What is the point of a trench coat?

[powerfullymoving]

I don't get it!
They don't seem warm and cosy and there is no hood!

They’re always called chic and timeless but IRL they’re cold and not that easy to wear.

I've got one. My husband yells 'go go gadget arms' whenever I wear it. Which consequently isn't often.

I've never understood them. They seem made for people who don't need to navigate the outside world of public transport or walking from A to B. They're utterly pointless from a utilitarian point of view. Though I admit they can look very chic and I have had my head turned by some of the classic styles before I remember I need things like hoods and warmth.

They're not warm and cosy. It's a raincoat. Don't they date from the time when overcoats and raincoats were separate garments?

There are probably better options these days, but you know, fashion.

If you put it on over leggings and sweatshirt with nice enough handbag and big sunnies it supposedly looks more "put together" than just leggings and sweatshirt. But opinions may vary. Also it's essentially a "car coat" - little something to run two and a half meters between parking and building.

Useful coat if you work in an office with a reasonably traditional dress code, I think. Otherwise, I agree, cold, not comfortable, and can look a bit odd with longer skirts.

They do look lovely, specially the brown ones which unfortunately is not a friendly colour for me to wear near my face - also I feel overwhelmed by too many buttons and that thing on the shoulders

I have one. I use it during spring and autumn when it might rain but is too warm for a proper coat, but need an extra layer.

I like mine, its red and I feel very swish in it
Does very well to keep the rain off for the short walk from the car to office and back.

I don't wear it when its freezing or on muddy treks through the woods, I have other things more suitable for that.
I get that if you want one coat for everything it probably wouldn't be suitable.

@piscofrisco 😂 your husband sounds like my kind of person

This, plus, evolved from WW1 trenches hence the name. So synonymous with war and protection from mud rather than comfort or glamour.

I think they're classic and chic. You can sometimes get ones with hoods.
It's a spring jacket really. It's not meant to be very warm. It keeps you dry (although admittedly not your head) and it looks smart.
I love my practical Didriksons raincoat too but it's not smart enough for work.

Oh I disagree. They are perfect for public transport. I get super hot on the tube so I can't wear a thick winter coat but obviously I need something when it's chilly. It's also water resistant so good for showers with a brolly. Umbrellas never keep the rain off my lower half as the wind means the rain blows in at angles.

If it's mid winter I'd wear something warmer but most of the year I need a transitional weight coat which is exactly what a trench is.

Tbf most coats look odd with longer skirts

That's funny 🤣

But that is what I don't get

How does it keep the rain off if you head / hair is exposed? I don't see people usually wearing them with a hat

If I need to wear an umbrella to protect my hair then I can wear any other coat?

Maybe I'm just obsessed with not getting my hair wet

Flashing.

Seriously, that must be the only reason people wear them. Whenever I see someone in one I immediately think pervert.

OP I carry an umbrella or I wear a rain hat. A bit like a bucket hat.

With an umbrella my lower half gets wet. Puffa coats are generally terrible to get wet as are wool coats as they aren't water repellent.

They are good for people like me who use public transport but get very hot on the bus. Most winter coats are too warm for me unless it's below freezing temperatures.

I want one but have never found one I like. They maybe aren't as flattering on the generous busted - but what is?

But between seasons they look perfect to me for an extra layer in dodgy weather.

They look great on the chic. I think you probably have to have one if you live in Paris.

They were sized to be worn over a warm coat to keep the rain off.

Exactly this, they are perfect for the time of year when it's too warm for a proper coat, but not warm enough to walk about in top/shirt only (I don't wear jumpers to work).

Perfect for when it's not that cold and/or for the tube. London rarely very cold.

I wear mine with a brimmed hat which keeps the rain off. Brolly if heavy rain but not windy.

I used to have a beige/camel one. It was bought around the time I fell for the idea that there were "must have" staples for a woman's capsule closet.It was good for putting over spring and autumn outfits when another layer was useful and I didn't want or need a full hooded coat. In the end I decided it wasn't bringing me joy and didn't suit my style.

Please can you provide link or photo of the hat?