Is 2025 the Year of the Trenchcoat?

Based on what I've seen so far from Paris Haute Couture and Copenhagen Fashion Weeks, the interest in quiet luxury, and the desire to buy less, thrifting, and sticking to classics, and even the 2025 Pantone color of the year… 2025 is going to be a big year for the trench coat.

When it comes to adding a trench coat to your wardrobe in 2025, go classic. All the styles with funky sleeves, drawstrings, and embellishments are super cool, but will you still enjoy them five years from now? How is it laundered when it gets dirty from travel and splashes? If you want unique, I say go hard or go home. Shiny, metallic, bold print, architectural shape… boldness is more timeless than a bit of detail that will scream 2025 in a decade's time.

Shop the collage: one (XS-XL) | two (XS-XL) | three (2-18 & petite) | four (XS-XL) | five (3XS-3XL) | six (XS-XL) | seven (2-18) | eight (S-XXL)

Also, consider color. That statement color is badass, but does it work as a topper over a dress for a day wedding? Being your sole jacket on a trip overseas? Making sense with both your work clothes and your weekend style? If yes, then go for it. If not, consider something a bit more neutral and use accessories to add personality and switch up the look.

Shop the collage: one (XS-XXL) | two (2-14) | three (XS-XL) | four (00-16) | five (XS-XXL) | six (S-XXL) | seven (00-24)

There is also a continuation of the leather trench coat trend we saw in the Fall of 2024. While not as practical, it is a badass fashion statement and one that will continue to be badass even as the trench coat goes from trend to wardrobe classic. I only recommend doing this trend if you can get quality leather; pleather/vegan leather/petroleum and plastic fused to fabric has zero longevity and is terrible for our environment.

A trenchcoat is a wardrobe item I highly recommend trying to find secondhand first and then spending on tailoring to make it fit you. From Burberry to London Fog, you may be able to find classic trenches secondhand (or ones that can be easily tailored to a cleaner silhouette). While in Las Vegas, a friend tried on trenches in Burberry and found they ran very narrow in the shoulders and arms. If you experience this, know the coat is the problem, not your body. When it comes to trenches, don't ignore the men's department. Fit to your shoulders, and then a tailor can adjust the rest.

Shop the collage: one (XS-XL) | two (XS-XXL) | three (XS-XL) | four (XXS-XL) | five (XS-XL) | six (0-16) | seven (4-14) | eight (XXS-XL)

The best length of a trench makes sense for most of your wardrobe and when you will wear it. Your trench should be the same length or longer than your skirts and dresses, so consider one knee-to-calf length if you're a dress person. If you're a casual jeans kind of person, you may prefer a hip- to knee-length version. And if you live in a rainy climate, go ahead and go long and practical.

Shop the collage: one (1X-3X & misses & petite) | two (00-40) | three (0X-3X) | four (1X-3X) | five (00-24) | six (12/14-28/30) | seven (12-28) | eight (00-40)

Trenches come single and double-breasted. Many style advisors will tell people who are curvy or in larger bodies should stick to single-breasted because it's slimming, but I believe the best style for you is one that feels comfortable.

• If you are dealing with real weather, double-breasted may provide more protection.
• If you're not big on buttoning your jacket, look for one that hangs well when open and the belt isn't a hindrance but will still close when the weather is frightful.
• If you like wearing your trench closed, do a sit test to be sure it remains comfortable.
• Choose a style and fit that works over the clothes you wear regularly. Is this trench for work? Make sure it fits over a blazer. Is this for rainy and windy late fall and early spring days? Check that those sleeves and shoulders will accommodate a chunky sweater or fleece.
• Watch button placement. Once you see that you have two buttons in the same exact place as your nipples, you will never unsee it.

Shop the collage: one (0-14) | two (3XS-XL) | three (XS-XL) | four (XS-XL) | five (XXS-XXL & petite) | six (0-18) | seven (XS-XXL) | eight (XXS-XXL)

Personally, I don't understand purchasing a trenchcoat that isn't at least water-resistant. Every single trench shown in this article is either water-resistant or waterproof. If you want a lightweight transitional jacket, there are plenty out there each spring and fall. But if you want a wardrobe workhorse, especially if you travel a lot and/or live in an area that gets drizzly with a chill, a classic trench may be exactly what you need this year.