The Timeless Trench Coats You’ll Wear Year After Year

A trench coat is a timeless wardrobe staple.

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HAMBURG, GERMANY - APRIL 05: Isabelle Hartmann seen wearing Corlin Eyewear brown sunglasses, COS white cotton basic t-shirt, Max Mara beige suede leather oversized trenchcoat / long coat, Levi’s white vintage denim straight leg jeans, Hermès Birkin 25 brown / taupe leather handbag and Khaite black leather boots on April 05, 2024 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images)

Fashion trends come and go, but certain timeless wardrobe staples never go out of style. Take the classic trench coat, for example, which was first developed in the 1800s and came into use as practical military attire around World War I. It was designed to be worn in the trenches; hence, the name "trench coat."

Despite its menswear origins, the jacket was popular in women's fashion, too. The trench coat soon trickled into mainstream fashion, including by stars in major Hollywood films; notably, Humphrey Bogart's Rick Blaine in Casablanca and Marlene Dietrich A Foreign Affair. Ad, of course, perhaps one of the most iconic cinematic wardrobe pieces of all time: the trench worn by Audrey Hepburn’s Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

It’s no surprise that the trench coat has remained a staple of any capsule wardrobe over the years; it's a dream piece of transitional attire for spring and fall, though if you select a trench in a heavier fabric, you could easily wear it into colder temperatures. Depending on the style and silhouette, a trench coats is incredibly versatile and can be worn with almost anything, whether you throw it on over your workout clothes, pair it with a lightweight summer dress or wear it with jeans and a t-shirt.

Layering a trench coat can also elevate even the sloppiest of ensembles into a more tailored and sophisticated outfit. While you can’t go wrong with a traditional tan trench coat à la Holly Golightly, the trench coat has been updated and reimagined in different silhouettes, fabrics and colorways over the years, with options ranging from silky trench coats and cropped styles to leather versions and classic wools.

There’s a trench coat out there for every kind of style and occasion, whether you’re in the market for a more formal look, an everyday jacket or a statement piece. Below, see the best trench coats to shop right now.

London Fog Double Breasted Raglan Trench

For a classic double-breasted trench coat that is sure to stand the test of time, look no further than London Fog’s iconic belted khaki silhouette. This is a rainy day savior, thanks to a (removable) hood, and it’s also water-repellant.

$280, SHOP NOW

London Fog. London Fog

Burberry Mid-Length Chelsea Heritage Trench Coat

You can’t talk trenches without acknowledging the original Burberry (BURBY) trench coat, which is just as chic and relevant today as when it first debuted during World War I. This double-breasted beige jacket just might be the perfect trench. It has a slimmer, more tailored silhouette; it’s made of traditional cotton-gabardine fabric and lined with the British designer’s iconic check, and hits just above the knee. It’s an investment piece, yes, but it’s also a timeless trench coat, and you’re sure to wear it forever.

$2,590, SHOP NOW

Burberry. Burberry.

The Row Badva Hooded Coated Linen-blend Trench Coat

Make a statement in this glamorous take on the classic trench. This dramatic ankle-length jacket has a detachable hood and is composed of a linen-blend that makes it perfect for transitional times of year. The color is just *chef’s kiss.*

$3,850, SHOP NOW

The Row. The Row.

J. Crew New Icon Trench

J.Crew’s 100 percent cotton trench coat is a newly updated take on the brand’s beloved Icon, and now has a removable hood and even more flattering fit. Made with water-repellent fabric, this works as a raincoat or everyday piece of outerwear, and features a poppable collar and adjustable belt at the waist.

$210, SHOP NOW

J. Crew. J. Crew

Polo Ralph Lauren Lambskin Suede Trench Coat

For a splurge-worthy piece of outerwear, try on Ralph Lauren’s plush suede topper, made of the softest lambskin. This elevated jacket hits at the calf, with a buckle belt and A-line silhouette.

$2,498, SHOP NOW

Polo Ralph Lauren. Polo Ralph Lauren

Rag & Bone Beverly Cropped Trench

It’s time to acquaint yourself with the short trench coat. This Rag & Bone iteration hits just below the hip, for a more casual style complete with the classic epaulettes and storm flap, in a traditional double-breasted style.

$758, SHOP NOW

Rag & Bone. Rag & Bone

Sezane Scott Trench Coat

It's no surprise that Paris cool girl brand Sezane has mastered the art of the laid-back trench. This water-repellant 100 percent organic cotton trench features raglan sleeves and buttoned tabs at the shoulders and cuffs, with a back slit. The khaki hue has hints of green, for a versatile yet more unique alternative to classic beige—you'll have mastered that French girl look in no time.

$305, SHOP NOW

Sezane. Sezane

Mackage Gael-Z Belted Leather Trench Coat

Embrace the Matrix vibes in Mackage's long leather trench coat, instantly adding a cool girl edge to any outfit. The cognac colorway and relaxed silhouette (which is perfect for layering over thick sweaters and other cozy ensembles) soften what could otherwise be harsh, while the roller belt and adjustable strap cuffs add structure, if you so choose.

$1,890, SHOP NOW

Mackage. Mackage

Reformation Kensington Trench

This double-breasted trench coat is a great lightweight option; it runs a big larger, so you can layer it over chunky sweaters or even a blazer come fall. The belted waist and buttoned shoulders add structure to the relaxed fit of this lightweight trench coat.

$368, SHOP NOW

Reformation. Reformation

Favorite Daughter The Charles Trench

Favorite Daughter's Charles Trench is composed of a cotton-blend gabardine, with a more oversized, boxy fit that is offset by the adjustable belted waist. Faux horn buttons add a tasteful note to the double-breasted coat.

$398, SHOP NOW

Favorite Daughter. Favorite Daughter

The Frankie Shop Salem Trench Coat

For a heavier trench coat, consider The Frankie Shop's espresso-hued coat, with a pointed collar, storm flap and button cuffs.

$285, SHOP NOW

The Frankie Shop. The Frankie Shop

Mango Classic Trench Coat

Mango’s minimalist trench is composed of 100 percent cotton, with a lapel collar and an adjustable belt.

$139.99, SHOP NOW

Mango. Mango

Anine Bing Layton Trench

This elegant menswear-inspired trench coat comes in a gorgeous creamy white hue. The oversized trench coat is made of a water-resistant, lightweight cotton-twill, with a double-breasted closure and ladylike gold accent buttons.

$250, SHOP NOW

Anine Bing. Anine Bing

Cuyana Silk Classic Trench

Cuyana’s luxe silk take on the classic trench comes with both silky and leather ribbon-like wrap belts and side slits, with a drape-y silhouette.

$598, SHOP NOW

Cuyana. Cuyana

Barbour Gwyn Showerproof Trench Coat

While Barbour is perhaps best known for their classic waxy jackets, don’t sleep on the English brand’s other outerwear options, like this matte, showerproof trench. It's a double-breasted, relaxed fit with a belted waist, cuffed sleeves and welt pockets.

$440, SHOP NOW

Barbour. Barbour

Darling Overcast Trench

This is a flowy, lightweight iteration of the traditional trench, complete with a tie belt, pleats, side slits and a back flap. It’s easy to layer over a maxi dress or pair with jeans.

$250, SHOP NOW

Darling. Darling.

Khaite Roth Trench

Made of water-repellant twill, Khaite's long trench coat is definitely an investment piece, but it's also an addition to your wardrobe that's a forever piece—this never goes out of style. The New York-born label's trench is less traditional than the typical double-breasted, button-down option, with a wraparound silhouette and sash tie waist.

$2,900, SHOP NOW

Khaite. Khaite

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