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!

Just a bog standard fedora @powerfullymoving

You can't wear "any other coat" if you also need to look smart. They're a smart raincoat, not a warm winter coat. Lots of commuters are on boiling public transport or in cars with their heating on, protected from the worst of the wind by all the buildings in the city so a few degrees warmer than they would be if in the countryside anyway. There's thin flimsy unlined fashion ones that are less protection from the weather than a chunky cardigan would be and there's good quality waterproof/windproof ones. You use an umbrella with them if necessary. Hooded raincoats usually aren't remotely smart.

I have several and they're great for spring/summer when I'm basically warm enough already but it might rain later or its drizzling or I'm going to be out past dark when it gets a bit chilly. They're a lot easier to carry than a proper heavy/warm/bulky coat if it gets warm enough to need to take it off.

I was in London last week when it was 17 degrees but still February (the odd chilly breeze/drizzle) and my trench coat was the perfect coat for that. Never felt stifled or weighed down, and it’s even thin enough to stuff in my backpack when too hot.

Now I’m back in Yorkshire and it’s peeing down and I’m in my insulated parka again.

I have a Seasalt one which is not mega smart but does have a hood. Totally agree how useless they are otherwise

What are your fave brands for good quality and stylish waterproof ones?

Trenchcoats must be a southern thing - they are utterly pointless in Scotland. In general, if it is raining it is too cold for a trenchcoat to be any use. And what is the point of a waterproof coat that doesn't have a hood? Don't say umbrella - again, in Scotland, if it is raining it is likely to be too windy for a brolly. There would be about 2 days in summer when the not warm raincoat with brolly combo made any sense.

For clarity - I'm in London and always feel super cold unless we are having a heatwave but then I'm from a tropical country

I love mine (Hobbs Saskia). But I've never thought of it as a "coat" for practical purposes - I use it as a smart lightweight outdoor jacket. I just like the look of it; it goes well with a lot of the clothes I own and makes them look more like an outfit (if you see what I mean).

Mine is my most used outdoor coat. In really cold weather I put an extra layer on underneath and wear a big scarf as well. When it rains I use an umbrella.

It’s comfortable, it has lovely big pockets, it doesn’t get too hot and I like the way they look. In my head it’s chic even if it isn’t in anyone else’s! And I either walk everywhere or use public transport. But I do live in a city.

I don’t like the feel of hoods, or the way they muffle sound and obscure my vision. On the rare occasions the weather is so wet and windy that an umbrella becomes useless and I resort to a cagoule-type coat I really dislike it.

I have one with a hood and it's ideal for the school run (frequently seems to suddenly rain) as I don't need to carry a separate hat or umbrella, just throw the hood up. Obviously in the depths of winter I'll switch to a warmer coat but the trench coat is perfect for autumn/spring. It also looks elegant and isn't bulky in the car, plus it dries quickly. I like the fact it looks smart done up or undone.

I'm not a brands person OP. I do cheap and cheerful, but I hunt around for what I want. I've got a red, lined, shower proof, cotton one, think it's New Look. A navy, lined, pleather one, can't remember where I found that, France I think and a shower proof, fuchsia pink one with a purple lining from somewhere or other. All years old and still looking new. I remember seeing a video on Justine Leconte's YouTube channel about trench coats, comparing brands, so maybe try that.

People used to wear hats when they went out. In the literal trenches, they'd have worn hats or helmets. And people carried umbrellas.

Cagney out of Cagney and Lacey looked good in one.

They're for when it's no longer coat weather 🤷‍♀️

It’s a between season item that’s perfect for spring and early autumn. And when going in to town in to a situation where it’s going to be hot because loads of people will be present.

The very worst thing I find nowadays is wearing too heavy a coat when the weather has turned mild. Or when you are on a packed train for example.

And a trench coat is light to pack and carry so great for travel and immediately smartens up jeans and a jumper.

Edited to say that they are definitely a town item and pretty useless in the countryside.

I’ve a black one I can wear to work functions, funerals, nights out etc (obvs when not lashing!) They look so smart, I love them- they’re the equivalent to a nice fitted winter coat!

They are great for inclement weather. I wear mine with a hat if it’s likely to rain.

When they were first designed, everyone wore hats. Hats are excellent.

Brand please! It is hard to find trench coats with a hood

Wearing my vintage Burberry trench today. Love it. Bought it on EBay years ago.

I’ve got gym leggings and a sweatshirt on and am about to head out on the tube - my trench is perfect for this as PP have said. I’m wearing a baseball cap to keep the rain off (same colour as coat but unbranded).

I have one and it's handy for the Tube, but no hood! So I need to carry a brolly but that often blows itself inside out. Looks chic though.

@HeadNorth I totally agree - a decent waterproof with hood much more sensible for actual weather

I have a "vintage" (I say vintage but it's from the 80's/90's so doesn't seem so to me) Burberry one with a detachable wool lining. It's warm but not as heavy as my other winter coats and doesn't get soggy like my down coat. It's perfect as the lining unzips so great for spring/summer.

I live in Scotland where the rain often comes in sideways, including at times of the year when it's not cold enough for my big warm winter coat. Also I think they look nice - obviously too much Inspector Gadget in my formative years.

I wear mine when I need to be smart, need an extra layer for warmth and a blazer is the wrong length/style for what’s underneath.

Useful in spring and autumn to cover up clothes from the rain and wind, I use with an umbrella. Definitely more city wear