The trench coat is a type of outerwear that is always in style. It has a pulled-together, polished look that pairs well with many different types of clothing. But trench coats serve an important function as well: They shield you from wind and keep you dry in rain and snow. In fact, trench coats were originally invented to do just that for British soldiers.
The London Fog Three-Fourth Length Double-Breasted Trench Coat is replete with stylistic and functional features that include epaulettes at the shoulders, straps at the wrists, a gun flap and a belt with a buckle closure.
What to know before you buy a trench coat
Take your climate into account
While trench coats offer a certain measure of warmth that increases or decreases according to the material, they’re not heavy winter coats. If you live in a place that sees intense winters, you should layer another coat beneath your trench coat. In these climates, trench coats are excellent outerwear for mid-to-late-spring and early-to-mid-fall. And if your climate is subtropical, you might be able to get away with wearing your trench coat during the winter season.
Since trench coats were originally meant, in part, to fend off wind, you should definitely invest in one if you live in a place that experiences high winds. The same goes for rainy locales.
Choose a color that complements your wardrobe
Trench coats are versatile, but you should still carefully select the color of yours. Choose a shade that complements the majority of the clothes in your wardrobe, especially the pieces you wear most often. If you’re vigilant when it comes to color selection, your trench coat will become a stylish extension of your wardrobe.
Choose an appropriate length
The majority of trench coats hit somewhere between mid-thigh and mid-calf. The length is an important style and function factor that warrants thoughtful consideration. Longer coats provide an extra measure of protection from the elements. That said, you may prefer a shorter length from a stylistic standpoint.
Trench coat features
Single-breasted vs. double-breasted
Traditionally, trench coats have been double-breasted. However, you’re not limited to this style. Trench coats have evolved over the years, and they’re now single-breasted as well.
There’s no right or wrong style — it comes down to personal preference. Think about the type of look you want. Double-breasted coats have a bit of a heavier, more substantial look to the front of the coat. They also tend to create a more formal aesthetic than single-breasted coats.
Trench coat belt
Some trench coats for women are designed with a removable belt, while others include no belt at all. Belts are great details if you want to accentuate your waist with a cinched-in look. You can choose from a belt that secures by tying or a belt with buckle closure. If you opt for the latter type of belt, consider tying it closed and letting the buckle hang down for a fun look.
Trench coat pockets
The pockets of trench coats are often appointed with a buckle or button closure. This detail adds to the overall aesthetic of the coat, so think about which type of closure you prefer when you’re narrowing down your choices.
Trench coat cost
In general, you can expect to pay more for a well-made trench coat. They range from $70 to upward of $400. The cost depends largely on the material used. Genuine leather is priced higher, while fabrics like cotton and gabardine are priced comparatively lower.
Trench coat FAQ
What is a trench coat?
A. Originally created as a lightweight alternative to heavy British military overcoats, trench coats with a traditional design are double-breasted and have a series of buttons in the front, a storm flap, wide lapels, a strap on each wrist and shoulder with a button or buckle closure and a belt around the waist. Trench coats are constructed of waterproof fabrics like leather, gabardine, poplin, drill and cotton. The hemline of trench coats typically falls to mid-thigh or longer.
Are trench coats casual or dressy?
A. One of the benefits leather trench coats offer is versatility. This outerwear looks equally good dressed up or dressed down. Whether you wear your trench coat with jeans and a T-shirt or a nice dress, you’ll look polished.
Which trench coat should you get?
Best of the best trench coat
London Fog Three-Fourth Length Double-Breasted Trench Coat: available at Amazon
Our take: Produced by a well-respected outerwear brand, this double-breasted trench coat features raglan sleeves, a gun flap, epaulettes and a belt.
What we like: The classic trench coat gets an upgrade thanks to sharp details like epaulettes at the shoulders and straps at the wrists with button closures. You can fasten the belt several different ways: slide it through the belt buckle or tie the ends together. The three-quarter length will help you stay warm and dry.
What we dislike: Inaccurate sizing was the most common complaint among the few unhappy buyers, with some finding the coat too small and others finding it too big.
Best bang for your buck trench coat
FARVALUE Women’s Double Breasted Trench Coat Water Resistant Classic Belted Lapel Overcoat: available at Amazon
Our take: You’ll get high-end features at a budget-friendly price with this waterproof and windproof mid-length trench coat.
What we like: The front storm flap and double-breasted style of this trench coat will shield you from the wind. Water-repellent material will keep you warm and dry in the rain or snow, and the quick-dry lining will keep you cool during warmer weather. You can easily store small items like keys and credit cards in the two button-through welt pockets.
What we dislike: A handful of buyers cited cheap material and quality control issues like shorter sleeves and an overly long belt.
Honorable mention trench coat
Women’s Whet Blu Leather Trench Coat: available at Kohl’s
Our take: An asymmetrical zipper front and coordinating tie sash add a dash of style to this lambskin leather trench coat.
What we like: Long sleeves with inner cuffs, genuine lambskin leather and an insulated zip-out lining provide ample insulation. You’ll have plenty of places to store your stuff in the three exterior and two interior pockets. An asymmetrical zipper and mid-thigh length ensure this trench coat will look good with just about any outfit.
What we dislike: Several buyers felt that sizing was too small and at least one buyer reported the leather was falling apart.
Megan Oster is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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