The best trench coats for men
From battlefields to Battersea, the trench coat has retained its place as an icon of British style. Invest in these timeless designs now and they'll be with you for seasons to come
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Beloved by dapper gents, from Humphrey Bogart and Sir Edmund Hilary to David Bowie and the Pink Panther, the trench coat has long been a marker of the well-dressed man. First created by Burberry and Aquascutum as a utility garment for use by the British military during the First World War (hence the name), its functional design and flattering silhouette quickly made it a symbol of style and status that has translated into the wider sartorial consciousness.
Originally fitted with epaulettes and D-rings from which to suspend equipment such as grenades and whistles, as well as gun flaps and a belted waist for added elemental protection, trench coats have retained much of their design heritage (despite the fact they’re more likely to be worn in the Square Mile than the Somme these days), but this only adds to their appeal.
In fact, it’s the trench coat’s unique place in British fashion history that makes it such a timeless wardrobe staple. Whether worn with jeans and a jumper or thrown on over your sharpest suit, trench coats have the rare ability to imbue almost any outfit with an instant sense of sophistication and intrigue. This goes a long way to explain why we still scramble to buy them over a century after they first appeared. And, with designers re-working the style each season in new fabrics and silhouettes, it’s clear that this icon of British style isn’t going anywhere. These are the best men’s trench coats to buy now…
Balenciaga reversible trench coat
Why buy one trench coat when you can have two? Cut in the brand’s classic oversized fit from a soft taupe cotton-twill blend, Balenciaga’s double-breasted trench coat features a reversible woollen checked lining for versatile styling.
Burberry Westminster heritage trench coat
Synonymous with the trench coat for over a century, Burberry has continued to champion the heritage style since first outfitting WWI soldiers in its cotton gabardine designs. Inspired by archival pieces, this heritage Westminster trench coat – updated in a fluid tumbled tropical gabardine – is ideal for light inter-seasonal layering and features a contrasting Vintage Burberry check lining and undercollar.
Mackintosh St Andrews trench coat
Another pioneer of the waterproof jacket, Mackintosh’s double-breasted St Andrews trench coat is crafted from water-repellent cotton gabardine and named for the Scottish seaside town northeast of Edinburgh. Rendered in an inky blue, this mid-length trench coat features an adjustable eyelet belt and an internal tab that allows you to attach one of the brand’s interchangeable linings for added insulation come winter.
Mfpen ripstop trench coat
This minimalist Mfpen trench coat is designed for a relaxed, oversized fit. Crafted from durable Italian ripstop woven from 57 per cent recycled fibres, this conscious piece is made to last. The raglan sleeves add to a casual silhouette that is sure to be your go-to for seasons to come.
Prada leather trench coat
Classic yet contemporary, Prada’s tke on the trench coat features an oversized silhouette cut in leather. The perfect modern piece, this double-breasted coat comes with an adjustable belt for cinched styling and the label’s iconic triangle patch logo on the back.
Tom Ford wool and silk trench coat
Tom Ford’s signature sexy spin on modern classics has resulted in this sleek wool and silk trench coat. Cut with a double-breasted silhouette, with notched lapels and a belted waist, this Italian-made coat makes for an edgy, modern take on the timeless style.
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