Please explain trench coats to me

[Stopsnowing]

I need a new rain coat and was looking at trench coats but they don’t seem to have hoods which doesn’t seem very practical to me as I find umbrellas a dripping pfaff. I think I must be missing the point or maybe I should stick to rain coats but if so any recommendations would be appreciated- want to avoid beige and black

A trench coat is for when it’s too cold for no coat and too hot for a thick coat. A rain coat is waterproof and keeps you dry in the rain.

Trench coats aren’t raincoats.

They don’t have a hood because they developed from military coats.

Mine is slightly showerproof but I wear it with a baseball cap if it’s slightly raining.
For proper rain I wear a proper waterproof

I have never seen the point of trench coats. When I was young I did buy one in the sales as everyone was wearing them, but being small all the extra unnecessary flaps etc were just too much for my tiny body and it didn't look good. Added to that, I discovered that were of little use in a downpour, especially because they didn't have a hood. I now buy truly waterproof coats from Barbour as they are the only ones that last forever and keep me dry. Not all have hoods, but most do, and for those without, they sell waterproof hats too.

I have a trench coat. Like pp said I wear it when it's about 10-15 degrees outside and too cold for no coat at all but too hot for wool. It's shower proof, I just carry an umbrella. It should be said I live. In London so it's rarely that cold or rainy and on wearing it to and from work so not outside for huge chunks of time. I obviously also have a rain coat but I have to wear that all weekend whilst I traipse around various sport etc with my kids so I'd rather not have to wear a waterproof coat all the time and the trench coat looks nice with most office smart casual clothes whereas in my opinion (I've tried a few and have a protected species one), all raincoats look shit.

I have a trenchcoat from Seasalt which is fully waterproof with hood. I like it because it’s calf length and the water runs off onto my boots.

They were originally rainwear, but made from the late 1800s version of top drawer technical fabric and intended to be worn with military helmets (hence no hood).

Modern trench coats keep the style but not the fabric, unless you actually get a Burberry and even then I suspect it’s only in the most classic men’s styles. Aquascutum (clue’s in the name) used to be the same, but hasn’t been for years.

Definitely get something with a hood that was invented post Gor-tex for modern rainwear. Get a trench as a light, smart coat for Spring/Autumn, and carry an umbrella.

What you need is a plastic rain bonnet in lieu of a hood 😁

Exactly ..a rain mate..as worn by Grannies 1970s
Or a tartan heid scarf.

I’ve been endlessly looking for a petite trench coat with a hood. I live in a warm and wet area so it would be ideal when I’m not walking the dog/yomping across the moors. I get sick of wearing goretex weather-proof stuff and sometimes just want something a bit smarter, for example when (relatively) dressed up and needing to get from the car to the restaurant

I think I’m going to cave in and buy the Reiss one. Would rather not spend £300 though and I can’t find any petite ones in my size on Vinted

This thread really proves how different people are, I have never worn a hood in my life. I’ve never bought a coat with a hood, think they look ugly and flap
about. It would ruin my hair 😂

umbrella or stay in a cafe til it stops for me. I’ve got 3 trench coats.

I got a nice hooded trench coat from Aigle before, and also from Agu

not super cheap though

wore them a lot (the Aigle lasts 7 years then switched to my now 3yr old Agu)

To wear a trench coat well one has to be fairly tall and slim.

No. I often wear one and I'm 5' 1".
Don't limit yourself!

I am 6ft and the Agu ones are long if you are much shorter than 5ft10

european brands…

Ilse Jacobsen does nice rain coats too btw

"Stay in a café" love it! Some of us do have to go out in the rain and umbrellas can be a nuisance on public transport. However, you're right, we're all different! ☺️

Whatever happened to Rainmates? My Mum and Aunties never went out without one. They fitted nicely over a perm.

@LaurieFairyCake - 🤣 Good job you don't live in Cornwall- the rain is usually horizontal and with a brolly you would take off in the wind. I'd spend at least six months in a cafe here if I didn't own a hooded waterproof coat!

As so often, first post nails it! A trench coat is not a rain coat.

Think of them as longer, more stylish denim jackets.

They also have the advantage of you commute on public transport of being long enough to sit on. So if train /bus seats aren’t completely clean, or are a bit damp from previous commuters putting a wet brolly on etc, your work clothes are protected.

😂😂 same here in North Yorkshire!
Umbrellas get pulled inside out and don't help when the rain is horizontal, unless you carry the umbrella like a shield!

neartonewquay

I completely love the idea of spending 6 months in a Cornish cafe ! 😂

Oh no I disagree with this! Obviously tall and slim people will look better in most clothing items than a short larger person, but as someone who is both short and possessing a sweet tooth with limited self control, trenches are pretty good!

they completely cover your main clothes, so offer a block of colour that can be slimming and less fussy for a short person. The belted waist gives a good shape. (In those long padded coats I look like a little greedy caterpillar who’s been eating all the garden and is ready to spin their cocoon. But they are warm in winter so I own one anyway and embrace the look.)

They work for petite women, but only if you get one that is in the petite range and the waist is in the right place.

Good points! 👍🏼
Love your comparison to the Very Hungry Caterpillar!

This is my trench coat - it’s actually pretty shower proof. I don’t agree only tall people can wear them, at well under 5foot I look great in it, bought a petite one off Vinted

The only explanation I have is - tried many over the years , but they all look like shit on me !