The Best Trench Coats for Women Have Enduring Appeal

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What does Alexa Chung have in common with a private eye? That would be an inclination toward wearing a trench coat, the traditionally calf-length khaki coat that remains a staple of preppy and minimal wardrobes alike. “Trench coats are a classic wardrobe staple with a timeless design,” Anine Bing, founder and chief creative officer of her eponymous brand, tells Bazaar. “They are often characterized by clean lines and minimal embellishments, making them versatile and suitable for various occasions.”

Today, the very best trench coats can add structure to casual tee-and-jeans outfits or complement a cocktail dress. They weren’t always an everyday staple. The trench coat dates back to the 19th century, when new techniques for weatherproofing cotton meant that both soldiers and civilians could swap out heavy coats for something more versatile. Its popularity really took off during World War I, when it became standard issue for British officers. Burberry, one of the trench coat’s earliest manufacturers, became synonymous with quality trenches. It still holds a place on this list for the modern iteration of its iconic silhouette.

In the present, Burberry is still a destination for trench coats. (It even brought them back on the runway this season.) But an even wider range of brands is reinterpreting trench coats with pleats, sheer fabrics, and shorter lengths. If you’ve been working on building out your collection of fall coats, trenches are a comfortable top layer for transitional weather. An added bonus: Throw on a fedora and you’ll have a passing spy costume for this coming Halloween. How’s that for versatility?

Also trench coats's uptick in popularity feels entirely tied to the recent trend of maxi coats, as noted by Italist CEO Diego Abba, "Maxi coats were all over the runway for FW23—and we’re seeing a lot of them on italist right now. This is in contrast to last year’s emphasis on bomber and varsity-style jackets." The appeal is easy to see: "Maxi coats are generously cut, with grand proportions like floor-dusting length, roomy shoulders, and extra-long sleeves for that touch of cozy." On Italist, they've seen Max Mara, Isabel Marant and of course Burberry, dominating the space.

Ahead, the best 19 trench coats to shop this spring.

Trench Coat With Belt

Spanish label Massimo Dutti’s relaxed take on the classic trench is the ideal everyday option. It hits mid-calf, keeping you protected from wind and sprinkles, and is loose and double-breasted, perfect for wearing chunky sweaters underneath.

Sizes: XS–L

Materials: 70% cotton, 30% polyamide

Waterloo Heritage Trench Coat

Burberry is a name associated with the traditional trench. It only makes sense that if you’re planning to invest, you choose the British label. Traditional details like belted cuffs and epaulets add a touch of preppy polish.

Sizes: 0–16 UK

Materials: 100% cotton

Oversize Trench

Zaraphiles already know the brand has a breadth of trench options. This oversize design, with slouchy shoulders and long sleeves, is laid-back but sleek enough to wear to work.

Size: XS–L

Materials: 77% polyester, 14% cotton, 9% polyamide

'Cots' Trench Coat

There are classic Burberry trench coats and then there are Burberry trench coats like this one, which offer a more exciting spin on a classic silhouette. The draping sleeves allow the classic check to be seen, even when the coat is fully buttoned up.

Size: 4UK–12UK

Materials: 100% cotton

Randy Trench

Bing just launched this trench at her brand. She told us it’s her favorite version “because of its clean lines and menswear-inspired details.” The straight cut and mid-length hem make this an ideal transitional style that can be worn with floral dresses, jeans, or trousers.

Sizes: XS–L

Materials: 98% cotton, 2% elastane

Minimal Short Trench Coat

Sometimes an occasion arises when a long coat just won’t fit the bill. Enter the cropped trench, which embodies the sensibilities of the traditional cotton coat, but at a length that’s easy to style in all sorts of ways.

Sizes: XS–L

Materials: 100% cotton

transparent Trench

Trench coats can be seen as stuffy but this transparent olive option by Rick Owens is truly experimental. You won't feel formal in this option and it'll be easy to make your outfit underneath stand out. Just think of it as less of a coat and more of a statement layer.

Sizes: XS–L

Materials: 100% cotton

Conneley Dickey Trench Coat

Water-resistant waxed cotton, a storm gun, and epaulets all nod to the original functional case for the trench coat. But don’t write this coat off as simply practical. The army-green piece is a modern neutral.

Sizes: XS–L

Materials: 73% cotton, 27% polyamide

Asymmetric Draped Coat

The trench coat traditionally is a streamlined, practical silhouette, but this take from British label A.W.A.K.E Mode turns the style on its head. Asymmetric details and a billowy shape offer a fun alternative for fall.

Sizes: 34–44 FR

Materials: 100% polyamide

Greta Trench

French label A.P.C. is a go-to for elevated basics, and its take on the trench is simple yet refined. It’s the type of piece designed to make even a casual workout look feel put-together once you throw it on.

Sizes: 34–42 EU

Materials: 100% cotton

Pink Trench Coat

Abba notes one of the best selling brands for coats on Italist is Isabel Marant—and for good reason! The brand is able to distill that chic french je ne sais quoi into everything it does. This pink trench still has that classic Parisian flair but with a punch of playfulness.

Sizes: 36–45 FR
Materials: 100% cotton

The Cotton Long Trench Coat

Live out all of your detective fantasies in an oversize trench that’s begging to be paired with a magnifying glass and fedora. Or, for a more realistic note, the soft shape is easy to pair with athleisure or a dressy ensemble.

Sizes: XS–XL

Materials: 100% cotton

Pleated Trench Coat

Pleats, please! Make a statement in a coat that’s meant for twirling and floating your way through the day. A waist belt means you can still cinch the coat tight if you want it to hug close to the body.

Sizes: XS–XL

Materials: 100% polyester

Double-Breasted Coat

Toteme’s modern minimalism translates easily into trench coat form. This simple double-breasted design is an investment piece that you’ll own for seasons to come.

Sizes: 32–42 GER

Materials: 75% cotton, 25% polyester

What reviewers are saying: “I was after a timeless trench coat as an investment piece and this checked all my boxes! Love the arm strap details.”

Jane Coat

If double buttons aren’t really your thing, this belted trench is a simple wrap style to consider instead. The wide lapels add a slightly retro touch while still feeling modern.

Sizes: XS–XL

Materials: 95% wool, 5% elastane

Patent Leather Trench Coat

The Matrix helped put the leather trench on the map, but the practicality of this wind- and water-blocking coat has kept it there. A bit warmer than your traditional cotton trench, it’s the perfect choice for colder weather.

Sizes: XXS–XL

Materials: 100% goat leather

The Signature Trench Coat

Madewell’s basics are the perfect starting place for building out a casual capsule wardrobe. This lightweight trench makes for an ideal layering piece as you transition to colder weather, and it’s available up to size 4X.

Sizes: XS–4X

Materials: 56% cotton, 44% nylon

What reviewers are saying: “This jacket is high quality, classic, and flattering. No it is not lined, but I prefer this for a fall coat as it keeps it lighter.”

Belted Trench Coat

transparent crepe de chine may not be ideal for inclement weather, but if you’re looking for a trench coat that’s more about fashion than function, this might be just the thing.

Sizes: XS–XL

Materials: 100% viscose

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