What's the etymology behind the 'Howie-Style' Labcoat?

Question

While investigating the labcoat that Dr Horrible likes to wear (that is, the type that buttons on the shoulder) I kept coming across the description of the design as 'Howie-Style' and I wondered why.

Who was Howie, and why was it his style? Where did it originate from? Does it have any other names? Anyone have any information?

Answer 1

Are you American - because if so  they are called (officially)Howie coats in the UK too. I wear one at work, but I also have no idea how it got it's name.

Answer 2

This got me curious. I own one and I never got where the name come from either, I just assumed it was some guy who wore them or invented them. After a lot of research I still couldn't find anyone famous who it could of been named after.

Ohh well, the mystery shall continue.