Every person’s wardrobe deserves a good trench. Whether it’s to appease in-between days that don’t call for a heavy coat but still bring the chill or to make an outfit feel instantly more refined, the trench will put in a shift when it comes to a capsule wardrobe. We’ve handpicked our favourites, from the OG’s worth investing in to high street bargains to off-beat, fresh new styles.

The iconic wardrobe hero has a rich history, from its 1820 origins when Charles Macintosh created a revolutionary new waterproof fabric to the soldiers of WW1 wearing them in the trenches. In 1879 came a change that would give the trench its look we still love and wear today, when a young draper named Thomas Burberry manufactured a new fabric – gabardine – allowing for individual strands of cotton and wool to be weatherproofed.

The trench coat remains almost identical today for both men and women – if it ain’t broke – but with incredible advances in fashion and fabric tech, they are even more durable than before. Plus, it’s no longer just the original tastemakers of menswear that produce them, you can spot a trench in just about every collection, whether it’s fashion editor favourite, RAEY, or a high street dupe from Zara, a Parisian take on the piece at Isabel Marant or a sporty riff by Adidas.

Whilst the trench coat feels smart and pulled together, today there are no rules when it comes to styling one. Of course, layered over a great suit will always look debonair, but we love it equally paired oversized over denim or even juxtaposed with sportswear.

Whether you’re after an investment piece or a high street update, these are the best trenches for men in store now…

Men’s Designer Trench Coats

 
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From Prada to Bottega Venetta, and the OG of them all, Burberry, if you’re looking to expand your designer wardrobe, a trench is the perfect place to start.

High Street Trench Coats

High street outerwear has never been better and there are some great trench options available right now if you’re not looking to drop £££. Zara is great for oversized, more contemporary cuts, whilst ARKET feels polished in an Italian fashion kind of way. Be sure to check out the JW Anderson’s collaboration with Uniqlo which includes a great high-neck trench, coming November 2023.

 
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Modern Trench Coats

We will forever love a classic trench but there are so many brands doing interesting things with the wardrobe staple right now. Lean into a more style-savvy aesthetic by playing with proportions – a big shoulder and a more cinched in waist or a longer length to add drama. Look for interesting design details like as carf-like neckline or a colour-pop faux fur collar.

Oken Leather Trench Coat – £449 – AllSaints
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AllSaint’s Oken coat reworks the classic trench in tough black leather. Pair with an all-black look of fine knit, tailored trousers and Chelsea boots for front man energy.

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