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.
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From the timeless neutral of the Burberry trench to quilted and beautifully dyed iterations, these are the 8 best trench coats to buy now and keep forever.
1. Burberry Long Chelsea Heritage Trench Coat
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.
2. Max Mara Water-repellent Twill Trench Coat
A dark green iteration of the utilitarian piece, the Max Mara Water-repellent Twill Trench Coat is simultaneously eye-catching and versatile. Cut from a durable, water-repellent cotton twill fabric, it boasts classic features like a wide lapel colour and double-breasted silhouette, however the addition of leather tie raglan sleeves provide a contemporary touch.
3. Karen Millen Soft Pleated Trench
A far less utilitarian take on the trench coat, the Karen Millen Soft Pleated Trench is crafted from a heavy crepe fabric and features a relaxed, feminine silhouette. A tie up waist provides a defined shape, while gold-trimmed buttons make for a luxurious effect.
4. Paco Rabanne Trench Coat
A classic piece with modern detailing, the Paco Rabanne Trench Coat is constructed from durable cotton gabardine, with a glossy vinyl finish on the sleeves, collar, and belt making for an elevated take on the trench.
5. Karen Millen Polished Cotton Trench Coat
Cut from a durable cotton fabric, the Karen Millen Polished Cotton Trench Coat is designed to last. Featuring a classic silhouette, the addition of contrast stripes along the arms add an element of interest, while the addition of metal-trimmed buttons running down the back put a contemporary spin on the classic.
6. Acne Studios Belted Ombré Organza Trench Coat
For those who were born to stand out, look no further than the Acne Studios Belted Ombré Organza Trench Coat. Worn as a light cover-up or by itself over a slip, this pink-hued ombré trench is sure to turn heads.
7. Nina Ricci Canvas Trench Coat
While the Nina Ricci Canvas Trench Coat may seem like a classic take on the style staple, further inspection proves it’s anything but ordinary. With the ability to be worn off-the-shoulders as a dress or in the classic style, it’s cut in a relaxed, voluminous silhouette from army-green fabric, allowing for both safe and experimental fits.
8. Gucci Belted Leather-paneled Checked Wool-blend Trench Coat
Italian-made from a checked wool-blend fabric, this take on the trench is classic Gucci. Luxurious elements like gold buttons, interlocking GG logo, and brown contrast leather panels are balanced out by the neutral colour palette, coming together to create a coat to last a lifetime.
Words by AR Staff
