Trench Coat: A Timeless Wardrobe Essential

must have trench coat

A trench coat is a timeless wardrobe staple that can instantly elevate your look. This lightweight yet sturdy jacket is perfect for transitional weather and can be dressed up or down, making it a versatile piece for any occasion. From classic beige to edgy leather, there's a trench coat to suit every style and budget. Whether you're looking for a sleek and structured or relaxed and oversized fit, the trench coat is a must-have item that will never go out of fashion. So, if you're thinking of updating your wardrobe, make sure you add a trench coat to your list!

Characteristics Values
Fabric Cotton, Polyester, Leather, Suede, Wool, Elastane, Polyamide, Viscose, Goat Leather, Nylon, Lycra, Linen, Spandex, Silk
Fit Oversized, Slim, Relaxed, Straight, Cropped, Double-breasted, Boxy, Belted, Collared, Cape, Short, Long, Maxi, Draped, Fitted, Water-resistant, Wind-resistant, Lightweight, Warm, Waterproof, Fire-resistant
Colour Beige, Camel, Khaki, Navy, Brown, Black, Green, Blue, Pink, White, Grey
Brand Burberry, Everlane, Mayson, Ralph Lauren, Mango, Banana Republic, Dynamite, Favorite Daughter, Zara, Toteme, Sandro, Helmut Lang, Madewell, Theory, J.Crew, London Fog, The Row, Mfpen, Saint Laurent, Nike, Ralph, Nili Lotan, A.W.A.K.E. Mode, A.P.C., Isabel Marant, Athleta, Mackage, Buck Mason, Helly-Hansen, Garnet Hill, Babaton, Lilysilk

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Trench coats for transitional weather

Trench coats are a must-have for transitional weather. They are lightweight yet sturdy, offering protection from the elements without being too heavy or bulky. With roots in the military, the trench coat has become a timeless piece that can be dressed up or down and is suitable for various occasions.

When shopping for a trench coat, consider your desired fit and versatility. Trench coats come in various silhouettes, from oversized and relaxed fits to more fitted and structured styles. A good trench coat should be able to layer over chunky sweaters and pair well with dresses or jeans.

Classic Trench Coats:

  • Burberry Kensington Heritage Trench Coat: A sophisticated and timeless piece made with shower-resistant gabardine and Burberry's iconic checked lining.
  • Ralph Lauren Twill Trench: A classic twill trench with a center vent and a double-breasted closure. It has a slightly oversized silhouette for a relaxed fit.
  • Everlane The Cotton Long Trench Coat: A fully lined, water-resistant, and affordable option made from 100% cotton.

Budget-Friendly Options:

  • Zara Oversize Trench: A sleek and laid-back design made from a blend of polyester, cotton, and polyamide.
  • Pretty Little Thing Camel Panel Front Button-Down Midi Trench: An affordable and oversized option made from polyester, perfect for transitional weather.
  • Everlane The Cotton Modern Trench Coat: A timeless and durable wardrobe staple with a double-breasted design, tie-front belt, and water-resistant fabric.

For Minimalists:

  • Anine Bing Randy Trench: A straight-cut, mid-length trench with clean lines and menswear-inspired details.
  • Massimo Dutti Trench Coat with Belt: A relaxed take on the classic trench, perfect for everyday wear. It has a mid-calf length and a loose, double-breasted design.

For Experimenting with Colours, Fabrics, and Silhouettes:

  • Toteme Double-Breasted Coat: A modern and minimalist investment piece with simple double-breasted design.
  • Madewell The Signature Trench Coat: A lightweight trench coat available in sizes up to 4X, perfect for layering during transitional weather.
  • Farm Rio Double-Breasted Trench Coat: A relaxed version of the classic trench coat in a bold green shade.
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Trench coats for travelling

Trench coats are the perfect travel jackets for two reasons: they can be extremely versatile for sporty, casual, and dressier outfits, which is essential for travel when outfit options are limited. Secondly, a long trench coat essentially doubles as a blanket you can wrap yourself in on an airplane or while in transit.

Best Overall

Everlane's The Cotton Modern Trench Coat is a timeless and durable wardrobe staple with a knee-length hem and slim fit. It is water-resistant and has a structured fit.

Best Splurge

AYR's The Espionage is worth the money due to its high-quality materials and eco-friendly construction. It is made with recycled cotton from a solar-powered factory in Portugal and has water-resistant properties, storm flaps, and ventilation in the back.

Best Cropped

The Cropped Classic Trench Coat from Bernardo is a solid alternative if long coats aren't your thing. With a hip-length hem, this jacket is perfect for transitional weather. It comes with a removable belt so you can style it for an effortlessly oversized look or tie the belt to cinch the waist.

Best Budget

Pretty Little Thing's Camel Panel Front Button-Down Midi Trench offers the classic trench coat shape and design at a fraction of the cost. It has an oversized fit, making it easy to toss over comfy airplane clothes or a daytime sightseeing outfit.

Best Leather

The Leather Trench from Quince is a fitted jacket and an edgier alternative to the classic khaki coat. It is protective, versatile, and warm, making it perfect for travelling.

Best Lightweight

The Stellar Trench from Athleta is made with a durable and featherlight nylon material and boasts UPF 40+ sun protection and resistance to wrinkles. It is ideal for all types of trips as it can be worn for multiple occasions.

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Budget-friendly trench coats

Women's Trench Coats

Zara is a popular choice for those seeking a budget-friendly trench coat. The Zara Oversize Trench, made from 77% polyester, 14% cotton, and 9% polyamide, is a sleek and laid-back option that can be worn to work or casually. It features slouchy shoulders and long sleeves, giving it a relaxed yet sophisticated look.

For a classic and timeless option, the Everlane The Cotton Long Trench Coat is a great choice. It has a double-breasted design, a relaxed silhouette, and is fully lined and water-resistant. Made from 100% cotton, it is a durable and affordable option.

Mango also offers a beautiful and classic trench coat at a very reasonable price. Their 100% Suede Trench Coat is a great transitional piece for chilly spring mornings.

If you're looking for something more lightweight and breathable, the Athleta Stellar Trench is a fantastic option. Made with durable and featherlight nylon material, it also offers UPF 40+ sun protection and is resistant to wrinkles, making it ideal for travel.

For a more unique take on the trench coat, the Free People Mid-Length Trench Coat is a cool option. With a cropped style that's on-trend for fall, this coat can be paired with various outfits for a chic and modern look.

Men's Trench Coats

For men, Uniqlo offers an excellent affordable option with their Mid-length trench coat. This two-way coat has a concealed button placket, a high point collar, and a smooth silhouette. It also comes with a detachable inner vest, making it a versatile and stylish choice.

If you're looking for a traditional trench coat, the Mackintosh Mid-length trench coat is a great choice. Handmade in Scotland using traditional methods, this classic cotton trench has a "Manchester" silhouette that exudes Britpop sensibilities.

For a more modern take on the trench coat, Marks & Spencer offers a sleek and water-repellent option. This trench coat modernises the old-school style by eschewing the traditional belted waist and double-breasted fastening, giving it a contemporary and dapper look.

H&M also offers a budget-friendly trench coat that doesn't sacrifice style. Made from a woven fabric with a slightly oversized shape, it features a double-breasted button fastening, grand peak lapels, a single back vent, and a belted waist.

For a unique colour option, the M&S Short-length trench coat in olive is a stylish choice. With military origins, this coat has buttoned epaulettes, exposed button double-breasting, and is quilted for warmth and showerproof protection.

These options provide a range of styles and price points, ensuring that you can find a budget-friendly trench coat that suits your needs and taste without compromising on quality and design.

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Leather trench coats

When it comes to types, the classic double-breasted leather trench coat is the most iconic, featuring a button closure, shoulder epaulets, and a belted waist. For a cleaner look, the single-breasted leather trench coat offers a more streamlined silhouette. The belted leather trench coat adds a touch of sophistication, while the asymmetrical zipper leather trench coat provides a contemporary and edgy twist. The hooded leather trench coat and shearling-lined leather trench coat are ideal for colder climates, with the latter featuring a warm faux fur lining. The biker-style leather trench coat exudes a rebellious vibe, perfect for those seeking a bold look.

When it comes to the type of leather, sheepskin leather trench coats are soft, lightweight, and insulating. Suede leather trench coats have a velvety surface and a smooth, soft feel. Shearling leather trench coats are exceptionally warm and feature a sheepskin or lambskin leather with wool attached. Lambskin leather trench coats are supple and luxurious, while cowhide leather trench coats offer a rugged and classic look. For a unique and luxurious option, exotic leather trench coats are made from alligator or crocodile leather.

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Cropped trench coats

The Catwalk to Closet

The Khaite Hammond jacket is a boxier, cropped trench coat with exaggerated shoulders and a price tag of $2,900.

The Cinched-Waist Crop

The Favorite Daughter Cropped Charles trench coat is a minimalist take on the classic trench with just two buttons, a slightly boxy silhouette, and a simple waist belt. It is available for $328.

The Under-$300 Fashion Find

The Rails Lucien short trench coat is a stylish option for those on a budget, retailing for $298.

The Heritage Item

Burberry's double-breasted belted jacket is a cropped trench coat lined with the brand's signature plaid print. It retails for $2,990.

The Spring Standout

Victoria Beckham's cropped cotton-gabardine jacket is a modern interpretation of the trench coat that has already earned the street style seal of approval. It is available for $770.

The Oversized Option

For a more relaxed look, the Loewe cropped trench jacket offers an oversized fit with exaggerated proportions. It retails for $2,750.

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Frequently asked questions

Trench coats were created for British soldiers during World War I to be extra-protective against the elements. They were made out of heavy-duty, waterproof cotton. The modern trench coat has nearly identical features, including storm flaps, ventilation, a removable belt, raglan sleeves, and wide lapels.

Trench coats are typically worn in the transitional weather of spring and fall, and usually in rainy weather. Depending on the design, trench coats can be worn in winter or summer, or even year-round.

Trench coats come in all different silhouettes, so it’s ultimately a personal preference fit-wise. A slimmer-fitting trench coat can offer a more elevated look for a night out, and a relaxed-fit jacket gives an effortlessly chic look for daytime. Trench coats typically have an oversized shape, so be sure to check the product specifications and read reviews to get your perfect fit.

Trench coats typically come in beige, camel, or khaki shades, which give the trench coat its signature versatility. However, you can also find trench coats in navy, chocolate brown, grey, and black.

A trench coat is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down. For a casual look, wear your trench with a t-shirt, baggy jeans, and a pair of sneakers. For something more dressed up, layer your trench over a monochromatic outfit and accessorize with oversized sunglasses.

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