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15 best trench coats to shop now and wear forever
A lesson in capsule classics
Versatile, practical and lightweight enough to layer, the best trench coats are so much more than transitional heroes: they’ll see you through almost every situation, in any season. And given how temperamental the UK weather is throughout the year, there's no better item to invest.
From Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Meryl Streep in Kramer Vs Kramer or Kate Moss in countless Burberry campaigns, the trench coat has been seen as a signifier of good style for over a century. And, despite first being created for military purposes back in 1912, its appeal has lasted through decades of different dress codes. Because, thrown over everything from jeans and a Breton top to slinky slip dresses, its functionality immediately translates to effortlessness (a look more coveted than any 'It' bag).
The best trench coats, at a glance
The wardrobe staple hasn’t changed much in that time; you can still find heavy cotton-gabardine numbers with the trademark storm flaps, buckles and belting everywhere from Burberry to Brunello Cucinelli. However, with so many re-interpretations debuting on the catwalk every season, it’s hard not to be tempted by fresh statement-making styles.
On the spring/summer 2025 runways, trench coats were pinned to become a statement-making staple for the season. At Viktor & Rolf, the heritage design underwent a refurb, with ruffles, bows and exaggerated sleeves, while softer palettes ruled at Ferragamo. Saint Laurent and Proenza Schouler implored us to embrace the black leather trench coat, while statement silhouettes were seen in the broader, sloping shoulder lines at Stella McCartney, and the flowing, floor-length trenches on the Gucci catwalk.
Whichever style you go for, when you’re spending money on a capsule classic, you need to think smart: invest in something with longevity, but don’t be afraid of subtle twists or playful details. From leather and denim styles to the most well-cut cotton contenders, we’ve rounded up the stars of the season. Here, see the 15 best trench coats to invest in now.
The best trench coats for SS25
Loewe has mastered elegance with a contemporary silhouette in this cotton trench coat. Constructed with exaggerated balloon sleeves and a sleek belted waist, the proportions of this design are perfectly playful while remaining sophisticated enough for everyday wear. Style with a pair of black knee-high riding boots for a polished look.
We've not been able to stop thinking about this double-belted Ganni trench since we saw it on the spring/summer 2025 runways, and we're predicting it to be the cult buy for the season, having already seen it in a plethora of street style looks at London Fashion Week. Also available in classic tan or a gothic black, this statement trench will kick any outfit up a notch.
Is there any fashion item more iconic than the Burberry trench coat? The military design was first dreamed up by Thomas Burberry in 1916, and its shape has shifted only a little since then.
Today, there are several iterations of the capsule classic, but The Kensington is the most true to tradition: it's made from waterproof cotton-gabardine, detailed with epaulettes, storm flaps, buckled collars and cuffs, and lined with that iconic check.
Weekend Max Mara's cotton-blend trench delivers on a subtly modern iteration of the trench., with a lighter two-tone colour palette that's perfect for spring. The belt is detachable too, allowing you to wear it as a button-up raincoat.
Outerwear's focus on the neckline isn't going anywhere. Stemming from Toteme's cult scarf jacket, neck dressing was a key trend for AW24, and one that we'll see carrying effortlessly into SS25. Massimo Dutti is (unsurprisingly) first past the high-street post, offering this crisp beige cotton coat. A bonus: you'll never lose your scarf in a sudden gust of wind.
A succession of chic, abbreviated capes set the Seventies tone at Chemena Kamali's debut autumn/winter 24 runway show for Chloé, and this cotton-gabarbine trench is the smartest way to invest. Boasting supreme versatility (the cape can be detached to create a traditional silhouette) and finished with supple lamb-leather edging, it's a seasonal star with longevity to boot. Invest now, and love forever.
The only thing more practical than a trench coat? One with a hood. Guaranteed to spend more time on you than in the wardrobe, Me + Em's is made from water-resistant treated cotton and packed with properly considered details, such as the slanted side pockets that ensure a sleeker, bulk-free silhouette.
Daisy Edgar Jones is also a fan of the brand's trench coats, spotted wearing one of its waterproof macs while out in London recently.
A fashion icon with wide-reaching appeal, Barbour's heritage-steeped jackets are beloved by the likes Alexa Chung, Sienna Miller and The Princess of Wales. The brand has reimagined the traditional trench design with this chic single-breast style. Note the oversized collar and cuffs, which can be rolled back to reveal the brand's signature tartan lining.
For a piece that's made with the festival-goer in mind (and more importantly, the accompanying unpredictable weather) take a gander at Alexa Chung's latest collaboration with Barbour.
The Frankie Shop is known for creating the season's most in-demand wardrobe essentials (remember the wide-leg tailored trousers of 2023?) and this year the brand is coming for your outerwear. The Mavis is a slouchy, scaled-up design with sloping shoulders and a wide belt to cinch everything in: the perfect nonchalant cover-up for any weather.
Chocolate brown has retained its status as a luxurious hue throughout the seasons, and there's no better piece to invest in than a leather trench in this rich shade. This one from luxury outerwear brand Nour Hammour is a timeless design that will be treasured for years to come.
Arket's trench is cropped to the hips and crafted from a cotton blend. Wear it to break up the lines of an all-black look, or try it layered over a white tank and blue jeans for an off-duty approach.
Break away from beige with Sister Jane's striped denim trench. It's cut for a relaxed double-breasted fit and finished with wide sleeves. Wear yours with tonal flares to give it a fresh update.
A good trench is a key quiet-luxury player, and no-one knows that corner of the industry better than The Row. A true forever investment, the brand's Aralia coat has an asymmetrical buttoned take on the traditional silhouette, ensuring it has a unique but chic appeal.
A denim trench will bring something less expected to weekend looks, yet is still every bit as classic as a cotton-gabardine style. Brunello Cucinelli's elegant take is made from dark indigo denim to ensure a polished result, and masterfully cut to a cocooning, ankle-skimming silhouette that cinches neatly at the waist.
Leather pieces are key for SS25, so if you've already got the skirt and trousers hanging in your wardrobe, it's time to graduate to outerwear.
One of the very best designs on the high street right now, this supple, all-black vegan-leather trench will add edge to even the most basic outfits. Note the long yet slimline fit, and the beautiful woven detailing on the lapels.
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