The best men's trench coat is more than a layer of protection against inclement weather. Over a decade ago, I bought my first version from the now-resurgent mall brand Banana Republic. I was tired of sporting cheaply made, garbage-bag-like nylon jackets, and hated getting soaked from the waist down. (Nothing says “I’ve given up” quite like walking around with soggy thighs).
The trench coat’s longer, more traditional double-breasted design—complete with the requisite wide lapels, epaulets, storm flaps, and belt—really tickled my outerwear fancy, and I haven’t looked back since. To help replicate that formative experience, GQ Recommends went deep on the absolute best men's trench coat for stylish fellas of every stripe, each one ready and raring to stylishly dodge rain, snow, and all manner of sludge for years to come. It's not as long as some of you might like, but for the details, reliability, and price point, we're happy to call J.Crew's Rivington trench the best option for most people.
The 100% cotton twill is a solid-feeling midweight that has a natural non-synthetic hand, and it’s finished with a fluorocarbon- and PFC-free water-repellent coating for protection against showers. It also comes lined for comfort, with raglan sleeves for a soft shoulder and ease of motion, and a belt for a better fit and bonus style points. We like that the Rivington isn’t overwrought with vestigial buttons, flaps, or epaulets like the OG trench coats, but that it’s also not so replete of details to make it boring.
It has drape, movement, and just the right amount of design to make it stand out without shouting. Plus, for just under $500, it really is nice value for an overcoat too. Materials 100% cotton Length Knee-length Waterproofing C0 PFC- and fluorcarbon-free coating Details Functional sleeve buttons, lined, single vent, waist belt Sizes 34-46; S, R, and L lengths Honestly, if you didn't tell us the price of this one, I'd believe you that it cost a lot more.
Made from mostly polyester, it might not have the soft texture of a twill-forward design, but that also makes it far stronger and more durable against raindrops, snowballs, you name it. And for that low price point, you get a high number of details: A belt, buttoned pockets, hidden interior check pockets, adjustable cuffs, even some epaulets. If you’re sure enough of the trench coat's place in your wardrobe to put the down payment on a Burberry, this $190 option should be your first choice.
Materials 83% polyester, 17% cotton Length Knee-length Details Double-breasted front closure, buttoned tabs at cuffs, interior chest pockets Sizes XS-XXL We’ve mentioned the brand multiple times before even getting to it, which tells you something about the weight Burberry carries in the trench coat universe. The Holy Grail of trenches has been in production for over 100 years—Thomas Burberry literally patented the gabardine fabric for these coats—and today it comes with a two-year warranty, and lifetime repair service (for a fee after those two years pass). This version, in a beautiful darker shade, has handsome epaulets and a generous storm vent, as well as the adjustable belt and cuffs, which you can tighten to protect that fancy watch you’ve earned.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
