Today, a trench coat or trench coat refers to models that are included in basic wardrobe any fashionista. These are clothes that will never go out of fashion; in addition, you can use them to create a wide variety of looks, from strict and businesslike to feminine and romantic.
The trench coat was originally created as clothing for military personnel and was intended to be worn in the field. Initially, this type of outerwear was made from gabardine with special impregnation, since raincoats were supposed to protect soldiers in the trenches from rain and wind.
Thomas Bradbury, who owned a gabardine factory, is considered the founder of trench coats. This worthy gentleman invented a coat model for men and launched it into production at the very beginning of the 20th century.
Much later, Coco Chanel, a great lover of men's clothing, decided to introduce the trench coat into women's fashion. It was with the light hand of this trendsetter that the women's trench coat became the basic model of the wardrobe. Transformed trench coats were worn with pleasure by such celebrities as Marlene Dietrich, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, etc. Modern movie and pop stars do not forget about trench coats.
The classic version of trench coats was made from waterproof gabardine, but then fashion designers moved away from this canon and began to sew models from a wide variety of fabrics. Thanks to this, summer and winter versions of trench coats have appeared, but models designed for spring and autumn are still more popular.
Distinctive features of the trench coat
The question may arise, in what details does a trench coat differ from a coat? The differences lie primarily in the fabrics. A coat can be made from drape or cashmere, while trench coats are made from thinner fabrics; even an insulated trench coat is made from a material such as raincoat fabric.
Read also: How to wear a stole - creating a feminine look
In this case, how does a trench coat differ from a raincoat? In principle, a trench coat is one of the types of raincoats. But if the raincoat can have any cut, then the trench coat should be double-breasted (have two rows of buttons on both shelves), have a turn-down collar and shoulder straps.
The main advantage of trench coats is their practicality; they are clothes that perfectly protect from bad weather - rain and cold.
In addition, the models go perfectly with clothes of any style. An important point is the compactness of the models; if the weather improves, the trench coat can be removed and folded and placed in a small bag.
Classic and modern
Classic trench coats were presented in only three color options - black, white and beige. Photos from modern fashion shows make us convinced that designers have long moved away from such a narrow color scheme. Today, trench coats are produced in a wide variety of colors; you can find raincoats in pastel or bright colors, as well as interesting models decorated with prints.
The last option is especially good for those girls who want to be noticeable, however, for some reason they refuse to purchase clothes in bright colors. An original print will give the model a “zest” and make the overall image more interesting and attractive.
Checked raincoats look stylish, and models made in black and white are especially noticeable. Alternatively, you can choose a buttonless trench coat with a plain top and a checkered lining.
Models for different seasons
For spring and autumn You can choose a leather raincoat or trench coat with leather sleeves. This is a very practical choice; the model can be worn for several seasons in a row. When planning to purchase such a model, you should give preference to classic colors.
Read also: Let's figure out how leggings differ from leggings?
For winter you can choose a trench coat with an insulated lining; of course, this clothing is not designed for severe frosts, but for the time of thaw. Summer versions of trench coats may not have any lining at all; they are worn on cool evenings or in rainy weather.
Various options for trench coats – what to wear with them?
Let's look at what to wear with a trench coat of a classic cut and color. For example, a black raincoat is a universal model for everyday wear. This color is capable of both “muting down” the ensemble somewhat, creating a restrained and discreet image, and providing a bright contrast. A black raincoat can be worn both for a walk and for business work meetings.
For example, you can create the following sets:
- Trench plus office suit. You can wear a raincoat with either a suit skirt or trousers. When putting together such an ensemble, you need to take into account that the skirt should not be shorter than the cloak. The width of the trousers also depends on the length of the cloak; the shorter the cloak, the wider the trousers can be. If you choose a long trench coat, then only narrow trousers with arrows are ideal for this model.
- Trench coat plus skirt or trousers with a bright turtleneck. Any bright color of clothing will go perfectly with a black raincoat. Cherry, raspberry, and blackberry tones look especially good.
Beige trench coat can be used to create both business and casual “street” images. For a pencil skirt, you should choose a short trench coat or trench jacket. But cropped skinny trousers will look better with long coats.
You can wear denim clothes with beige trench coats, these can be classic jeans or trousers or skirts in “acid” tones. You can wear tunics and leggings with a raincoat, so you can create a simple and loose ensemble for walking. In this case, you can choose a looser-fitting raincoat, for example, a trench coat with a hood.
In 1823, Englishman Charles Mackintosh invented rubber-based glue. During the rain, the chemist was surprised to discover that clothes stained with glue did not get wet and repelled water. This discovery helped Mackintosh become rich. In 1824, he opened a small factory in Manchester producing rubberized fabric for making raincoats. Everything would be fine, but the new kind outerwear smelled terrible, became sticky in the heat, and hard in the cold. However, these raincoats, which came to be called mackintoshes, occupied their niche - they turned out to be popular among coachmen, fishermen and hunters. Later, in 1880, Thomas Burberry invented a new type of water-repellent fabric without rubber impregnation - gabardine. It was a thick cotton fabric, the special weave of which allowed water droplets to roll off without being absorbed into the material.
In the late 90s of the 19th century, Thomas Burberry developed a new model of raincoat, which he called Tielockencoat. It was equipped with a collar, patch pockets, epaulettes for attaching shoulder straps and fashionable D-shaped buckles to which you could attach grenades or hide cards. The aviator Claude Graham White, who flew from London to Manchester, and the explorer Raoul Amudsen, who reached the South Pole, preferred clothes made from gabardine during their expeditions. In 1914, with the outbreak of the First World War, Thomas Burberry became an official supplier of clothing to the British Army. Infantrymen who had to for a long time getting wet in the trenches in France gave the raincoat its name - trenchcoat, which translates as “trench coat”. Following the infantrymen, sailors and aviators changed into trench coats. Field Marshal Lord Horatio Kitchener became the face of the trench coat style.
Another British brand that produces practical coats for officers is Aquascutum. Back in 1853, during the Crimean War, they supplied the army with raincoats made from waterproof wool. Practical trench coats from Aquascutum and Burberry were so loved by officers that they began to buy them for wear in everyday life. Moreover, representatives of the fair sex began to purchase trench coats. In 1924, Burberry trench coats were lined with red, black, white and beige checkered fabric, creating a distinctive trademark brand. And today the famous “Burberry check” remains the symbol of this fashion house.
During World War II, trench coats began to be worn again by army officers. The models became shorter, which provided greater freedom of movement. And in the 50s and 60s of the 20th century, Hollywood stars fell in love with the raincoat. In the 80s, the trench coat became a must-have item. Among the fans of the trench coat are Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, Ronald Reagan, Jackie O, Charlotte Gainsbourg and even The Royal Family- Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles and Princess Diana of Wales.
Greetings, my dear regular readers and guests of my blog!
Preparing for the wedding and moving, raising a dog and a bachelorette party in Brussels completely confused me and for some time I became lazy and did not publish articles on the blog. I repent and amend myself!
Today I decided to tell you about the classic trench coat, because it will fit into almost any wardrobe and you can create a huge number of interesting looks with it. And as always, I will pay special attention to how to choose it correctly, as well as what and how best to wear it.
By the way, a trench coat can be worn in spring, summer, and autumn. Therefore, when choosing, you should be attentive to quality, since it will have to be used in your images often and for a long time. And of course, in the article I will pay special attention to where to buy a trench coat for short stature, and what details of it will help correct some shortcomings in the figure.
Why did I decide to write about the trench coat? The move forced me to reconsider my wardrobe and select the most necessary, practical, beautiful and versatile items. And I can say with confidence that one trench coat will definitely go with me!
You are interested? Then, let's get started!
We choose and wear a trench coat according to all the rules!
A trench coat is indispensable in the fall and spring, especially if you go to the office and you need light outerwear with which you can easily create both “serious” work looks and romantic feminine or relaxed casual looks!
Unlike the same leather jacket, which is not always appropriate in a strict office dress code, a trench coat will help you out without difficulty! At the same time, with a trench coat you can create very comfortable and incredibly stylish multi-layered looks. And also daring and sexy.
A few words of history. The trench coat or trench coat appeared at the beginning of the last century, and its creator is Thomas Burberry, who founded the legendary fashion brand Burberry. Such clothing was born thanks to the invention of gabardine fabric, which was very thin and protected from English fogs and rains. So if funds allow, then the ideal trench coat is a Burberry trench coat! By the way, this brand also produces small sizes. I haven’t earned enough money for my first Burberry yet, so I was looking for my ideal trench coat in other, more affordable brands.
So now let's choose the perfect women's trench coat!
- Color.
If you don’t have a single raincoat yet, then it’s best to opt for classic shades: sand, beige, gray or black. The most daring young ladies can choose khaki or white raincoats. When choosing the shade of a raincoat, look at what shades are most in your wardrobe? Warm or cold. And I don’t mean the colors themselves, but the shades of color. After all, even yellow can be both cold and warm. I wrote in more detail about color combinations in the article “”. By the way, if you want me to do a webinar on the topic of color combinations and determining the shades that are right for you, then write in a comment in the article. And if I see that this topic is relevant, I will definitely cover this topic in detail.
- Main details.
In order not to make a mistake in choosing clothes, you should pay attention to the following features classic trench coat: double-breasted fastening, turn-down collar, shoulder straps, belt with buckle, cuffs, yoke and back slit.
If your figure is soft, smooth, rounded, then a raincoat made of flowing fabric is ideal for you. If you are thin, then a trench coat made of fabric that holds its shape well will fit better.
Do you want your trench coat to look more interesting? Easily!
- Tie your belt in a knot rather than through a buckle. This will add stylish casualness and flirtatiousness to your look.
- Belt your raincoat with a belt, tucking a scarf under the strap. This way you can create a completely new look thanks to just one detail!
- To look taller and slimmer, create a vertical look: don't button up your trench coat, just tie the belt, leaving a little space between the edges.
- Raise the collar and tuck your hair in or gather it up into a bun. This technique always works flawlessly!
- Roll up your sleeves: this will visually make you taller and slimmer!
- Define your waist by casually gathering the belt at the back. Looks very cool, especially when the cape is not buttoned up.
- Correct size and length.
The trench coat should fit snugly. Therefore, when purchasing, make sure that this raincoat fits your figure and does not increase your shoulders (unless, of course, your goal is to increase your shoulders to compensate for the volume in the hips). The optimal length is just above or just below the kneecap. If you have a short version, then it should be slightly above mid-thigh.
If your height is below 160 cm, then at the end of the article I made a selection of raincoats that I managed to find. By the way, the beige mac is from my line ASOS PETITE. I bought it 4 years ago and I can say that it is very “strong” and “unbreakable”. Which I am certainly very happy about! So the quality for the money is simply excellent! And its second bonus is that it doesn’t wrinkle very much, unlike the blue one I bought for myself in the Benneton children’s department. But the children's cost mere pennies!
What to wear with a classic trench coat?
The Mackintosh is truly a versatile item that can be worn with anything. I have put together for you a selection of inspiring and stylish looks that I really like. I hope this can create some new memorable outfits for you. 😊
- Dress or skirt.
Mackintosh can be combined with almost any dresses and skirts: short, long, strict or romantic, bright and neutral. It all depends on your imagination and personal style.
- Jeans and trousers.
Jeans always look great with a mac. Whatever jeans you choose: mom jeans, flares, boyfriends or skinny jeans - they will all make a great pair for your raincoat.
- Black trench coat.
It will look great with skinny jeans, white flowing trousers or overalls, and piped trousers. In general, total black bows or monochrome combinations almost always look elegant and stylish. You can also combine it with a checkered skirt and a turtleneck for a very cozy and “English” autumn look.
- White trench coat.
It looks elegant and stylish in itself. And you can mix it with anything. I especially like the combination with a lingerie-style dress or jumpsuit. This way you can dress for both daytime and evening outings. Monochrome looks, diluted with bright shoes, look very interesting. Another interesting combination is a trench coat thrown over a biker jacket. 
- Leather trench coat.
Such clothes are less versatile, but sets with it look more expensive. If the raincoat is made of suede, then you can do a lot with it stylish images in boho style, or complement evening outfits. And if it’s made of leather, then you can create interesting and sexy casual looks.
- Khaki trench coat.
It will look ideal in combination with jeans and sports shoes or nude pumps; it will also look interesting with leopard print ballet flats. In addition to casual looks, which include a khaki raincoat that turns out very well, you can experiment with lace and rough shoes. I’ll say right away that this is one of my favorite combinations! And if you're going to a party, then just throw your trench coat over a little black dress 😜
- Shoes.
As you have already noticed, shoes can be almost anything: sandals, comfortable Birkenstocks, high-heeled pumps and ballet flats, sneakers and ankle boots, rough boots and boots in men's style, loafers and dressy shoes, sneakers, slip-ons and even over the knee boots! In addition to black, gray and nude shades of shoes, burgundy, purple shades, as well as bright contrasting shoes and shoes with animal prints will look good under such raincoats.
It is appropriate to wear rubber boots under it only when it is raining outside.
- Bag.
It all depends on where you are going. A large bag with two handles is suitable for work, a clutch for a party, a backpack or cross-body handbag for walking, a large bag or a suitcase on wheels for a long trip, a sports bag with sneakers is suitable for going to a sports club.
Where to buy a classic trench coat for short stature?
If you don’t know where you can buy a stylish trench coat for your petite height, then I can recommend you several online stores.
- ASOS
- ASOS PETITE Cascading Draped Rolled Sleeve McIntosh
- ASOS PETITE Classic Mac
- Mackintosh New Look Petite
- More expensive
If you value quality first and foremost, then pay attention to the following stores.
- Jcrew. There is a separate Petite line. They make trench coats year after year.
- Burberry. There are always small sizes available.
- MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION. There are both small sizes and separate Petite line. But the petite collection is only available in the states.
- Budget.
If you don't want to spend a lot of money, then run straight to the children's department. That’s exactly what I did when I bought my blue raincoat 😊 However, make sure that the mackintosh still looks like an adult. Avoid candy shades, pay attention to the fittings. The following mass market brands produce especially good “adult” children’s items:
- Mango
- Zara
- Tom Taylor
- Hooded
- Michael Kors Petite Hooded Belted Double-Breasted Trench Coat
- London Fog Petite All-Weather Hooded Trench Coat
One right trench coat in your wardrobe will be enough! It’s better to spend more money, since you can create a great variety of looks with it and you can wear it very often! After all, it is almost always appropriate. At any time of the year, you can buy a trench coat from Burberry. This brand offers fashionistas trench coats made of cotton, suede and cashmere. In order to save your family budget, I advise you to buy in winter!
And I’ve already told you about more budget options. Nowadays, it’s probably only the lazy who don’t produce trench coats.
Well, that’s it, I told you about how to choose the right trench coat, where you can buy it and what to combine it with, and with that I say goodbye to you! I also wish you a happy shopping experience. And, I want to remind you not to forget to share my post with your friends on in social networks! Bye bye!
Trench coat (from the English phrase trench coat - “trench coat”) is a type of double-breasted raincoat, which has several distinctive details: a slit on the lower back, shoulder straps, a turn-down collar, cuffs, a yoke and a belt. What is a trench coat You can find out if you read the entire text and look at the photos offered to you. It is made of fabric that is not saturated with water or leather. Most often, wool or cotton treated with a special compound is used for trench coats.
History of the Trench Coat
IN early XIX century, mackintoshes appeared - raincoats made of rubberized fabric, named after its inventor. On their basis, trench coats were invented. At the beginning of the 20th century, they appeared in the uniform of English soldiers and replaced twill overcoats. The trench coats were designed by Thomas Burberry (he supplied clothing to the British army and had his own gabardine factory). The name for trench coats was given by soldiers who loved the model so much that they began to wear these raincoats in everyday life.
In 1924, trench coats began to be made using a special lining fabric. Now its coloring is known throughout the world as Burberry check and is business card fashion house of the same name.
In the mid-twentieth century, these raincoats appeared in Hollywood. At first they were worn by men, and then the world learned what a women's trench coat was. Marlene Dietrich first borrowed this cloak, and then other actresses of that time followed her example.
Modern trench coats have retained the details that make them a military style. Sometimes designers get rid of one or two characteristic features this cloak, but overall it remains recognizable. Fashionable trench coats can be made from gabardine in different colors. Various fabrics can also be used as lining.
One of the most desirable things is still trench coats, sewn at Burberry factories and with a lining in the famous colors. This brand has long surpassed other fashion houses in sales, although designers around the world annually include track coats in their collections.
Ideal combinations: what to wear with a fashionable Trench Coat?
We have brought you photos of fashionable trench coats that can be combined with a wide variety of shoes and clothes. We selected the most successful images. This raincoat is appropriate not only for everyday life, but also suitable for an evening out.
First of all, trench coats look great with business suits. If you are going to a meeting or meeting, then wear a classic trench coat with straight trousers or skirts.
During an evening out, you can emphasize your impeccable style. This will happen if the edge of the dress protrudes slightly beyond the hem of the cloak. Or simply throw a trench coat over your shoulders. The combination of a dress and a raincoat is considered tasteless when the trench coat is longer than the hem. It feels like the skirt or dress was simply forgotten.
Fashionable trench coats in bright colors, photographs of which are on this page, will suit a casual style. They go with almost any bottom: jeans, skirts, leggings.
Fashion is fickle, and many items of clothing lose relevance and are forgotten a few years after the peak of popularity.
But the trench coat is not like that: it has become an eternal classic.
Trench coats began to be worn at the beginning of the 20th century, and they are still often seen both on catwalks and on the street. The secret to the popularity of the trench coat is its convenience and compatibility with items of almost any cut and style.
The popular model is often confused with a raincoat. Let's figure out how one option differs from the other.
How the name came about 
The trench coat appeared during the First World War and was originally a soldier's clothing. It was created as a more convenient replacement for a heavy twill overcoat. The new raincoat was supposed to repel water and not restrict movement due to its shorter length compared to the overcoat.
Reference. The word “trench coat” was formed from the words trench and coat - “trench coat”.
The invention turned out to be convenient. Soon civilians also appreciated this - Coco Chanel introduced him to the world of fashion.
The modern trench coat has retained the attributes of the militaristic model And. It is still double-breasted (in classic version there should be ten buttons), with epaulettes, cuffs, a turn-down collar, and a belt with a buckle. There is a slit at the back that can be fastened if desired.
Cut
The silhouette of the trench coat has not undergone significant changes since its creation. But still, fashion designers offer a variety of styles for any type of figure.
A trench coat can be:
- classic- straight, slightly fitted, to mid-thigh;
- trapezoidal;
- straight or fitted, with flared hem;
- hybrid: shortened, elongated, with puffy sleeves, a hood, or a combination of all these elements.
The choice of colors and finishes is also rich. In addition to plain ones, there are checkered ones, decorated with floral or graphic patterns and prints, with lace or fur.
In the autumn-winter period, a long model is convenient - it will better protect from the wind. Short trench coats (knee-length and above) are suitable for warm weather.
Material 
Originally, trench coats were made from gabardine, but now a variety is available here. In addition to wool, it can be silk, suede, leather, cotton fabric with waterproof impregnation. It all depends on the imagination of the fashion designer.
If a trench coat is made to order, the choice of material is based on the time of year. In the cold season, models made of crepe, drape or tweed with a lining are worn; in the summer, you should pay attention to satin or denim.
Reference. There are knitted models - unlike classic trench coats, they do not repel water, but they look impressive.
Colors 
There are any colors to suit your taste.
Beige and the so-called “putty color” (off-white) are considered original., but in fact the choice is unlimited.
Young girls often chosen bright colors, calm - older women.
Universal black color, it is especially good in combination with light trousers and a thin jumper.
Purpose
Trench coats are worn mainly in summer, spring and autumn as a light raincoat. Despite its lightness, it protects from wind and rain due to the features of the material and the raised collar.
The trench coat was created to make the lives of soldiers more comfortable. And it still successfully performs the same functions in relation to ordinary people.
The trench coat is universal. It goes well with trousers, long and short skirts, even jeans, business style and casual items.
Important! If the skirt is shorter than the trench coat, it is worn unbuttoned.
Often a trench coat is worn not buttoned up, but simply with a belt tied (there is no need to use a buckle, the belt is simply tied) - this gives the image a slight negligence.
Trench or raincoat 
Strictly speaking, a trench coat is a type of raincoat that has some special features.
On my own the cloak can be anything. There are styles with and without a collar, short and ankle-length, single-breasted and double-breasted, with buttons, zippers and without fasteners. It would seem that there are many similarities between the models. But the difference is obvious.
Important! Only a coat that has all the features of the model can be called a trench coat: epaulettes, a belt buckle, buttons, a turn-down collar.
There are styles that are close to trench coats, but have differences - for example, without sleeves or belts, significantly shorter (“trench jacket” or “trench jacket”).
Undoubtedly, designers were inspired by trench coats to create such models, but they are far from classic.
The lightest trench coats are worn not as outerwear, but as dresses - this is also a variation on the classic theme.
