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!

Black leather ones were a staple in my goth years, and just about as practical. Not warm enough for winter, too warm for summer. Shit in the rain.

I've had mine, classic beige for well over 40 years. When it's wet with boots I'm completely dry. Nice oilskin rain hat..it will never date. DH calls it my columbo Mac. DGD, 14 told me recently I look like a private detective. It's great for the April showers.

Mine is m&s double breasted

I love my aquascutum black one, I wish they still made them.
I'm going for a herno one as well, in beige.
Not for midwinter imo, I like a belted wool coat.
But spring/autumn looks really smart. Goes with pretty much anything too.

I have a beautiful classic Mackintosh coat.

I wear it during in-between weather (not necessarily when it’s raining, just when it’s not cold enough for a big coat). It’s perfect during spring and autumn. It’s long as well, so if it’s raining it keeps my legs dry. I wear it when it’s raining but I’m going to work, or out for dinner/a drink etc. If it’s really pouring and I was walking the dog, I’d wear a proper outdoorsy waterproof; but my trench is nice if I want to look a bit smarter.

https://www.mackintosh.com/sets/mackintosh-women-trench-coats

Also, for out and about in London it means you can have a miniscule umbrella just for head rather than a golf umbrella or something massive.

My DH sang the theme tune when I showed him mine - I was so excited - I've never owned one and splashed out a bit - felt really trendy and chic.....until do do do do do, Inspector Gadget.....

It doesn't keep the rain off my head.

I hate hoods and never wear them, quite often I'm going out with my hair wet anyway and it doesn't bother me at all. (yes, my hair looks like a frizzy mess until I put it up, but am not bothered by that either)

PMSL 🤣

I love mine. I have a navy one because it suits me. Better than beige and the colour is a bit more practical for public transport.

I originally had a M&S one and then treated myself to a Sezane 'Scott' version. Fantastic quality. I get complimented in it often.

I wear it spring and autumn, just like any other light jacket/coat.

I’m not the kind to get away with one. Or any coats belted nonchalantly at the waist. Lie a sack of spuds tied with string.

I've got a pale pink one and a black one, they are perfect for this time of year in London. I keep a small hat in the pocket in case of rain.

It's just a spring/autumn-weight coat, that's the point! Looks chic, timeless, goes with anything, won't make you overheat.

Also in that category are shackets or light cotton/canvas jackets. A coat to wear when it's not very cold.

A trench coat is slightly waterproof, but if I was going out in lashing rain, or on a dog walk, I wouldn't wear it.

They are for people like me who don't really feel the cold but need a bit of protection from wind and rain. Unless its below zero (rare here in southern England) I overheat very quickly in proper winter coats unless I'm just standing around or going for a short stroll. I've hardly worn my thick coat this winter as we've only had one week of properly cold weather.

Mine is M&S, so not dreadfully expensive. I could only get black with a hood when I was looking, navy would be nice.

I’ve got a navy Burberry one, it’s a thin, lightweight, showerproof material with a massive hood! Perfect for spring and warm autumn days in town/city but not a winter or countryside coat in any way

I used to have a lovely navy one with a champagne lining and matching buttons. It made me feel like such a proper grown up. Loved it when I got the bus into work in city centre, only walking outside for 10-15 mins.

Mine too! 😆

As pp said for me it's the equivalent for Spring as a smarter Winter coat. But either way there are very few days I go out without the threat of rain so it is just easier to wear something with a hood. Adding a good to any coat or jacket instantly makes it more practical but less elegant.

As another pp said they don't necessarily play well with a large bust so I wear mine open.

Some of the beige ones wash people out, especially if you're pale

I run cold so mine is rarely warm enough.

My DH calls it my flasher's coat.

It's definitely not on my list of essential wardrobe items

I have two - love them both and wear them frequently- the black one I do wear over jackets/coats the beige one on its own.

The black one is very long and I do feel I should have some sort of moody theme music as I purposefully walk down the street - I think “the sanctuary” by Darling Violetta would be a suitable trench coat tune!

I think of them as transitional- good for spring and fall, and cooler days in the summer. Plus they are super stylish!

Lots of the same reasons as above, plus I hate hoods, which don’t suit me, so a trench coat with small umbrella and/or rain hat (both of which can fit in a bag or pocket) works better.

As others have said, they are excellent for spring and autumn and days when you'll be both inside and out. If you get good one then it really is a classic piece that you can wear with lots of things and looked pulled together (if that's your sort of thing!)

I have two - a leopard print one from Hobbs and a lovely deep red Burberry one. I love them both, they make a plain outfit feel really stylish.

I have cream and dark gray trench coats. Perfect for menopausal females, even in winter. I add a bucket hat when it rains, and a scarf in winter.

This is why Inspector Gadget always wore a hat.

And Del Boy.