is perfectly plausible disguise or a Paper-Thin Disguise depends largely on the medium and the setting of the story. And the weather. Very useful when two kids stand on top of each other's shoulders and pretend to be an adult. With all the concern with terrorists and flashers, this is likely on its way to becoming a Dead Horse Trope. Modern version of Black Cloak and In the Hood. Variant of Coat, Hat, Mask. See also: Most Definitely Not a Villain, Paper-Thin Disguise, Blatant Burglar. The Other Wiki also explored this trope in its own page. Examples of Conspicuous Trenchcoat include:
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