The De Beers group once claimed that a “diamond is forever,” successfully revolutionising the engagement ring industry. While De Beers’ savvy marketing served to inextricably intertwine an act of commitment with one of capitalism, it hasn’t deterred us from wagering that it’s in fact a trench coat that is forever.
While many believe the trench coat originated from a garment worn in the muddy trenches during World War I, giving the outerwear staple its name and cementing it as a quintessential utilitarian piece, that’s not quite the case. The blueprint of the trench coat originates in waterproof coats created by Scottish chemist and inventor Charles Macintosh and British inventor Thomas Hancock in the early 1820s. The trench coat as it is known today can be attributed to two British companies, Aquascutum and Burberry, who developed a similar looking garment in the early to mid 1950s. In 1879, Thomas Burberry developed the gabardine fabric and submitted a design for an army officer’s raincoat to the United Kingdom War Office in 1901, with the trench coat becoming optional attire in the British Army. Far from being a coat for the masses, those who did wear the trench coat during the war were higher ranking officers who purchased the garment themselves, with the trench coat serving as a mark of social distinction.
Today, the trench coat is a classic outerwear staple, typically rendered in gabardine or drill cotton. Distinguished by its double-breasted nature, the trench coat generally features ten buttons, a wide lapel, and a storm flap. The ideal transitional dressing garment, the trench coat serves as both a springtime staple in cooler countries and a smart layer for winter in the southern hemisphere.
You’ll also enjoy:
Find Your Solemate; The Must-have Stylish Boots For Winter
The Best Men’s Hiking Boots & How to Style Them
How to Style Men’s Loafers for (Almost) Any Occasion
From the timeless neutral of the Burberry trench to quilted and beautifully dyed iterations, these are the 9 best trench coats to buy in 2024.
1. Burberry Long Chelsea Heritage Trench Coat
Price: $4390AUD
Kicking it off with the coat that started it all; you can’t go wrong with a Burberry trench. Crafted from waterproof cotton-gabardine, the Burberry Long Chelsea Heritage Trench Coat features a slim-fitting silhouette with signature detailing in the form of a storm flap, epaulettes, a buckled collar, and naturally; the iconic checked lining.
Outer: cotton | Lining: cotton | Sleeve lining: viscose
2. Max Mara Oversized Water-repellent Trench Coat
Price: $3895AUD
Trench coats are typically cut from gaberdine, a stiff, durable fabric. While they’ll last a lifetime, the stiffness of a traditional trench coat—not to mention its signature double-breasted cut—doesn’t work for everyone. Those who find stiff, double-breasted trench coats uncomfortable or unflattering needn’t write the garment off altogether. Instead, look for single-breasted trench coats cut from flowy, drapey cotton fabric. The Max Mara Oversized Water-repellent Trench Coat is one such style. It does away with the storm flap which works to reduce excess bulk and is instead defined by a generous, oversized cut with raglan sleeves and concealed button closure. It comes with an embroidered belt which cinches the waist and gives off a flattering, fashion-forward look. Its single-breasted nature means it looks equally as good worn loose and unbuttoned as it does fastened.
Outer: 96% cotton, 4% elastane | Lining: 52% viscose, 48% cotton
3. Karen Millen Soft Pleated Trench
Price: $372.30AUD
A far less utilitarian take on the trench coat, the Karen Millen Soft Pleated Trench is crafted from a heavy crepe fabric and boasts a relaxed, feminine silhouette while epaulettes and an asymmetrical storm flap are a cheeky nod to tradition. Available in black or camel, its tie-up waist makes it the ideal style for those who find themselves drowning in traditional trench coats.
Outer: polyester | Lining: polyester
4. Shona Joy Kai Trench Coat
Price: $480AUD
A straightforward take on the trench coat, this piece by Australian designer Shona Joy is constructed from a hardy cotton blend twill and features all the hallmarks of the utilitarian style staple. Think double-breasted closure, wide peak lapels, and detachable sleeve cuffs. Its longline cut makes it the perfect coat to wear over dresses in the fall.
Outer: 66% cotton 34% nylon | Unlined
5. Sézane Clyde Trench Coat
Price: $570AUD
Another style for those who prefer a more contemporary trench, the Clyde Trench Coat from French brand Sézane exudes French girl insouciance. Doing away with most of the historical details of the trench (such as a storm flap, epaulettes, double-breasted closure), it takes a more streamlined approach with an oversized cut, single-breasted closure, and classic bal collar. The devil is in the detail here, with the checked lining a core part of the style, which looks best worn open.
Outer: 50% cotton, 50% viscose | Lining: 60% cotton, 40% polyester
6. Country Road Longline Trench
Price: $399AUD
While the camel hue is the traditional calling card of a trench coat, one needn’t be afraid to branch out of the beige spectrum. Pistachio is both a neutral and a statement; it has the ability to pair well with tones like sand, camel, cream, and beige, while standing out in a crowd. Despite being cut from planet-friendly lyocell (made from wood pulp) which gives it a soft, drapey quality and an elevated feel, the Country Road Longline Trench has all the characteristics of a classic trench coat; think shoulder epaulettes, a storm flap, and a belt. Its mid-calf length means it doesn’t overwhelm the figure and pairs equally as well with trousers or jeans as it does with dresses and skirts.
Note: this fabric isn’t treated to be water-resistant and should therefore not be worn in inclement weather.
Outer: lyocell | Lining: lyocell
7. Camilla & Marc Reyes Classic Trench Coat
Price: $950AUD
A trench coat for minimalists, the Camilla & Mark Reyes Classic Trench Coat eschews buttons altogether, resulting in a decidedly streamlined piece of outerwear. Dramatically oversized utility pockets make a striking style statement while adding function. Combined with the blind hem, tie-up belted closure, asymmetric storm flap, and charcoal shade, this coat has a somewhat futuristic appearance.
Outer: polyester | Lining: polyester
8. Mango Classic Trench Coat
Price: $189.95AUD
Petite figures may find themselves swallowed by trench coats in mid-calf and longline lengths. In this case—as well as for those desirous of something more casual—a shorter style is the way to go. This trench coat from high street brand Mango combines classic and contemporary details; shoulder epaulettes and a storm flap are paired with single-breasted closure and a bal collar. A versatile piece, it’s ideally suited for transitional daytime wear. It’s also a solid value proposition, at less than $200AUD for cotton construction.
Outer: cotton | Lining: polyester
9. Nanushka Satoyo Jacket
Price: $975AUD
While not technically a trench coat, the Nanushka Satoyo Jacket transposes some of the hallmarks of a trench onto a cropped wool and silk jacket. Its cropped length means it’s acceptable to keep on indoors, while its utilitarian trench-inspired details make for a striking style statement. Although cropped trench coats are a trendy style in 2024, the wool and silk construction and unique aesthetic of the Nanushka Satoyo Jacket will make it a wardrobe staple for years to come.
Outer: 90% wool, 10% silk | Lining: polyester
Words by AR Staff
