The Very Best Trench Coats for Women

Whatwe’relookingfor

Sizes:XXS to XXL |Fabric:65 percent cotton, 35 percent polyester|Fit:Relaxed, mid-length

When I started researching for this shopping guide, I quickly formed a picture of the perfect trench coat in my head: It needed to be calf length, with long sleeves and deep pockets, structured but not stiff, and have some type of water-repellent finish. Trench coats tend to be on the expensive side, so I also wanted to find an option that checked all those boxes but still felt reasonably priced. Gap’s Icon Trench Coat is what I landed on. It’s a no-fuss wardrobe staple that’s not too fitted or oversize and features a blend of medium-weight cotton-polyester that you can wear year-round.And at under $200, it has held up very well for the price — I personally think it looks more expensive than it is.

It has a straight silhouette, which looks nice whether I wear it unbuttoned or tie the removable belt for a little extra cinching around my waist. The length is just right on my five-foot-five frame, hitting below the knee but above the ankle, so it’s nowhere near dragging on the floor. As someone with broad shoulders, I love that the Icon doesn’t feel too tight or constrictive in my upper body, and the sleeves come down to the center of the back of my hand. There’s room to layer a sweater underneath, but I never feel overwhelmed by the fabric. According to the product description, it’s water repellent; though I’ve tested mine only in light rain while running errands around my neighborhood, I stayed warm and dry underneath. It’s available in sizes XXS through XXL with petite, regular, and tall fits.

Sizes:XXS to XXL |Shell fabric:98 percent organic cotton, 2 percent spandex|Fit:Relaxed, above-knee length

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, you can’t go wrong with Quince’s Comfort Stretch Trench Coat. At under $100, it’s a steal.It hits just above the knee, so it’s on the shorter side compared to our best-overall Gap trench coat above, but the Quince has similar notch lapels and a removable self-tie belt. It also has a PFC-free, water-resistant finish, and it’s lined with 100 percent polyester, which I noticed makes it feel heavier than the Gap Icon, but not by too much. In terms of the fit, it drapes very well, considering the price, and has some stretch to it, which is great if you’re in between sizes. It comes in three shades: light khaki, navy, and black.

Sizes:XXS to XXL|Shell fabric: Polyester with polyurethane membrane |Fit:Relaxed, long-length

If you’re looking for a seriously waterproof trench coat, look no further than Lolë Alizé coat. Unlike the other coats on this list, it’s made from lightweight, 10K waterproof fabric — meaning it can withstand 10,000 mm. of water pressure over a 24-hour period before leaking — and has a C0 coating, which is a PFAS‑free, non‑fluorinated water‑repellent finish. I wrote about how it looks dressier than the other raincoats I own, but has the silhouette and details of a traditional trench coat. For those reasons, it’s an incredibly versatile piece, whether I’m wearing it to a happy hour or running out to my mailbox and getting caught in a Pittsburgh downpour. The fit is on the relaxed side, and the coat definitely runs oversize, though the removable belt is ideal for cinching the waist. At around five-foot-five, I opted for a size medium, but I could have easily picked my regular size small or even an XS.

Sizes:4XS to 4XL |Shell fabric: 69 percent cotton, 31 percent polyester |Fit:Relaxed, knee length

Universal Standard practically always comes up in my reporting when I’m asking experts about women’s clothing basics. The size-inclusive label, which offers sizes 00 to 40, is also beloved by Strategist staffers, so I knew I needed to test its updated Derjon trench coat. It did not disappoint. It’s easy to customize the fit with the half-belt and buttons plus a hook-and-bar closure at the collar. The oversize lapels and many contrasting buttons at the front also make this coat feel a bit more modern than other traditional options. I love that the soft cotton-and-polyester fabric moves with me as I walk but isn’t noisy. The hem hits right around my knees, so if you’re looking for a longer option, the Derjon trench might not be right for you. Along with the khaki color shown, it also comes in an olive-green shade and black.

Sizes:0 to 16 |Shell fabric:100% organic cotton |Fit:Oversized, long-length

Sézane’s Clyde trench coat is one of the label’s most popular styles and part of itsIconic’scollection, which are pieces that are always available year-round. Last year, the trench had a waitlist of over 40,000 people, which led to five restocks, a brand representative told me. I’ve been seeing it everywhere too, fromwriter Harling Rossto celebrities like Sienna Miller (and Strategist contributor Angela Tafoya sported one with herpink sweatsuit). I wore mine on a recent trip to Chicago, and it kept me warm while walking around Lake Michigan — plus the midweight cotton hardly showed any wrinkles, even after a long morning of sitting at the airport and on a plane. I love that it’s less preppy compared to other styles on this list; instead, it features an oversize silhouette and a slightly pointed, spread collar. It also has brown, navy, and green checkered lining, which adds some extra thickness and warmth, and looks delightful peeking out when I’ve cuffed the sleeves. The drape is another one of my favorite things about the Clyde: It falls so nicely, hitting well below my knees. One note: It doesn’t have a belt, so there’s no way to cinch it tighter, but I found that choosing my regular size was a perfect fit in this lab coat-esque silhouette. If you prefer a slimmer fit or you’re petite, I would consider sizing down. Along with this light beige shade, it’s available in five other colors and a fun gingham pattern, which creative consultantVivid Wurecommends in our guide to thebest coats for petites.

Sizes:XXS to XL |Shell fabric:100 percent deadstock polyester|Fit:Slim fit, long-length

Reformation’s Matteo Trench is a high-quality option for those looking for a longer coat. I found myself constantly reaching for this trench coat during my testing because it’s so lightweight and smooth thanks to the 100 percent deadstock-polyester fabric. Because it’s made without cotton, it’s less structured than other coats on this list but not flimsy by any means. Instead, it fits closer to my body and has great movement (with a delightful swish sound, I might add). As for the length, it falls closer to my ankle compared to the best-overall Gap Icon. Other standout qualities include a storm flap and slit detailing at the back.

Sizes:XXS to XXL |Shell fabric:100 percent cotton |Fit:Slightly oversize fit, mid-length

To achieve that perfectly rigid fit, I wanted to hunt down a trench that’s 100 percent cotton. Enter: this coat fromUniqlo. I’ve been testing it for about a month now, and the sturdy fabric is nice-looking (it drapes wonderfully) and is rather insulating (it keeps cool air out). I love the buckle detail and the fact that it has a slightly oversize fit for easy layering. In typical Uniqlo fashion, it’s minimal-looking in the best way. It’s available in sizes XXS through XXL and comes in three colors, including black and olive.

Sizes:XXS to XL |Shell fabric:72 percent polyester, 22 percent rayon, 6 percent elastane |Fit:Relaxed fit, mid-length

If you’re looking for a new take on the classic trench coat, consider this style from Soia & Kyo.Joy Asibey-Gabriel, founder of the styling companyBlack Lady of Leisure, has owned hers for over six years and says she discovered it when searching for a trench coat that wasn’t the classic tan shade. “I love the feminine draping of the cascading storm flaps contrasted with the structured shirt collar,” Asibey-Gabriel tells me. “The material is lightweight and light in color, which is nice for a warm spring day or a cool summer night.” She adds that the effortless fit makes it super-easy to wear.