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Trench vs Overcoat
If you just googled ‘What’s the difference between a Trench and an Overcoat?’’ then you are either a Fashion Epicurean (phrase trademarked to me) or you meant to type ‘Will there be another season of The Boys,’ and your index finger slipped.
Either way, it is an important and valid question, and the answer will save you many a faux pas at dinner parties.
What is an overcoat?
Despite its misleading name, an overcoat is actually a coat that you wear over your clothes.
It is a long, single-breasted coat that reaches below the knee. It is meant to keep you nice and cosy in cold weather, then sweat like you’ve accidentally sent a bad, bad meme to your family chat the moment you enter a room. So it is typically made of very thick wool.
How long should an overcoat be?
You might think that being made of sturdy thick wool and with a military background, the overcoat would be relaxed when it comes to rules? Nope.
There are rules. Many. And when it comes to length - Never. Above. The. Knee.
It can fall just below the knee or the thigh. Anything above the knee and you will be sent directly to Burtons. And you will Not Pass Go.
How should an overcoat fit?
To keep you warm during the winter months, an overcoat needs to be as close to perfect for your body as can be. But not tight, never tight.
Too small and you won’t fit the overcoat over your clothes properly. Too big and there’s potential for cold air to travel through the gaps and give you the chills, negating the sole purpose of the overcoat. Which will make it sad. And you don’t want to make your overcoat sad, do you? You monster.
Are overcoats warm?
Does Raygun Anthony Ammirati wear XXL pants? (google him, you’re welcome).
Overcoats are the warmest of the warm. They are made of thick, quality wool. They fit snugly from your neck to below your knee. They are the clothing equivalent of a pop tart fresh from the toaster. But they won’t burn your fingerprints off.
Are overcoats waterproof?
Not 100%, but wool is water-resistant and can hold 20% of its weight in water before feeling wet. Have you ever seen a soggy sheep? Exactly.
Just don’t go swimming in it, because you will actually sink.
Can you wear an overcoat casually?
If you’d asked me this 100 years ago, I’d have spat out my stout, laughed in your face and sent you to the stocks.
And then you would put me in your time machine and we would travel the year 2024. A place where men wear overcoats with smart jeans, casual shirts, and even a simple, quality jumper. They’ve got chunky boots and smart trainers on their feet. (Not sweatpants though. That’s at least another century away).
Oh, and also there are metal tubes flying in the sky and something called the Internet. But look, a man in an overcoat wearing a beanie!
What is a trench coat?
The clue is in the name. No, not ‘coat’. Trench. Trench Coats were originally made to keep soldiers protected from the elements in World War One. Many of these soldiers kept their coats, and it soon became a style staple.
And I’m sure those men would be honoured to know that you are wearing one to your 11am bottomless brunch.
Are trench coats warm?
Trench coats are typically used to protect you from the wind and the rain, not the cold. But I’m going to let you into a secret. Come closer… closer… closer. Ok, ready for this? Layers.
Trench coats are perfect for layering. You should always buy your Trench slightly loose, so when it gets cold you can put on your thermal vest, a t-shirt, a shirt, an overshirt, your chunky jumper, a waistcoat, another jumper, a cardigan, and of course, your Sports Day bib.
Are trench coats waterproof?
They can be. The Auxiliary Sherlock is made from water-resistant cotton. The Wool Trench can handle some rain.
Otherwise, there is this new-found invention called the umbrella.
Are trench coats in style?
Does Sahron Osbourne like plastic surgery? (miaaaoooow!). Like saying ‘wasuuuuuup’, Trench Coats will ALWAYS be in style. They may change in style, fabric, structure and colour. But the essence of the Trench has and will always be in style.
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What is the difference between an Overcoat and a Trench coat?
Although they both have military backgrounds and have been around for longer than your jar of pickle water, there are certain differences between the Trench and the Overcoat.
The Overcoat is traditionally smart, warm, sturdy, tailored, and made of thick quality wool to keep you toasty warm. It’s usually a more formal wear, but has been known to frequent jeans, light shirts and even… trainers (see above).
The Trench Coat is lighter, still wind and rain resistant, but designed to be worn all year round, thanks to a new-fangled trend known as ‘layering’. It can be worn tailored or looser, and can be worn with more casual outfits than an overcoat.
The good news is, you don’t have to choose between the two. For whatever life throws at you (fancy dinners, walks in the park, rolling in leaves, skydiving, telling your parents you want to make epoxy resin tables) they are there for you.
How to wear an overcoat?
The Overcoat is perfect for work. It elevates your suit, giving you a stronger silhouette. It radiates power and confidence. Now channel your inner Don Draper and go and fill in those spreadsheets like you mean it.
It has been reported that 76% of dates fail because one participant did not like their date’s outerwear. In one particularly tragic case, a 27 year old male turned up wearing a disposable plastic poncho. Don’t be that man. An overcoat is classy, sleek, and let’s be honest - it makes you look rich.
How to wear a trench coat?
Are you more Columbo or Inspector Gadget? Humphrey Bogart or Jimmy Stewart? French or British World War Soldier?
You know what, it doesn’t matter! Whatever your style or occasion, there is a Trench for you. Find the perfect Trench Coat to suit your very unique style (and how to style it perfectly) here.