The Very Best Trench Coats for Women

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: 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: 4XS to 4XL | Shell fabric: 69 percent cotton, 31 percent polyester | Fit: Cropped

Size-inclusive personal stylist Hina “Heensie” Low recommends this cropped trench coat for someone who thinks a full-length coat might overwhelm them. The cropped style is also a great option if you’re looking for a silhouette that’s a little more unexpected than a mid-length or maxi trench coat. Low says it “puts a unique spin on a staple piece without moving too far away from the classic look.” She also appreciates that Universal Standard carries a wide range of sizes, from 00 to 40. Along with this tan shade featuring contrasting buttons, the Leonard Cropped Trench is also available in black.

Sizes: XS to XXL | Shell fabric: 70 percent cotton, 30 percent recycled polyester | Fit: Oversize, long length

If you need more layering room, Buck Mason’s Storm Stopper trench might be the coat for you. I’ve been testing it for several months now, and I love that the shell has a durable water-repellent finish, which has done a great job keeping me dry and warm in drizzly Toronto weather. I tried my usual size small and found the silhouette to be oversize, even with the belt cinched, so I recommend sizing down unless you’re planning to layer bulky sweaters or hoodies underneath. Another fan is Megan McCarty, a freelance fashion and e-commerce editor, who says, “Everything about this Buck Mason trench is easy.” Although it’s new to her closet, McCarty says it’s already a favorite. “Throw this on and you’ll feel a little like Humphrey Bogart and a lot like Jane Fonda,” she tells me. “I’m a sucker for classic khaki — probably because it’s reminiscent of an old-timey movie detective — though it also comes in black.”

Sizes: XXS to XL | Shell fabric: 100 percent deadstock polyester | Fit: Slim fit, mid-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 from Uniqlo. 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.

Editor’s note: Uniqlo’s Trench Coat is currently sold out, but you can sign up for restocking notifications on the product page.

Sizes: 2XS to XL | Shell fabric: Polyurethane, polyester | Fit: Relaxed fit, mid-length

For more insulation, consider this faux-leather trench coat from Aritzia. It’s been in my outerwear rotation all fall because it’s versatile and dependable. You can dress it up or down: I wear mine over a sweat-suit set when running errands or over dressier outfits when I’m grabbing dinner with a few friends. The removable belt is great for cinching in the waist, and the back venting prevents me from overheating. The faux leather doesn’t feel plasticky — instead, it’s buttery soft and smooth, making it supercomfortable — and I never noticed any strange smells or off-gassing. And because the fabric has some thickness to it, the New Tabloid trench has also protected me against inclement weather, like rain or wind. I own this black shade, but it’s also available in a range of other neutrals, including tan and mocha brown.

Sizes: XXS to XXL | Shell fabric: 95 percent cotton, 5 percent recycled cotton | Fit: Relaxed fit, long length

After my editor Hilary Reid noticed folks wearing denim trench coats around her neighborhood, I knew I wanted in on this trend and decided to test this coat from Gap. At first, I wasn’t sure if a full-denim trench would work — it’s a lot of denim — but it has actually become one of my favorite pieces this season. Like our favorite Gap Icon trench, this style is one of the longer options on this list, hitting closer to my ankle. The medium-wash denim is pretty sturdy (a.k.a. there’s no stretch), but it never feels heavy, even when I’m wearing it over thicker tops like a crewneck or knit sweater. I must say I’ve gotten a ton of compliments on this trench coat, even if it gives the Canadian-tuxedo look, which I’m usually going for anyway (I’m Canadian). It has kept me plenty warm during the past few crisp autumnal weeks, and I can honestly see myself wearing this straight through winter and into the spring. Just a note: You may need to size down, as I found it does run large.

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 company Black 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.