The best trench coats are an enduring staple of our wardrobes. Stylish, practical and lightweight to layer, they’re not just a transitional hero, but an investment for year-round wear.
First designed by Burberry in the late 19th Century, the British heritage brand’s trenches were worn by soldiers during the First World War. Now an outerwear holy grail, trench coats help us ease into autumn, bundle up in the winter over chunky knits, and protect us from the rainy British spring and summertime. An all-year-round purchase, it pays to invest in quality – luckily the high street is brimming with styles to rival a £1.8k Burberry trench.
The classic beige trench style remains mostly unchanged since its first iterations, from the D-ring detailing, wind flap and wide lapels to belting and waterproof finishes.
Contemporary updates include leather, patent and vinyl, which dominated autumn/winter 2025 collections, from Chanel’s belted black coat to Chloe’s blood red style. Elsewhere, animal print took over – see Stella McCartney’s vegan snakeskin trench or Dries Van Notens’s snow leopard print showstopper. When it comes to length, the more floor-sweeping the better (as seen at Acne and Coach), while labels including Toteme and Loewe championed short hemlines. As for silhouettes, Chloe, Calvin Klein and Michael Kors made a case for the humble cape.
If you’re looking to invest in the capsule wardrobe essential, we’ve rounded up the best women’s trench coats you can buy right now, from timeless designs to on-trend styles and investment pieces.
How I tested
We all know how unpredictable British weather is, so, I’ve rounded up the best trench coats that marry fashion with functionality, to see you through the season and beyond. When compiling my list I used the following criteria:
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
IndyBest is The Independent’s product reviews section, where experts review products without bias, ensuring that they live up to their marketing claims.
Daisy Lester is a senior shopping writer at The Independent who specialises in reviewing fashion. From the best flip flops and ballet flats to wedding guest dresses and comfortable bras, she can identify what makes a standout piece. Keeping an eye out for comfortable materials, Daisy looks for fashion that combines everyday practicality with innovative style. You can rest assured that everything she picks is a great investment for your wardrobe.
The best women’s trench coats for 2025 are:
Mango long double breasted trench coat
Best: Trench coat overall
Size range: XXS-XXL
Colourways: Beige, khaki
Why we love it
- Lightweight and breathable
- Classic cut
- Flattering
Take note
- A tad short for taller women
High street label Mango always delivers on the trench front. Its SS25 offering is hard to fault , and two styles have made it into this review. Arguably the perfect trench coat, this cotton style has been propping up my transitional wardrobe. The oversized silhouette and exaggerated lapels feel thoroughly contemporary while the back storm flap, tortoise shell buttons and double breasted design are classic touches.
Matching the inflated shape, a wide fabric belt allows you to cinch the coat in at the waist. Crafted from cotton, the coat is perfectly lightweight and breathable for autumn weather. When winter hits, simply layer it over chunky knits and jumpers.
Buy now £99.99, Shop.mango.com
H&M twill trench coat
Best: Budget trench coat
Size range: XXS-4XL
Colourways: Beige, ivory
Why we love it
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Water resistant
Take note
- A little too thin for cold weather
- Isn't very long
H&M’s twill trench coat is a steal at less than £40. Available in an everyday light beige and a timeless ivory, the style is crafted from polyester for a lightweight feel and water resistant finish (ideal for autumn’s in-between weather).
Boasting wide notch lapels and a double breasted silhouette, the mid-length coat is complete with tortoiseshell buttons and a single back vent. It is fully lined with long raglan sleeves, while a detachable tie belt helps lock in warmth and give a flattering structured look. The mid-length cut is a great choice for petite women but taller women might find it a little lacking in length (it falls just above the knee on my 6ft frame).
Buy now £39.99, Hm.com
Nobody’s Child camel cape trench coat
Best: Cape trench coat
Size range: XS-XL
Colourways: Camel
Why we love it
- Timeless cut
- Detachable cape for switching up your look
Take note
- Creases easily
Nobody’s Child elevated fashion offering for 2025 includes this standout cape trench coat. This buzzy outerwear trend was spotted all over the autumn and winter runways, from Khaite to Burberry and Chloe. This Nobody’s Child’s take puts an everyday spin on the bold silhouette.
Finished in a timeless camel hue, the trench features a tie-belt, button-down front and relaxed shape. The cape is perfectly cut to fall just above the waist – it’s wide enough to make a statement but not too oversized to be cumbersome. Plus, it’s detachable to switch up your look day-to-day. Crafted from organic cotton, the fabric is soft and insulating, though it does crease easily.
Buy now £169.00, Nobodyschild.com
AllSaints reed cropped leather trench coat
Best: Cropped leather trench coat
Size range: XS-XL
Colourways: Green, black
Why we love it
- Stylish design
- Long lasting
Take note
- Expensive
AllSaints is the best spot on the high street for leather. When it comes to trench coats, this cropped style is designed with just the right amount of edge. A sleek way to introduce the material into your wardrobe for autumn and beyond, the sheep leather is soft and durable with a stylish green finish.
Contrasting the toughness of the leather, the coat is cut into an elegant cropped length with raglan sleeves, a tie-belt to enhance your waist and short lapels. Though lightweight, the leather jacket is fully lined to keep you sufficiently warm on crisp days. Whether styled with wide-leg jeans or a black mini skirt, the cost-per-wear with AllSaints’ trench is high
Buy now £499.00, Allsaints.com
Mango cape style cropped trench coat
Best: Cropped cape trench coat
Size range: XS-L
Colourways: Beige
Why we love it
- Unique design
- Effortlessly stylish
Take note
- Isn’t sufficiently warm for cold weather
Taking inspiration from Burberry and Max Mara, Mango’s cropped trench coat is cut into a cape style. The shirt-style design is distinguished by its tortoiseshell button-down front and smart collar, with the wind flap nodding to classic trench coats.
Featuring three-quarter length sleeves and a relaxed floaty cut, this certainly isn’t a coat for the depths of winter. Instead, layer it over long-sleeve tops and turtlenecks during the autumn months for an effortlessly stylish transitional look. Crafted from a cotton and polyester blend, it’s surprisingly weather-proof, too.
Buy now £79.99, Mango.com
Uniqlo trench coat
Best: Weather-proof trench coat
Size range: XXS-XXL
Colourways: Khaki, black
Why we love it
- Classic design
- Durable quality
Take note
- A tad short for taller women
Uniqlo excels at wardrobe staples than transcend trends. Case in point: its classically designed trench coat. A structured alternative to long-length coats, Uniqlo’s relaxed trench is characterised by its belted waist tie, back storm flap, wind flap, wide lapels and double breasted silhouette.
Available in a khaki or black finish, the patterned check lining is a nice touch, particularly with the sleeves rolled up. Crafted from a polyester and cotton blend, the material is water-repellent, insulating and keeps its boxy shape well throughout the day. As with all of Uniqlo’s wardrobe basics, it’s meticulously made with plenty of attention to detail, meaning you’ll get your wear season-after-season.
Buy now £109.90, Uniqlo.com
M&S cotton rich belted longline trench coat
Best: Black trench coat
Size range: UK 6-24
Colourways: Black, beige
Why we love it
- Traditional tailored cut
- Excellent quality
Take note
- Snug fit
This utilitarian-style trench from M&S epitomises the stalwart’s commitment to everyday wearability and affordability. The trench has a flattering tailored fit, complete with a tie belt to accentuate your figure. The retailer’s homage to a traditional trench coat features a double buttoned down front and double breasted design.
The quality is excellent – particularly given the sub-£100 price tag – with a full inner-lining and crisp cotton fabrication. Adding smart detailing, there’s epaulettes on the shoulders and buttons on the cuffs. A departure from the oversized, boxy silhouettes that have trended in recent years, M&S’s trench looks sophisticated and fitted – a great choice for the office. I’d suggest sizing up as it runs a little small.
Buy now £79.00, Marksandspencer.com
Next check trench coat
Best: Check trench coat
Size range: UK 6-22
Colourways: Grey check
Why we love it
- Flattering cut
- Lightweight layer for autumn
Take note
- Too thin for winter
Retailer Next’s fashion offering shouldn’t be overlooked. The British brand is all about elevated everyday staples, just like this check trench coat. Boasting a double-breasted design and button down front, the expensive-looking trench boasts a timeless revere collar. It’s cut into a perfectly oversized silhouette, with the addition of a tie waist offsetting the inflated shape.
Made from polyester, the coat is lightweight and quick drying after a torrential rain story. While it isn’t lined, the boxy cut leaves plenty of room for throwing over chunky knits and blazers when the temperature plummets. Compared to traditional camel trench coats, the check finish has extra impact.
Buy now, Next.co.uk
River Island red faux fur trim belted trench coat
Best: Faux leather trench coat
Size range: UK 6-18
Colourways: Red
Why we love it
- Expensive-looking
- Comfortable
- Affordable
Take note
- Snug fit
I was hard-pressed to believe that this luxe-looking faux leather trench hailed from the high street. River Island’s sleek coat is a playful take on a traditional trench. The ankle-grazing style is made from a faux leather fabric and boasts an almost-patent finish.
Complete with long sleeves, pockets, a button down front and belted tie, the pleasingly soft faux fur collar and cuffs add the final flourish. The cut is form-fitting, so I’d suggest sizing up for a comfortable and less-constrictive fit. I’d feared the faux leather could look cheap, but it’s anything but. Just add an LBD and knee-high boots for a glamorous winter evening ensemble.
Buy now £89.00, Riverisland.com
Asos Design longline trench coat in chocolate
Best: Chocolate brown trench coat
Size range: UK 4-18
Colourways: Brown, black, mushroom, olive
Why we love it
- Timeless cut and colour
- Comfortable
- Affordable
Asos can always be relied on for affordable staples and this trench coat punches above its price tag. The throw-on-and-go design is complete with a tie waist and statement long length, with the chocolate brown hue adding to its expensive feel.
The deliciously neutral colourway was plastered all over autumn and winter collections, with Pantone declaring “mocha mousse” the colour of the year. Along with the rich colour palette, Asos’s trench is characterised by its back storm flap and vent, smart spread collar and asymmetric button fastening. Made from a polyester blend, the coat is perfectly breathable and comfortable for the transitional months – just size up so you can layer over knits when the temperature plummets.
Buy now £65.00, Asos.com
What is the best women’s trench coat?
Combining style and practicality, Mango’s sub-£100 trench coat is an investment for autumn and beyond. The lightweight design is perfect for the transitional months, but the oversized cut ensures you can layer it come winter. A budget buy that outperforms its price, H&M’s £34 trench will slot seamlessly into your wardrobe rotation, while Nobody’s Child’s stylish cape coat is an everyday take on the luxury trend.
For more elegant staples, check out our guide to the best ballet flats
