What are the elements of a great Trench?

Peri

Reading so many posts about Trench coats has got me thinking, hmmm, maybe.

I have a black trench probably about 15-20 years old, but has the style changed at all? It seems fine, but the maybe is coming in because it doesn't have a hood, and if its raining but my hands are full, a hood would be a nice option. If I bought a new one I would probably want a non-traditional color...like purple! I could go black again, but doubt I want the traditional tan.

So, all the posts about Trench shopping, Trench buying, have been analyzing the subject in depth and detail! Can any Trench experts tell me what to look for, what makes a great one, what are the details I should want...and whether purple is even going to be possible to find?

12 years ago

General

7 replies

Latest reply was from DonnaF

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Anna showed a gorgeous "wisteria" one the other day in a post.

Here's a lower priced option. With hood!

Or a higher priced option.

Elements of a great trench: fit, fit, and fit again. Rainworthiness. Breathability (this is more important for some than others). The right cut for your body (some do better in classic double breasted styles; others are better in a single breasted style.) Length can vary...depends how you want to wear. A colour that flatters you.

12 years ago

Peri

Veteran

Wow Suz, I like the lower priced option a lot! How often does that happen?!

Now I'm edging past maybe...

12 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Both are very nice.

I was thinking the same thing as Suz. The fit is key. I also think that it is the placement of the belt that makes the fit if the jacket has wider belt loops that don't allow you to move it to the best spot.

12 years ago

Anonymous

Good pockets that are easy to access ( no flap over them). I have an adorable Michael Kors short trench but it has very shallow pockets so that I'm afraid my keys will fall out.

12 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

If your trench is that old it's probably not as fitted as the current ones.

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Anna makes a good point. Older trenches are cut slightly differently. The differences might not be apparent on the hanger, but they show up on the body.

Joy also raises a good point about pockets. And inner pockets can also be useful.

In your climate, a trench could potentially work as a year round coat if it were heavier fabrication and had a zip out liner.

I have two trenches currently -- both black. (I would much prefer navy but black is what there was available when I was in desperate need.)

One is a shorter, more flared Theory trench that I completely adore. It was a donation from a very generous YLF member who knew I wanted one and was passing it on. It's best with trousers or a knee length pencil skirt.

My other one is a knee length London Fog. The quality is not as high as the Theory, but it is very decent for the price point. I'm not sorry I bought it. It is a bit easier to layer under than the Theory (due to the cut and length) and it is a very rich black. In general, most members here who own London Fog coats have been happy with them. They're a decent mid-range coat.

Angie also recommended one of the BR trenches last spring. I think it's a really high quality coat for the money. Or you could wait for the Brooks Brothers sale in the summer.

12 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

This is plum, not purple, but. . .http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lo.....n=wishlist

12 years ago

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