Benefits, Types and Styles of Men’s Trench Coats

Trench coats are one of the garments that have remained functional and almost unchanged for over one hundred years. In fact, the origins of trench coats can be traced to the Tielocken coat Thomas Burberry designed for British officers in the Boer War.

Today, only a few men are seen wearing trench coats despite its enduring heritage. But for some, trench coats are versatile closet items and they find them good wardrobe investments.

Benefits of Wearing a Trench Coat

There are lots of benefits to incorporating a trench coat to your wardrobe. It can keep you stylishly dry during rainy days as well as add a certain feel to your cool weather outfit. Aside from that, there are other benefits of wearing or owning a trench coat.

  • It is timeless: Trench coats have been worn by military men from years ago and it also became a popular item among soldiers. Today, they are still worn by men and they come in different fabrics, colors, as well as designs. You can either stick with the traditional camel colored coat or try to step outside the box by choosing a style with an edgier vibe.
  • It is versatile: You can wear a trench coat in many ways and in different events as well. You can wear it full length and buttoned for protection from the weather, or unbuttoned to show the shirt you’re wearing. You can also pair trench coats with jeans. By changing your clothes, no one will notice that you’re wearing the same trench coat.
  • It is a closet staple: Since men do not wear many accessories, topping your look with a fashionable trench coat can take it to a whole new level. It’s better if you have a neutral colored trench coat because it’s easier to pair with most clothes.

Types and Styles of Men’s Trench Coats

In the present time, there are lots of trench coat fabrics to choose from and here are some of those fabrics.

  • Cotton Fabric: Most of the trench coats today are made using cotton that is densely woven with poplin and twill weaves. Cotton is more durable and it can be water resistant if treated. Cotton trench coats are also less expensive compared to other fabrics like wool.
  • Leather: Leather is a modern variation of trench coats. It is heavier and warmer than cotton and it is more closely related to the overcoat in terms of functionality. Compared to other fabrics, leather is much easier to clean and it has the ability to repel dirt.
  • Wool Gabardine: Early trench coats are made of wool gabardine fabrics. This fabric can repel water and be surprisingly strong. In the present time, wool gabardine is only used on high-end or customized trench coats. It is impractical for mass sale because of its high cost.

The most common color of trench coats is khaki, but today, there are also trench coats which are in colors black, blue, and even patterned ones. Aside from different colors, men’s trench coats also come in different styles. Here are some of the most common styles of trench coats.

  • Double Breasted Front Style: This is the classic style of a trench coat and it has six to ten buttons depending on its length. There is also a single-breasted trench coat but for men, double-breasted is a more suitable style. The single-breasted ones are best for petite men.
  • Single Back Vent: Trench coats have single vents and its original purpose was to give soldiers room to run across the battlefield while ensuring protection from strong winds. But today, the single vent stands as a fashionable style on trench coats.
  • Raglan Sleeves: Trench coats with raglan sleeves are comfortable to wear even with multiple layers of clothing. It is because its sleeves are more relaxed compared to normal jacket sleeves.
  • Epaulets: There are also trench coats with epaulets or shoulder tabs. These allowed the officers to attach their rank insignia to the coat without damaging it.
  • Storm Flap: The storm flap or gun flap is a protective flap which ensures water does not slip into the trench coat as it runs down the shoulders. It’s like a cap that keeps the wearer dry. It is usually on the right side for men.
  • Detachable D-Ring Belt: There are also trench coats with a detachable D-Ring belt. This enables the wearer to adjust the trench coats torso. It also allows the wearer to carry firearm, sword, or utility pouch.
  • Cuff Straps: The trench coats cuff straps are used to tighten the fit and keep the rain out. Some men also use them to strap a piece of gear onto them.

It’s amazing to know that the fashionable trench coats worn by men today are first worn by officers and soldiers years ago. Its heritage and usefulness made it an essential item in the present time, not just for officers but for businessmen and ordinary men as well.