The Best Trench Coats for Women Have Enduring Appeal (2024)

The Best Trench Coats for Women Have Enduring Appeal (1)

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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.”

Our Favorite Trench Coats of 2024

Today, the very best trench coats can add structure to casual tee-and-jeans outfits or complement a co*cktail 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?

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Best Everyday Trench Coat

Massimo Dutti Trench Coat With Belt

Now 70% Off

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

Best Trench Coat for the Classic Dresser

Burberry Waterloo Heritage Trench Coat

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Best Trench Coat for the Classic Dresser

Burberry 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

Best Budget-Friendly Trench Coat

Zara Oversize Trench

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Best Budget-Friendly Trench Coat

Zara 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

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Best Minimal Trench Coat

Anine Bing Randy Trench

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Best Minimal Trench Coat

Anine Bing 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

Best Cropped Trench Coat

Cos Minimal Short Trench Coat

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Best Cropped Trench Coat

Cos 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

Best Military-Inspired Coat

Veronica Beard Conneley Dickey Trench Coat

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Best Military-Inspired Coat

Veronica Beard 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

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Best Asymmetric Trench Coat

A.W.A.K.E. Mode Asymmetric Draped Coat

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Best Asymmetric Trench Coat

A.W.A.K.E. Mode 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

Best Navy Trench Coat

A.P.C. Greta Trench

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Best Navy Trench Coat

A.P.C. 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

Best Cotton Trench Coat

Everlane The Cotton Long Trench Coat

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Best Cotton Trench Coat

Everlane 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

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Best Pleated Trench Coat

Sandro Pleated Trench Coat

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Best Pleated Trench Coat

Sandro 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

Best Long Trench Coat

Toteme Double-Breasted Coat

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Best Long Trench Coat

Toteme 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.”

Best Belted Trench Coat

Leset Jane Coat

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Best Belted Trench Coat

Leset 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

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Best Leather Trench Coat

Helmut Lang Patent Leather Trench Coat

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Best Leather Trench Coat

Helmut Lang 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

Best Size-Inclusive Trench Coat

Madewell The Signature Trench Coat

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Best Size-Inclusive Trench Coat

Madewell The Signature Trench Coat

Now 31% Off

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.”

Best Sheer Trench Coat

Theory Belted Trench Coat

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Best Sheer Trench Coat

Theory Belted Trench Coat

Sheer 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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Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?

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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

The Best Trench Coats for Women Have Enduring Appeal (2024)

FAQs

What is the best trench coat brand? ›

The Best Classic Trench Coats

You'll find investment pieces from Burberry (the brand behind the original trench) and Ralph Lauren (the all-American option) in addition to all-weather trenches from beloved brands that are a bit more accessible in terms of price point, including Mango and Banana Republic.

Why does no one wear trench coats anymore? ›

And today, long black overcoats and leather trench coats are closely associated with the German military in World War II and national socialism more broadly. This has led many men to avoid wearing them for fear of being associated with the neo-Nazi movement.

Are trench coats still in style for women? ›

Trench coats are a wardrobe staple and a must-have for fashion lovers. Not only are they practical and stylish, but they're also incredibly versatile (it's no wonder that celebs can't get enough). Despite often falling on the business-casual end of the outerwear spectrum, trench coats can adapt to seemingly any look.

Why are trench coats attractive? ›

Double Breasted: Classic trench coats have the double breasted style, with its unmissable two rows of buttons. This creates an elongated and elegant silhouette that's easy to wear and practical as well as warm.

What color trench coat goes with everything? ›

A: The most versatile colors for a trench coat are beige, navy, and black. These colors can effortlessly match with a wide range of outfits, making them perfect for both casual and formal occasions.

What is the trend in trench coats in 2024? ›

Spring 2024 Outerwear Trend: Cropped Trench Coat

Still perfect for cool breezes and spring showers, this trendy take on the traditional silhouette is a capsule wardrobe-owner's dream.

What is the trench trend in 2024? ›

On the autumn/winter 2024 runways, trench coats became as familiar as breakout Canadian model Agel Akol, who walked in 38 shows. Along with traditional gabardine, denim and leather versions were seen at Khaite, Burberry, Courrèges, Balmain, Tod's, Thom Browne, Tom Ford, Moschino and Dior.

What is the best Colour for a trench coat? ›

Black, navy, brown or charcoal are great options. Even white or off-white is often better than beige. Or, how about a trench coat in a pretty blush tone: See more options here.

Why do trench coats have a bad reputation? ›

In the copycat W. R. Myers High School shooting days later, it was rumoured the shooter had worn a trench coat. In the wake of these incidents, many public schools in the US forbade students from wearing trench coats, both for their cultural associations and because they could conceal weapons.

How long should a trench coat be for a woman? ›

Trench Coat Best Length

Classic Length: A classic trench coat typically falls just above the knee or at the knee. This length is universally flattering and works well for most body types. It provides ample coverage without overwhelming your frame, making it an excellent choice for everyday wear.

What does a trench coat symbolize? ›

Because of the devastation wrought by the war, though, a need to promote working-class infantrymen to officer roles soon arose. For these men of humble birth, known as “temporary gentlemen,” the trench coat quickly became a symbol of status and class.

How much should you pay for a trench coat? ›

In a recent — informal and unscientific — poll of colleagues, the question was asked, “How much would you be willing to pay for a really good trench coat?” The responses given, from men and women, ranged between $100 and $500, though most settled on a $250 price point.

Are trench coats still in style 2024? ›

However, fashion is cyclical, and 2024 could mark the revival of trench coats as a must have item in every wardrobe.

What is the best material for a trench coat? ›

For the classic trench coat, there's no fabric that tops gabardine. Gabardine is typically a tightly woven, smooth fabric with a fine diagonal rib, also known as 'steep twill'. Gabardine fabric can be a wool or cotton thread weave or involve a blend of one of these raw materials with polyester or polyamide.

What Colour trench coat is most popular? ›

Classic Beige Trench Coat

The beige trench coat has guaranteed to never go out of style as these epitomize glamour without being over the top and flashy. A good quality brown trench coat will last you for years and will go well with everything from smart suits to more relaxed combinations of jeans and jumpers.

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