There are garments that we associate immediately with a specific decade and others that seem to have escaped the passage of time altogether. This is the case with the trench coat. It can change length, volume, color, or even the way you wear it, but its essence remains almost the same more than a century later.
It’s hard to find another coat that works just as well over jeans and a white t-shirt as it does over a dress, with a business suit, or paired with sneakers. Probably that’s one of the reasons it never fully disappears from the wardrobe.
A garment that has been in the wardrobe for more than a century
Its history begins long before it became a garment associated with an elegant wardrobe. In 1879, Thomas Burberry invented gabardine cotton, a fabric conceived to offer protection outdoors and withstand weather conditions without being excessively heavy.
That material would prove fundamental in the creation of the trench and in the construction of a garment in which practically every detail initially had a practical reason.
The trench is one of those garments that we can identify even if we don’t pay too much attention to it. The collar, the double-breasted front, the belt, the rain-protective features, or the distinctive lining have over time become recognizable elements of its design.
Carly Eck, Burberry Brand Curator, defines it precisely as «a global design icon, rooted in British craftsmanship and a symbol of innovation, creativity and timeless style».
Today we can find versions virtually identical to the most classic model alongside others that are completely reinterpretations: short gabardines, oversized models, leather designs, versions in unexpected colors or silhouettes that almost function as dresses.
Oriole Cullen, Senior Curator of Fashion and Textiles at the V&A, notes that it is «a fundamental element of British fashion that has stood the test of time and continues to evolve more than a century after its creation».
The garment that doesn’t need to make a comeback because it has never left
The classic model remains a safe bet, but this season it coexists with designs that update its silhouette through new lengths, fabrics and proportions. Here are some of the options worth keeping on your radar.
Gabardina con doble botonadura en beis de Burberry.
Beige Burberry double-breasted gabardine coat
Inspired by Burberry’s original trench coat, the Waterloo is a classic-cut silhouette with rounded shoulders. The double-breasted design is crafted in England in water-repellent gabardine cotton with a Burberry Check plaid lining, belt, and details from the brand’s archives. Its classic proportions facilitate movement and allow for layering looks and wearing the piece with other garments.
Be Beige double-breasted gabardine by Sandro.
Beige Sandro double-breasted gabardine
This Sandro gabardine reinterprets the classic design with a clean, structured silhouette. It features a wide collar, shoulder flaps, a cross-front button closure, and a detachable belt, which allows wearing it more fitted or loose. The rear vent adds movement and makes it an elegant and easy-to-style option for the in-between seasons.
Beige gabardine with contrast plaid by Parfois.
Beige gabardine with contrast plaid by Parfois
Within the collaboration between Parfois and influencer Alice Pilate we find this gabardine that updates the classic trench with plaid details. It maintains the timeless essence of the garment but adds a more special and different touch that breaks with the more traditional versions. It is available exclusively online and is priced at 89.99 euros.
Beige gabardine by Ba&sh.
Beige gabardine by Ba&sh
This long gabardine moves slightly away from the more classic design thanks to the gathers at the back, voluminous sleeves, and the rounded hem inspired by a blouse. It features a traditional collar with a tab to wear it up, pockets, and a loose belt with D-buckles that allow adjusting the silhouette. In addition, it is partially made with recycled synthetic fibers.
