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courtesy of brands, collage by Sarah Olivieri

The Best Trench Coats That Are Chic and Timeless

Lightweight yet sturdy, the trench remains a must-have for transitional weather

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The trench coat’s sleek minimalism and functional versatility contribute to its enduring appeal. It can add structure and tailoring to casual tee-and-jeans outfits or just as easily complement a cocktail dress for an evening out.

The traditionally calf-length khaki coat remains a staple of preppy and minimal wardrobes alike. “Trench coats are a classic wardrobe staple with a timeless design,” Anine Bing, founder and chief creative officer of her eponymous brand, tells Bazaar. “They are often characterized by clean lines and minimal embellishments, making them versatile and suitable for various occasions.” Trench coats make the best outfit companions when the weather is unpredictable and spring showers are commonplace, but they weren’t always an everyday staple.

Our Favorite Trench Coats of 2025

The trench coat dates back to the 19th century, when new techniques for weatherproofing cotton meant that both soldiers and civilians could swap out heavy coats for something more lightweight and durable. Its popularity took off during World War I, when it became standard-issue for British officers. Burberry, one of the trench coat’s earliest manufacturers, became synonymous with quality trenches. The brand still holds a place on this list for the modern iteration of its iconic silhouette.

While Burberry is still a destination for trench coats, an even wider range of brands are reinterpreting trench coats with pleats and shorter lengths. If you’ve been working on building out your collection of spring coats, trenches are a comfortable top layer for transitional weather.

Ahead, shop the 11 best trench coats for spring.

Best Overall Trench Coat

Everlane Modern Trench Coat

Modern Trench Coat

Everlane’s revamped trench coat builds on its predecessor’s loose yet structured cut, double-breasted closure, and inclusive size range. For a 2025 twist, this fully lined version hits just below the knee for a length that isn’t quite maxi or cropped—it’s just right. It’s also perfect for leveling up a casual weekend outfit or providing the final touch to a polished work look.

Sizes: 2XS–3XL

Materials: 100 percent cotton

Best Minimal Trench Coat

Anine Bing Randy Trench

Randy Trench

Last year, Bing launched this trench at her brand and told us it’s her favorite version “because of its clean lines and menswear-inspired details.” The straight cut and midlength hem make this an ideal transitional style that can be worn with floral dresses, jeans, or trousers.

Sizes: XS–L

Materials: 98 percent cotton, 2 percent elastane

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Best Hooded Trench Coat

Zara Short Hooded Trench Coat

Short Hooded Trench Coat

Caught in a sudden drizzle with no umbrella or hat on hand? No problem. Zara’s boxy, cropped trench coat features a spacious hood with a two-button closure to make sure you can quickly take cover without breaking your stride.

Sizes: XS–2XL

Materials: 52 percent polyamide, 48 percent cotton

Best Iconic Trench Coat

Burberry Long Waterloo Heritage Trench Coat

Long Waterloo Heritage Trench Coat

Burberry is a name associated with the traditional trench. It only makes sense that if you’re planning to invest, you choose the British label. Traditional details like belted cuffs and epaulets add a touch of preppy polish.

Sizes: 0–16 UK

Materials: 100 percent cotton

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Best Cropped Trench Coat

Banana Republic Short Trench Coat

Short Trench Coat

Sometimes an occasion arises when a long coat just won’t fit the bill. Enter the cropped trench, which embodies the sensibilities of the traditional cotton coat, but at a length that’s easy to style in all sorts of ways.

Sizes: 2XS–2XL

Materials: 100 percent cotton

Best Midi Trench Coat

A.P.C. Greta Trench

Greta Trench

French label A.P.C. is a go-to for elevated basics, and its take on the trench is simple yet refined. It’s the type of piece designed to make even a casual workout look feel put together once you throw it on.

Sizes: 34–42 EU

Materials: 100 percent cotton

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Best Pleated Trench Coat

Sandro Pleated Trench Coat

Pleated Trench Coat

Pleats, please! Make a statement in a coat that’s meant for twirling and floating your way through the day. A waist belt means you can still cinch the coat tight if you want it to hug close to the body.

Sizes: XS–XL

Materials: 100 percent polyester

Best Leather Trench Coat

Norma Kamali Belted Vegan Leather Trench Coat

Belted Vegan Leather Trench Coat

Futuristic movies like The Matrix and minimalist ’90s style helped put the leather trench on the map, but the practicality of this coat has kept it there. A bit warmer than your traditional cotton trench, it’s the perfect choice for wet, transitional weather.

Sizes: XXS–XL

Materials: 100 percent vegan leather

Best Hybrid Trench Coat

Madewell Single-Breasted Trench Coat

Single-Breasted Trench Coat

Madewell’s single-breasted coat pulls from both the classic trench and car-coat styles with a belted waist and classic peak collar secured by a visible top-button. The slightly oversize style offers an understated, elegant look at an accessible price point.

Sizes: 2XS–2XL

Material: 68 percent cotton, 32 percent polyamide

Best Vest Trench Coat

Cos Sleeveless Hybrid Trench Coat

Sleeveless Hybrid Trench Coat

Cos has designed your next favorite trench-style vest. Classic and versatile, it’s perfect for when you’re looking for a lightweight layer to keep you extra warm on a breezy, spring day while still showing off the fabulous striped polos and pastel button-ups you’ve been steadily accumulating.

Sizes: XS/S, M/L

Material: 100 percent cotton

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Best Cape Trench Coat

Massimo Dutti Water-Repellent Cape Trench Coat

Water-Repellent Cape Trench Coat

This mossy-green trench coat ditches the traditional straight cut for a loose fit that swings like a chic cape, but the water-resistant feature ensures you stay dry, rain or shine. Wear it while running errands in the city or enjoying a latte at your favorite café.

Sizes: XS–L

Material: 65 percent cotton, 35 percent polyester

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Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?

a thick line break in a guide to the best trench coats for women 2023

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

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