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The trench coat has come a long, long way in its century-plus of existence. The style was first developed before WWI, for British Army officers; during the war, soldiers in the trenches wore and popularized them. Thus, the trench coat.
What was once a distinctly military style, though, has taken on entirely different connotations. The trench coat is a chic, elegant piece of outerwear now. Every major designer of has an iteration of their own, from Burberry's iconic version that stays true to its British roots to Tom Ford's take with a simple, minimalist silhouette. These days, the trench coat is a malleable, fluid thing. It often retains the double-breasted, buttoned, beige look, but you can also opt for single-breasted, snag one with or without a wide belt, get it hooded or unhooded, and choose from every fabric from wool to water-resistant nylon. Older trench coats had removable linings to stay dry and warm in the trenches, but now, that's harder to come by—we prefer to layer with hoodies and sweaters instead.
best traditional trench coat
London Fog Iconic Double-Breasted Trench Coat
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best chic trench coat
Polo Ralph Lauren Lightweight Cotton-Blend Trench Coat
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best everyday trench coat
Coach Outlet Trench Coat
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best two-tone trench coat
Topman Deconstructed Colorblock Trench Coat
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best casual trench coat
Saturdays NYC Clyde Trench Coat
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best elevated trench coat
Maison Margiela Doubled Breasted Wool Trench Coat
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The great thing about the trench coat is how wearable it is. You look put-together in it no matter what you wear underneath (and this is from someone who will throw a trench coat over my pajamas to run to the bodega on a weekend and still get compliments on my outfit). The style is a rainy-day icon, a business-casual superhero, a do-it-all piece of outerwear. The 15 best ones are on the market are below, so whatever your taste and vibe, there's one for you.
best modern trench coat
J.Crew Ludlow Trench Coat
One of J.Crew's most iconic pieces is the Ludlow Trench, and for good reason. This slim silhouette is modern and chic, with a fly front, a removable belt, and pockets that you can button for extra safety.
coolest trench coat
Cos Technical Wool-Blend Trench Coat
coolest trench coat
Cos Technical Wool-Blend Trench Coat
If anyone has a standout, non-traditional trench coat this season, it's Cos. This coat takes the classic components of the trench coat—buttons, belt, lapels—and turns them upside down, resulting in this shawl-collar, draped effect with a drapy hemline and removable belt.
best traditional trench coat
London Fog Iconic Double-Breasted Trench Coat
best traditional trench coat
London Fog Iconic Double-Breasted Trench Coat
London Fog takes the traditional trench coat and gives it a sleek, all-black look with white stitching. Complete with a belt, double-breasted front, and epaulettes on the shoulders, this one really does have everything.
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best chic trench coat
Polo Ralph Lauren Lightweight Cotton-Blend Trench Coat
best chic trench coat
Polo Ralph Lauren Lightweight Cotton-Blend Trench Coat
PRL makes a trench that'll never go out of style. The timeless piece is elegant and sophisticated, with all the standard features of a trench coat, plus a lightweight fabric that makes layering easy.
best everyday trench coat
Coach Outlet Trench Coat
best everyday trench coat
Coach Outlet Trench Coat
Now 60% Off
Who doesn't love a discount? Coach Outlet has a versatile, two-tone trench coat for less than 300 bucks. You better grab this one before I do.
best edgy trench coat
Volcom Noa Deane Trench Coat
I know trench coats are a timeless style, but if you want one with an undeniably 21st century appeal (and perhaps just the right amount of '90s grunge?), Volcom has you covered with a cool, edgy skater style. In slate gray, this is the coat you put on to match your melancholic winter mood.
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best two-tone trench coat
Topman Deconstructed Colorblock Trench Coat
Topman takes the iconic trench coat vibe and twists it with a whole slew of updates. For instance: colorblocked panels, a groovy '70s vibe, and undeniable style.
best casual trench coat
Saturdays NYC Clyde Trench Coat
best casual trench coat
Saturdays NYC Clyde Trench Coat
If beige and black aren't your thing, Saturdays NYC has a contemporary trench coat in rich, deep navy. In addition to a button front closure, raglan sleeves, and welt pockets, this trench is also waterproof, so don't worry about the rain.
best hooded trench coat
Alex Mill Irving Trench Coat
best hooded trench coat
Alex Mill Irving Trench Coat
The most functional way to update the trench coat is to add an adjustable hood, and Alex Mill did just that. This utilitarian style has three flapped pockets, real corozo buttons and a water-repellent nylon shell to fend off the rain.
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best elevated trench coat
Maison Margiela Doubled Breasted Wool Trench Coat
best elevated trench coat
Maison Margiela Doubled Breasted Wool Trench Coat
In the eternal words of Jay-Z: "What's that jacket, Margiela?" Why, yes, actually, it is. If the high-end look and feel wasn't a dead giveaway, surely the contrast-stitch detail is.
best streetwear trench coat
ASOS Design Extreme Oversize Trench Coat
best streetwear trench coat
ASOS Design Extreme Oversize Trench Coat
For a definitively cool, casual coat that looks dope as hell over loungewear, go oversized. ASOS Design has one that retains a slightly elevated vibe, but can just as easily be dressed down.
best black trench coat
Karl Lagerfeld Paris Trench Coat
best black trench coat
Karl Lagerfeld Paris Trench Coat
An all-black coat is sleek, sharp, and smart. You'll feel like a Bond villain in this monochrome wooly trench.
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best classic trench coat
Burberry Kensington Mid Cotton Gabardine Trench Coat
best classic trench coat
Burberry Kensington Mid Cotton Gabardine Trench Coat
As a British heritage brand, Burberry knows a thing or two about the trench coat. Their Kensington is a timeless icon, with it's removable belt, double-breasted design, and tailored fit.
best timeless trench coat
Celine Homme Double-Breasted Gabardine Trench Coat
best timeless trench coat
Celine Homme Double-Breasted Gabardine Trench Coat
With a simple aesthetic that tweaks the proportions of the trench just enough, Celine Homme's coat is an investment piece worth every penny.
best elegant trench coat
Tom Ford Cotton and Silk-Blend Poplin Trench Coat
best elegant trench coat
Tom Ford Cotton and Silk-Blend Poplin Trench Coat
Sometimes, it's all about keeping it simple. Take Tom Ford's fly-front, single-breasted trench coat, for example—perfect for adding a scarf on top of, thanks to its effortlessly chic design.
