How To Wear: The Trench Coat

The trench coat is an integral part of an elegant gentleman’s wardrobe. It is a timeless outerwear style and a stylish essential for transitional seasons of spring and fall. Today we’re discussing the origins and the features of the trench coat and the many ways to style it.

The History of the Trench Coat

Like many other outerwear styles, the trench coat was originally an item of clothing for army officers.

The cloth from which trench coats are made was created in the 1870s by British clothier Thomas Burberry. He developed a wool fabric that was chemically processed to resist the elements. The invention was called gabardine.

The outbreak of World War I created a need for a resistant garment to protect the soldiers fighting in the trenches. Burberry designed just such a coat — the trench coat. It was made of gabardine and repelled water.

After the war, the trench coat was adopted for civilian use, becoming a popular coat style with both men and women.

The Characteristics of the Trench Coat

The style

A trench coat is a raincoat, traditionally double breasted, belted and with lapels. The coat often has straps around the wrists that also buckle and shoulder straps.

The fabric

Today trench coats are made of cotton gabardine, waxed cotton and even suede and leather.

Popular colors

The classic version of the trench coat is khaki or beige. You can also opt for one in grey, navy, army green or black.

How to Style the Trench Coat

How to wear the trench coat with a suit

The beauty of the trench coat is that it’s an extremely versatile outerwear piece. It works well with almost any style, from formal to relaxed. So the trench coat is the perfect coat to add to your suited spring outfits.

Men's Tan Vertical Striped Tie, White Dress Shirt, Grey Plaid Suit, Tan Trenchcoat
A tan trenchcoat and a grey plaid suit are strong sartorial weapons in any modern gentleman's collection.View Details
Men's White Dress Shirt, Black Suit, Navy Trenchcoat
Go for something stylish yet current in a navy trenchcoat and a black suit.View Details
Men's Tan Leather Briefcase, Brown Gingham Dress Shirt, Black Suit, Beige Trenchcoat
You'll be amazed at how very easy it is to put together this polished outfit. Just a beige trenchcoat and a black suit.View Details

How to wear the trench coat with smart casual outfits

The trench coat is an essential in the transitional seasons of spring and fall. Its elegance makes it a perfect coat for office looks. Throw it on your business casual ensembles for an impeccable workwear style.

Men's White Jeans, White Crew-neck T-shirt, Grey Cardigan, Beige Trenchcoat
A beige trenchcoat and white jeans make for the ultimate casually smart look.View Details
Men's Dark Brown Dress Pants, Navy Long Sleeve Shirt, Navy Cable Sweater, Charcoal Trenchcoat
A charcoal trenchcoat looks especially classy when paired with dark brown dress pants in a modern man's getup.View Details
Men's Black Jeans, Grey Dress Shirt, Burgundy Cardigan, Tan Trenchcoat
Marrying a tan trenchcoat and black jeans is a surefire way to inject your styling lineup with some masculine sophistication.View Details

How to wear the trench coat with sporty outfits

As we’ve already said, the trench coat is a universal coat, meaning it works with a laid-back outfit just as well as it does with a classic look. Wear it with jeans and sneakers to dress up your sporty looks.

Men's White and Red and Navy Horizontal Striped Low Top Sneakers, Navy Jeans, Navy V-neck T-shirt, Tan Trenchcoat
For an outfit that's truly wow-worthy, opt for a tan trenchcoat and navy jeans. Puzzled as to how to finish? Complement this getup with white and red and navy horizontal striped low top sneakers to change things up a bit.View Details
Men's Black Athletic Shoes, Black Skinny Jeans, White Crew-neck T-shirt, Beige Trenchcoat
If you gravitate towards relaxed ensembles, why not make a beige trenchcoat and black skinny jeans your outfit choice? Complete your look with black athletic shoes to keep the ensemble fresh.View Details
Men's Red Low Top Sneakers, Black Jeans, White and Black Print Crew-neck T-shirt, Beige Trenchcoat
This pairing of a beige trenchcoat and black jeans is a must-try casually elegant outfit for any modern man. Give a relaxed twist to an otherwise standard outfit by slipping into a pair of red low top sneakers.View Details

Discover even more ways to style a trench coat from our collection of looks.

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