April 28, 2025 | Logan New York Editorial Team
The trench coat shouldn't work as well as it does. It was designed for soldiers standing in muddy trenches during World War I—not exactly a fashion-forward scenario. Yet somehow, over a century later, it's still one of the sharpest pieces of outerwear you can own.
From Battlefield to Boardroom
British officers needed something that could handle rain, move with them, and not weigh them down. What they got was a belted, water-resistant coat with enough structure to look put-together even in terrible conditions.
After the war, civilians figured out what the military already knew: this thing just works. It keeps you dry without looking like you're wearing a garbage bag. It has shape without being stiff. And it goes with everything.
That's why you still see trench coats everywhere—from London to New York to Tokyo. Good design doesn't age.
What Makes a Trench a Trench
Not every long coat is a trench. Here's what actually defines it:
The cut matters. Structured shoulders, a belted waist, and usually double-breasted buttons. This isn't a bathrobe—the tailoring is what makes it work.
Stick with neutrals. Beige, khaki, navy, black. These aren't boring—they're smart. A trench in neon green isn't classic, it's a costume.
Weather-ready fabric. Traditional trenches use cotton gabardine treated to repel water. Modern versions might use blends, but the point is the same: light enough to move in, tough enough to handle spring rain.
It goes with everything. Jeans, suits, sweats (if you're feeling adventurous). That's the whole point.
Four Ways to Actually Wear It
The Weekend Look Beige trench, dark jeans, white t-shirt, clean sneakers or loafers. Belt it or leave it open—your call. This is the "I didn't try too hard but still look good" uniform. Works for coffee runs, errands, meeting up with friends.
Office Ready Navy trench over dress pants and a button-up. Oxford shoes or boots. Keep the belt cinched for structure. This handles the morning commute and looks sharp enough that you can go straight into a meeting without thinking about it.
Smart Casual Khaki trench, chinos, crewneck sweater, Chelsea boots. Worn open with the belt loosely tied. Good for dinner dates, gallery openings, anywhere you want to look like you care without wearing a suit.
Evening Sharp Black trench, dark jeans or trousers, fitted sweater or shirt, dress shoes. Belt it properly. This is your "going somewhere nicer than usual" move. Theater, upscale restaurant, holiday party.
The Details That Matter
A trench looks better with the right additions—but don't overthink it.
The belt. The one it comes with is fine. If you want to swap it out for a leather one, go ahead. Just make sure it actually fits through the loops.
Your bag. Backpack for casual, leather messenger for work, nothing for evening (or just your phone and wallet in your pockets).
Scarves. Optional, but a wool or cashmere scarf adds warmth and breaks up all that neutral color. Skip the silk pocket square energy—this isn't a tuxedo.
Why It's Worth Owning
Most trends last a season, maybe two. The trench coat has been around for over 100 years and isn't going anywhere.
It handles unpredictable weather. It works with almost everything you already own. It makes you look more pulled-together than you probably are. And if you buy a decent one, it'll last you a decade or more.
That's not hype—that's just practical.
At Logan New York, we don't chase trends. We focus on pieces that actually earn their place in your closet. The trench coat? That's earned it about a thousand times over.