Apart from being total badasses, what do Sherlock Holmes and Neo from the matrix have in common? The trench coats that make them look so good as they do whatever they do best. Every man can wear a trench coat, but you need to know what and when to wear it.
So, what goes into choosing the best of this all so romanticized closet essential. The secret to a good trench coat is the quality of the fabric, style, and fit. Below is a simple guide that will help you find the best trench coat.
- Style
When it comes to choosing a trench coat, style is key. How long do you want it? Do you go with double-breasted or single? How’s the back vent and how does the torso fit?
Double-Breasted vs. Single-Breasted
The classic trench coat has six to ten buttons depending on its length and is double-breasted. Thomas Burberry was the visionary who invented the original trench coat. Originally invented for British and French army officers, interest in the style caused a surplus to be made available to the public.
Today, Burberry still makes their classic double-breasted style, even though they still have a variety of single-breasted coats.
Back Vent
Trench coats have a single vent, originally designed to give a soldier room to run across the battlefield, protecting them from strong winds. While you’re not necessarily running to or from any wars, a back vent will allow for good breathability.
Detachable D-Ring Belt and Cuff Straps
This belt enables you to adjust the torso, ensuring the trench coat is more fitting. If you enjoy having a utility pouch, this D-ring belt will help it remain intact. The signature Burberry trench coats have cuff straps that tighten the fit and keep out the rain.
- Choosing the Right Fit
The size of the trench coat you buy will determine the style and fit. So, how do you determine the length and the size to buy?
Getting the Right Fit
A well-fitting trench coat should be in a size large enough to be worn over a heavy sweater or a suit jacket.
Your trench coat’s shoulders should extend out past the level of your natural shoulder by half an inch or a full inch, allowing room for a suit jacket. You can test it by fitting a whole fist in your chest area while retaining enough full arm movement.
Your trench coat needs to be 2 -4 inches longer than the suit jacket’s sleeves in terms of sleeve length.
Trench Coat Length
The modern-day trench coat length ranges from 37 to 45 inches. The first trench coats were longer, and only a few inches off the ground. There is no actual right length for a trench coat. Each man chooses a trench coat length based on their body type.
Large and tall men need to consider longer coats that land below the knee; short ones make them seem unreasonably tall.
Shorter and smaller men should choose shorter coats that fit right above their knees. They’re more proportional and keep you from looking like you’re swimming in excess fabric.
- Nature of the Material
Finally, other than its design, one of the first things you should consider is material quality. From leather, gabardine, cotton to natural wool, there are many fabrics you can choose from.
Choose one that suits your style, class, and event. You don’t want to find yourself wearing a leather trench to a warm dinner gala.
Trench Coats Will Make You Look Confident
A trench coat is the ultimate fashion statement that speaks about past glory and influences the future through design. It’s the best cloth you can transform into a winter jacket and summer vest in one go.
With these simple tips, you can visit any store and select a trench coat that suits your style and class.
