7 Best Men’s Trench Coats You Need to Buy This Winter

The trench coat is a timeless fashion item that all gents should own. As practical as it is stylish, this one outerwear garment can suit countless outfits and occasions. As such, it’s one of the best style investments a man can make. But, why stop at just one? Today, there are a variety of fantastic trench coat styles for men. From the double-breasted Burberry classic to contemporary cropped designs, these coats now come in all shapes and sizes. Below are the seven best men’s trench coats you need to buy for winter.

RELATED: How to Wear a Pea Coat

RELATED: The Best Jacket & Coat Brands for Men

What is a Trench Coat?

Although today’s trench coat has been reimagined into a few variations, the basics have remained largely the same. It is a long coat made to be worn over other clothing in the winter months. The traditional style is double-breasted with ten buttons often with a belt at the waist. The trench coat has its roots in army clothing, garnering its name from its wide use in the trenches of World War I. To this day you can see the military inspiration in its style, with many coats featuring ornamental epaulets (shoulder straps) and sometimes even gun flaps near the lapel.

1. Burberry Trench Coat

Trench coat aficionados will tell you that Thomas Burberry invented the original trench coat (although it’s probably best not to get into any conversation with somebody who introduces themselves as a ‘trench coat aficionado’). He invented them as an alternative for French and British soldiers to the heavy serge coats they were wearing at the time.

Originally only made available to Army officers, they grew in popularity when veterans returned and began wearing them as part of their everyday getup.  This combined with the fact that the British Army ordered far too many, interest in the style piqued and the big surplus was made available to the public. Today, Burberry still make the classic double-breasted style although they also sell a range of single-breasted coats.

SHOP THE LOOK

2. Double-Breasted Trench Coat

The heritage choice, a double-breasted coat with between six and ten buttons and wide lapels. Many double-breasted designs come with a waist belt which can make the coat appear a better fit. It is important to consider the fit of any trench coat you buy, especially if you plan on wearing the coat buttoned up and with fewer layers underneath. If you’re someone who likes to wear lots of layers beneath a coat, a more relaxed fit could be a good choice. As with any coat, you may need to have adjustments made to ensure you’re looking your best. The double-breasted design epitomizes a classic look while sending the message that the wearer is a little more elegant.

SHOP THE LOOK

3. Casual Trench Coat

If you plan on having just one trench coat in your wardrobe’s rotation, then choosing a versatile, classic look is a better option for both casual and formal looks. That being said, there are some trench coats that work well for a dressed-down style. Even when buying a casual trench coat, flexibility is still important; you may be wearing the coat with jeans one day and a tie the next. For a casual style look for a thigh-length trench coat in beige, stone, navy, or khaki. Single-breasted coats that are left unbuttoned will appear more laid back.

SHOP THE LOOK

4. Office Trench Coat

An open trench coat is a terrific item of clothing to add to your winter office rotation. Able to walk the line between stylish and practical and complementary to a tie, suit, sweater vest or open shirt. Choose a more conservative style and color, with beige, tan and black the best choices for office wear. By choosing a design without the waist belt gives you more options when styling.

SHOP THE LOOK

5. Military Green Trench Coat

Considering the trench coat’s origins in the military, it makes sense that the coats were originally all khaki. The color was chosen so that soldiers would remain camouflaged amidst similarly colored landscapes. But if you’re wanting to put a twist on the original khaki, while still giving a nod to its military roots, military green is a head-turner. The color is at once contemporary and classic in style and sympathetic to many of the neutral tones in your wardrobe.

SHOP THE LOOK

6. Cropped Trench Coat

While the classic style’s length drops down to at least the knees, cropped versions of the trench coat are becoming increasingly popular. A cropped trench coat will fall just below the beltline, making something that’s less cumbersome and a bit less of a statement. Having the coat cut off at around the thigh can make you appear taller while drawing more attention to the lower half of your body. Simplicity is the key with a shorter-length trench coat, avoid waist belts and too much detail. Keep in mind with any smaller coat, any embellishment looks bigger and more exaggerated. The shorter coat is a great autumn option, or for anytime when you’re wearing fewer layers.

SHOP THE LOOK

7. Bold Colour Trench Coat

At one point, the trench coat was available in a wide range of khaki options. Nowadays, you’re afforded a little more choice, although most colors available sit at the conservative end of the pool. Think navy, grey, black and beige. Those sartorial mavericks out there might want a little more than these boring choices, and with eye-catching tones now gracing the racks, there is some excitement to be had. Obviously, choosing a trench coat in a bold color is not going to give you the kind of versatility you get from a more conservative option.

Of the brighter-colored trench coats out there, royal blue seems the most popular, although you can find many more options. Trench coats in bold colors become the focal point of your outfit, so pay close attention to how your colors coordinate and complement it. You should also consider the situation in which you will be wearing the coat, a bright red trench coat will be a statement, so choose carefully when and where you wear it.

SHOP THE LOOK