I want to take a controversial position and stick up for the short trench as actual rainwear.

Actual rainwear, you are thinking. Ha! Poor Suz. She's lost her senses.

Ok. But hear me out.

I think it's agreed -- there's nobody on the forum more sniffish about "seasonal confusion" than me -- and I see it everywhere. EVERYWHERE!!

Granted, my views have been moderated by the experience of moving to a new climate, where I have learned that what is seasonal confusion in one part of the world may be plain good sense -- or at least not impractical -- in another. Bare ankles and toques or beanies, for instance. This combo makes no sense for winters in Ontario, where I used to live. Whereas on some winter days here on the wet coast, and for some people, who run warmish, it can work quite well.

Short trench coats were available last year and maybe even the year before. I was immediately drawn to the look. But I scoffed. I mean I literally laughed out loud. Who needs a raincoat that will not keep them dry?

As you know, I have since bought one of these babies myself. And I love it! It's a workhorse! And not just because the proportions work with wide legs, which I like to wear.

Here's why: My own short trench does keep me dry. Admittedly, mine is a gearish version with a hood. And admittedly, I haven't walked for hours in a downpour while wearing it.

But here's the thing. While downpours and atmospheric rivers do occur where I live, and require more serious rainwear, most spring days are not like that.

Most days, the forecast is for intermittent showers, with a mere possibility of more serious rain. And it turns out, the short trench is perfect for such weather.

For the more serious rain, an umbrella or longer rainwear or both are required. But those days become less and less common as winter turns into spring.

In short, if you get the kind of rain that is more common back east, I.e. constant downpour or thunderstorm, then no, these jackets won't work, except for style and possibly wind coverage. But if you live in a climate like mine, this is a surprisingly practical piece of clothing.

So: who's with me? Short trenches can be practical: Vote YAY.

Short trenches are a seasonally confused fashion idiocy where I live: Vote NAY!