If there’s one upshot to the grey skies tightening over London like a jam jar lid, it’s this: it’s finally time to crack open our winter wardrobes.
When it comes to outerwear, there’s nothing more iconic and quintessentially British as a trench.
Originally cut for British soldiers in WWI as a lighter, more comfortable and better ventilated overcoat to wear than heavy greatcoats, the trench coat emerged the other side of the war a fashion victor.
From a military-issued essential to wardrobe staple, it’s a piece that exudes effortless style and has been reimagined and restyled through the decades to stay as current as ever.
The timeless trench coat:
There are many reasons behind its enduring appeal: for one, the piece is universally flattering – we’ve yet to meet a man, woman or child who doesn’t look great in one.
Two, the tailored silhouette instantly upgrades whatever you have on underneath, from a well-loved hoodie to a mid-week midi, all while giving an air of confident authority – particularly helpful when seeing off queue jumpers at the coffee shop.
And three, thanks to a childhood diet of espionage and adventure films, a trench manages to make you look spy-like and enigmatic all at once – and if we’re honest, isn’t that all we want from our outerwear?
Seemingly the coat of choice for bankers, journalists and spies, it's a look that works for all occasions.
If your wardrobe is lacking or you’re on the hunt for a fresh version to add to your trench coat collection, we’ve gathered an elite group of the best trenches to shop right now. And if you’re after a classic look that will stand the test of time, there are some definitive designs to invest in our list too.
Scroll on to discover the best trench coats for women to buy now
M&S Pure Cotton Double Breasted Trench Coat
For classic British style on the high street, you’d be hard pressed to find a better retailer than good old Marks and Sparks.
We’ve fallen headfirst for this dark navy double breasted coated, finished with tortoiseshell buttons, shoulder epaulettes, a buckle waist belt, buckled sleeve adjusters and a storm flap on the back, paying tribute to the original trench design.
A sharp look, this is a cut above the rest.
£89 | M&S | Buy it now
Palones Kimmi Deconstructed Trench
This new British brand has made an immediate impression with its cool-girl collection of dresses, separates and coats – including this deconstructed trench coat, which appears to be the look of AW19. Layered with a red, navy and mustard check, its crease-proof and offers a wealth of styling options thanks to the sleeve and waist ties.
£185 | Palones | Buy it now
Topshop Contrast Faux Leather Vinyl Trench - black
Offering a punky 80s-vibe, you’ll be praying for rain when out and about in this shiny PU leather black trench – it looks even better with a few rain drops glistening on it. White contrast stitching and vintage-look buttons means you can style it up or down as the occasion calls.
£79 | Topshop | Buy it now
& Other Stories Belted Trench Coat
While the original trench coats came in khaki to camouflage the soldiers wearing them from the enemy, now designers are painting the piece in far sunnier hues.
Take this mustard yellow version for instance. Perfect for work or play, the design stays true to its origins (epaulettes, double breasted, tie belt) while the shade will add a shot of sunshine to your wardrobe.
£110 | & Other Stories | Buy it now
Aquascutum Piccadilly Cape Camel
As one of the brands laying claim to having first designed the trench, who better to offer an update on the classic style? Aquascutum’s cape comes in a smart navy as well as camel and fastens with horn buttons and a waist belt.
£650 | Aquascutum | Buy it now
ASOS Design Trench Coat with Check Splicing
Mixing a standard nude with a statement check print, this is another perfect example of current trench trends – splicing. Because why should the lining have all the print fun?
With two functional pockets, notch lapels and a tie waist, this look bears all the hallmarks of a classic trench but paired with an unmistakably ASOS design twist.
£75 | ASOS | Buy it now
Burberry Two-tone Cotton Gabardine Trench Coat
While Aquascutum’s claim to designing the trench dates back to the 1850s, it was Thomas Burberry who invented gabardine (a strong fabric made with a twill weave) in 1879 and sent a design for an Army raincoat to the country’s war office just after the turn of the last century.
Fast forward 118 years, and Burberry is still making trench coats using gabardine, but with a more stylish streak than would be allowed in the military. This two-tone coat look is cut in the brand’s famed Kensington fit and is finished with polished hardware.
Wear it to work for a look that means business or sling on over jeans and a Breton jumper for the weekend’s activities.
£1,990 | Burberry | Buy it now
Reiss Everley Wool Blend Belted Trench Coat in Ivory
Give your trench the luxe treatment with this ivory coloured double breasted coat from Reiss. It bears all the signature details of a trench with peak lapels, concealed buttons and deep pockets for the essentials.
Wear with tonal separates for a modern take on the iconic coat.
£495 | Reiss | Buy it now
John Lewis & Partners Wool Blend Check Military Trench Coat, Neutral
Some trends are inextricably linked to season; for autumn and winter, it’s a strong check. Offered in sizes 8 – 18, John Lewis’s trench is made using a breathable wool blend with a masculine cut.
It features all the traditional trench trimmings: storm flap on the back? Tick. Button down gun flap? Tick. Double breasted with a belt and cuff straps? Tick, tick, tick. We think that’s all the boxes.
£199 | John Lewis | Buy it now
Rains Glossed-PU Trench Coat
If this trench was a person, surely it would be Kim K. The piece is highly reminiscent of that high shine outfit the premier Kardashian sister wore to UK's GQ awards all those years ago.
Thankfully Rain's trench isn't designed to be worn as a second skin; instead it's loose and unlined, allowing you to layer it over anything from chunky knits to sleek polo necks.
And you can leave the brolly at home because thanks to the water-repellent PU there's absolutely zero chance of getting soaked in any downpours.
Don't fancy the beige? It also comes in rust and black and a non-vinyl lilac.
£159 | Net-A-Porter | Buy it now
Star by Julien Macdonald - Black Croc Effect Faux Leather Trench Coat
Get all the glamour of leather while keeping your ethics intact with this sleek black trench in a faux croc pattern. It comes with a buckled belt plus gold coloured hardware and is the perfect length, ending right on the knee.
£77 | Debenhams | Buy it now *On sale from £110
Tommy Hilfiger Zendaya Houndstooth Trench Coat
This iteration of a trench is all about classics, from the cut to the houndstooth pattern.
As part of the brand's collab with actress and singer Zendaya, this design gives the 100+ years-old trench an appeal to a fresh new audience.
£330 | Very | Buy it now
HappyRainyDays Robyne Long Trench Coat
With all the details of a classic trench, but with an integrated hood for added convenience, this piece stands out from the pack in more ways than one.
The cherry red hue ensure you'll turn heads, while the waterproof, windproof and breathable fabric ensures you'll defy every rainstorm while looking as stylish as possible.
£150 | HappyRainyDays | Buy it now
Verdict
Affordable yet high quality and with all the hallmarks of a classic trench, M&S’s Pure Cotton Double Breasted Trench Coat is our top pick. While more statement designs with splicing or two-tones are undoubtedly fun, this is the one if you’re looking for a wardrobe staple that will stay current for years to come.
