Guide to Trench Coat Styles and Materials

The trench coat is likely the most elegant item of men’s clothing in military history. It is a three-quarter length coat made to keep dirt and precipitation off of your more expensive clothing. It is one of the earliest army uniforms that are still in use today. In the past, only officers were permitted to wear trench coats, which were used to keep mud off one’s uniform in the trenches of the First World War.  

These days, in addition to serving as protection for your other clothing, it is also worn as a stylish item of clothing. Additionally, they now come in a variety of styles, including short and long ones, lined and unlined, and even some that have been treated to add additional waterproofing. You’ve come to the right place if you’re curious about trench coats and want to learn more about them. Here is a list of trench coat styles and materials.

Trench Coat Styles

The trench coat’s style hasn’t changed all that much in its more than 100-year history. It is still a piece of timeless clothing that many people consider to be a wise investment because it may last for a very long time. Additionally, you can be certain that a trench coat you own will never go out of style.

: Well-dressed bearded man with a glass of coffee going out of the cafe after lunch

Here are a few of the trench coat’s distinctive fashion characteristics:

Single Back Vent

This particular trench coat design only has one vent. The original intent of this design was to provide a soldier with some room to move around the battlefield while waiting for the “word,” as well as some protection from the strong winds.

Double-Breasted Front Style

The traditional trench coat design features a double-breasted front. Depending on its length, it has six to ten buttons. Trench coats with one breast are also available, but they work best on short men. However, men tend to buy double-breasted trench coats more frequently.

Raglan Sleeves

Raglan sleeves on trench coats give them a more casual appearance than regular jacket sleeves. This increases its comfort when worn over several layers of clothing.

Epaulets

Military officers wore trench coats with epaulets or shoulder tabs so they could attach their insignia without destroying the coat. These days, a trench coat is only worn for fashion purposes.

Storm Flap

The trench coat has a storm flap, also known as a gun flap, to prevent water from seeping into the jacket as it drips down the shoulders. If the wearer is wearing headgear, it also works well as a cap to keep him dry. Typically, it is on the left for women and the right for men. Only because soldiers in World War I complained about water dripping into their coats after firing their rifles does it go by the name “gun flap.”

Detachable D-Ring Belt

A trench coat belt gives you the option of carrying a utility pouch and adjusting the torso of the jacket. Previously, it was utilized to carry a weapon or a sword. 

Cuff Straps

Trench coat cuff straps are used to tighten the fit and seal out rain. They were also used to attach equipment to them, like a map.

Trench Coats Lengths

The distinction between lined and unlined trench coats is another. The best of both worlds can be found in some lined trench coats that have a detachable liner.

Shopping day. International girlfriends. Women in a city

Full-Length Trench Coat

Knee-length to ankle-length are common for full-length trench coats. The full-length trench coat is perfect for tall people because the belt will cinch their waist rather than their height, beautifully balancing their figures. They can be equally flattering for shorter people by creating a long line that will lengthen their legs.

Styling guidelines: The full-length trench coat looks great with both formal and business attire as well as even more casual outfits like t-shirts, jeans, sweaters, heels, and sneakers. If you want to look completely professional, wear the coat with a V-neck sweater, a tailored suit, a tie, and khakis to dress it down.

Medium Length Trench Coat

A mid-length trench coat should end just above your knee. To your knowledge, the length is the most universally attractive. Most women favor this trench coach over the short or long ones to avoid the extremes. The mid-length trench coat is also the most popular choice among women because it looks good on all body types.

Styling guidelines: You can wear this trench coat in various ways, such as with high-waisted jeans and heeled sandals, a neck scarf, classic denim, and a silk blouse. Both approaches should help you create some of the season’s top casual looks.

Short Trench Coat

The traditional definition of a trench coat states that it should typically fall just below the knee. But if your tastes are way too contemporary, you might want to think about a short trench coat. A typical short trench coat will be between the length of the hips and the middle of the thigh. Petite women look best in this style of trench coat because it doesn’t make their legs look excessively short and the coat doesn’t look bulky on them.

Styling guidelines: Short trench coats typically work for moderately warm days, even though trench coats are very versatile in terms of formal and casual styling options as well as for different types of weather. Short trench coats can be worn casually by wearing them with long-sleeve tops, jeans, a statement wrap dress with heels, or sneakers. You ought to be able to achieve an elegant look with little effort in either situation.

Trench Coats Color Options

When trying to decide how to wear a trench coat with another outfit, colors are especially crucial. You have a lot of flexibility because modern trench coats come in a wide variety of colors, from classic camel to neon pink.

Gray is the most adaptable color option for trench coats that goes with all seasons, while beige or pale blue goes perfectly with light-colored clothing. However, choose beige and camel if you’re looking for something in more vintage hues like green and brown. It’s simple to style the gabardine version in a neutral shade like camel, black, navy, or gray. But once more, everything is entirely up to your particular preferences and tastes.

Solid

A solid color like tan, navy blue, black, or to a lesser extent, gray, makes up the majority of trench coats.

Patterned

There are numerous patterns available for trench coats as well. An elegant black and white plaid trench coat is a beautiful example.

Trench Coat Materials

Trench coats come in a variety of styles and materials in addition to their various design options. Here are a few of the materials that are used most frequently to make trench coats.

Young pretty girl walking on the street and smiling

Leather

Leather is a classic material that has become popular for trench coats in modern times because it is thought to be the strongest and most durable, providing maximum protection. It is not only thicker and warmer than other fabrics, but it is also the most versatile material for trench coats, allowing you to choose the ideal style for you. To make a leather trench coat suitable for the summer, the interior linings can be removed.

In addition, leather trench coats are much simpler to clean and maintain than trench coats made of other materials and can repel dirt. Overall, a leather trench coat is unquestionably worthy of being a part of your wardrobe.

Wool

The first trench coats worn by soldiers were made of wool gabardine. Gabardine coats typically tend to be denser yet lighter than leather coats because they are made of wool blends. Gabardine is the most appropriate fabric for inclement weather because it is the strongest against wind and rain. Coats made of gabardine are cozy and relaxed, making you feel at ease.

Other than that, the material is water-resistant and well-insulated. This fabric was expertly woven and is plain royalty. Gabardine is not produced or sold on a mass scale due to its high production costs; instead, it is only used for specialized or expensive trench coats.

Cotton

The simplest and most popular fabric for trench coats is cotton. When compared to gabardine and leather, cotton, which is densely woven with twill and poplin weaves, is lighter and less warm. Cotton trench coats are incredibly versatile and look great with casual attire. Cotton trench coats that have undergone chemical treatment also offer water resistance. They can be worn on windy days and are a cheap alternative.

Conclusion

These are the various styles and materials for trench coats. A trench coat would be a great addition to your outfit whether you’re getting ready for a formal event, an interview, or a relaxed day out with friends, especially if the weather is chilly, windy, or even rainy.