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13 Best Trench Coats for Women, No Matter Your Budget

Refresh your wardrobe with one of these modern takes on the classic look.

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Trench coats are often heralded as a timeless style staple, and with good reason: They've been around for well over 100 years. Due to their functionality in keeping out the elements, these outerwear garments were popularly worn by British soldiers during World War I, long before the rest of the world caught on to their many attributes.

Through the years, there have been different iterations of the style, but for the most part, the iconic trench coat design has stayed true to its roots. Read: They're still on-trend today.

Our top picks:

If you want a classic trench coat design, look for woven materials made with natural fibers like cotton. These coats are often coated in a water-repellent finish to help you stay dry. Because of this quality, trench coats do tend to be pricey, but our textiles experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute say you don't have to spring for a designer pick from the likes of Burberry in order to score something great. There are plenty of quality trench coats made of more affordable synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, which tend to be somewhat hydrophobic and durable.

When it comes to design features, the standard trench boasts a buttoned double-breasted cut, a belted waist, an oversized collar and lapels, a gun flap (the extra fabric layered over one shoulder) and a storm yoke (the extra layer of fabric across the back for rain protection). It usually has adjustable straps at the cuffs and epaulettes on the shoulders too. If you’re looking for a trench coat with modern appeal, keep an eye out for a cropped hemline, full sleeves or bold-colored fabric instead of the traditional khaki.

To help you find the perfect trench, we asked our on-staff style and textiles experts to recommend their own personal favorite trench coats as well as popular picks from clothing brands they trust. Review our picks below, and for more ways to stay stylishly dry, check out our guides to the best umbrellas and rain boots for women, too.

1
Best Overall Trench Coat

Gap Icon Trench Coat

Icon Trench Coat
Now 20% Off
Credit: GAP

Gap is a go-to for closet staples, and coats — including this trench — are no exception. What we love about the classic khaki option (also available in green) is that it has a long, relaxed look that can be easily dressed up or down. It also comes in extended sizing, including both tall and petite options to suit a wide range of body types.

SizesXXS-XXL; regular, tall and petite
Material65% cotton, 35% polyester
2
Best Value Trench Coat

ebossy Double-Breasted Duster Trench Coat

Double-Breasted Duster Trench Coat
Credit: ebossy

If you're not sure you want to commit to a pricey trench or prefer to try out the style before splurging, this affordable brand sold on Amazon is a good bet. The top seller comes in eight colors, including both neutrals and vibrant shades like red. And although it's made entirely of synthetics (hence, the wallet-friendly price), it has plenty of timeless charm: a notched collar with buckle straps, buttoned epaulettes, and a gun flap.

SizesXS-XXL
Material75% polyester, 20% viscose, 5% spandex
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3
Best Double-Breasted Trench Coat

Everlane The Cotton Modern Trench Coat

The Cotton Modern Trench Coat
Credit: Everlane

Several GH editors and analysts have worn this brand's trenches and stand behind their quality. Everlane's designs have enduring classic styling, excellent construction and the durability to see you through multiple seasons. We love that this one is made of cotton and comes in three colors.

SizesXXS-XL
Material100% cotton with a polyester lining
4
Best Organic Cotton Trench Coat

Sezane Scott Trench Coat

Scott Trench Coat
Credit: Sezane

When this jacket first debuted, it had a 10,000 person waiting list. Here's why: The trench exudes chicness, plus it's constructed with 100% organic cotton with a water-repellant finish and comes in three shades, including a very stylish navy blue. It still sells out in a flash, so grab one while you can.

Sizes0-16
Material100% organic cotton, with a 50% acetate, 50% viscose lining
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5
Best Long Trench Coat

London Fog Single-Breasted Long Trench Coat

Single-Breasted Long Trench Coat
Credit: London Fog

For a little less bulk, try this single-breasted pick from London Fog. Available in two colors, this coat, made from a water-resistant cotton-and-polyester blend, strikes the perfect balance of style, functionality and affordability. At 39 inches long and equipped with a hood, it offers a little more coverage from the rain and can suit tall women well.

SizesS-XL
Material57% cotton, 43% polyester
6
Best Oversized Trench Coat

Abercrombie & Fitch Oversized Trench Coat

Oversized Trench Coat
Credit: Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie's take on the trench boasts a slouchy silhouette and double shoulder flaps. According to the brand, the material is also wind- and water-resistant — great for commuters. GH staffers who have tried this coat on say it does have a very oversized fit, so size down if you prefer a slimmer fit or are in-between sizes. And don't forget to take a peek at the petite and tall sizes if you need to.

SizesXXS-XL; regular, tall and petite
Material83% polyester, 17% cotton with 100% polyester lining
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7
Best Water-Resistant Trench Coat

Banana Republic Timeless Trench Coat

Timeless Trench Coat
Now 20% Off
Credit: Banana Republic

Banana Republic is another retailer that's known for its quality staples, and we think its trenches are timeless. This one is made of 100% cotton coated for water-resistance that reviewers say feels "thick" and "warm." It comes in two colors — black and khaki — as well as regular and petite sizes.

SizesXXS-XL; regular and petite
Material100% cotton with viscose rayon sleeve lining
8
Best Belted Trench Coat

Zara Belted Double-Breasted Trench Coat

Belted Double-Breasted Trench Coat
Credit: Zara

Score all of the timeless trench coat points — a relaxed double-breasted cut, glamorous wide lapel and belted cuffs — at a very reasonable price point. It looks equally polished belted or open and effortlessly turns anything you're wearing (even your same-old sweatshirt and jeans) into a full-fledged "outfit."

SizesXS-XL
Material62% cotton, 38% elastomultiester
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9
Best Cropped Trench Coat

Madewell Double-Breasted Crop Trench Coat

Double-Breasted Crop Trench Coat
Credit: Madewell

For a very modern take on the traditional trench coat, try a cropped style — a look that's becoming more and more popular this year. This water-resistant version doesn't have a belt but the swingy cut with an elongated back vent can be flattering on various body shapes. Our textiles experts say they stand behind Madewell as a brand that manufactures quality wardrobe staples, and that our testers have overwhelmingly positive things to say about the brand's stylish designs and durability.

SizesXXS-XXL
Material56% cotton, 44% nylon
10
Best Designer Trench Coat

Burberry Long Waterloo Heritage Trench Coat

Long Waterloo Heritage Trench Coat
Credit: Burberry

When you think of a trench coat, Burberry is the brand that likely comes to mind simply because it's considered to be the original creator of the garment. The designer name comes with an equally designer price tag, but you'll get high-quality water-resistant cotton, fine construction and thoughtful details like calf leather buckles. If you're willing to spend more and want something that's most true to the original style, this is it.

Sizes0-16
Material100% cotton with viscose sleeve lining
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11
Best Single-Breasted Trench Coat

Sam Edelman Single-Breasted Trench Coat

Single-Breasted Trench Coat
Credit: Sam Edelman

This trench coat by Sam Edelman is updated with a sleek single-breasted cut punctuated by a row of faux tortoiseshell buttons down the front. It's also a bit shorter than other picks and has a more understated collar. The result is a look that's a bit more fitted and contemporary.

SizesXS-XL
Material57% cotton, 43% polyester
12
Best Formal Trench Coat

Barbour Belted Water-Resistant Twill Trench Coat

Belted Water-Resistant Twill Trench Coat
Now 20% Off
Credit: Barbour

This elegant trench is expertly tailored, giving off workwear vibes that make it perfect for the office. Since it hits above the knee, it's versatile for different types of outfits. We love the addition of special design details like tortoiseshell-patterned hardware and a tartan lining, too.

Sizes6-14
Material65% polyester, 35% cotton
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13
Best Stretchy Trench Coat

Avec Les Filles Stretch Cotton Blend Belted Trench Coat

Stretch Cotton Blend Belted Trench Coat
Credit: Avec Les Filles

This streamlined trench coat boasts sophisticated touches like peaked lapels, three-button cuffs, shoulder pads and a removable tie belt. The stretchy material will help it fit comfortably. But what we really appreciate are the modern shades — choose from a muted maple (a brownish pink pictured here) or a bold burgundy that'll be your holiday season bestie.

SizesXS-XL
Material65% cotton, 35% nylon

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

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Brigitt Earley is a writer and editor with over 15 years of experience writing about products, including womenswear. She worked under the guidance of experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute, including home and apparel review analyst Amanda Constantine who has personally tested and reviewed garments from many of the brands recommended in this story.

Headshot of Brigitt Earley
Brigitt Earley
Contributing Writer

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

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