There are dozens of types of men's coats on the market, though few offer the versatility of trench coats. Featuring a heavy-duty construction, as a well as a medium or long length, it's the preferred choice of outerwear among countless men. You can wear a trench coat during the spring, summer, fall or winter. Furthermore, you can wear it for either casual or formal occasions. If you're going to invest in a new trench coat, though, you'll need to choose the right one. Otherwise, you won't be able to take full advantage of this versatile form of outerwear.
Soft Material
Trench coats are available in dozens of materials, some of which are softer than others. If you choose a trench coat made of a hard or rigid material, it may cause discomfort when worn. So, what's the best material for a men's trench coat?
You really can't go wrong with either wool or tweed. Both wool and tweed trench coats are super soft. They have a fluffier texture than other materials, making them excellent choices for a trench coat. Tweed, in fact, is actually a type of wool that's characterized by a weaving pattern. Regardless, you should choose a trench coat made of a soft material.
Single or Double Breasted
Men's trench coats are designed in two primary styles: single breasted and double breasted. What's the difference between these two styles exactly? Single-breasted trench coats feature a single column of buttons on the front. In comparison, double-breasted trench coats feature two columns of buttons on the front.
In the past, all trench coats were double breasted. Over the years, though, manufacturers have begun making single-breasted trench coats as well. Single-breasted trench coats generally have a cleaner, more concise appearance. Nonetheless, some men prefer the traditional style of a double-breasted trench coat. Neither single-breasted nor double-breasted trench coats are better than the other. Just remember to choose the style that you are most comfortable wearing. As long as you're comfortable wearing a trench coat, it will have a positive impact on your confidence and self-image.
The Length
Don't forget to consider the length when shopping for a trench coat. All trench coats are designed with a longer length than that of standard coats and jackets. With that said, some trench coats are longer than others.
A typical trench coat will extend to your thighs or knees when worn. This moderate length offers a balanced combination of protection and comfort. By extending to your thighs or knees, a trench coat will protect you from rain, sleet and snow.
Some trench coats extend past the knees when worn. A long-length trench coat, for instance, may extend all the way to your shins. With its long length, it will offer even greater protection against the weather and elements.
The Pockets
Although there are exceptions, most men's trench coats are designed with multiple pockets. As shown in the image above, the GQ Trench Coat sold here at StudioSuits features two pockets on the front. There's a pocket on the bottom right and bottom left sides of the front. While a few pockets may sound like a meaningless value, they enhance both the aesthetics and utility of a trench coat. With pockets, you'll be able to carry small personal items in your trench coat. You can also use the pockets to keep your hands warm during an otherwise cold fall or winter day.
In addition to front pockets, some men's trench coats are designed with one or more breast pockets. Breast pockets are found in the upper left or right front sides of a trench coat. They improve the trench coat's aesthetics while also supporting the use of a pocket square. If you purchase a trench coat with at least one breast pocket, you can accessorize it with a pocket square. Just fold the pocket square and tuck it neatly into your trench coat's breast pocket.
The Color
When shopping for a trench coat, you'll probably find that they are offered in dozens of colors. Of course, the utility of a trench coat is influenced by its color. If you chooser a trench coat in the wrong color, you won't be able to wear it frequently.
What's a good color for a trench coat? It's really up to you, though neutral colors like gray, beige, white and black tend to work well. Neutral colors are prized for their versatility. They match most other colors, so you don't have to worry about them clashing with your clothes and accessories. The key thing to remember is that your trench coat should match the clothes, as well as accessories that you plan to wear it with.
Maintenance
How much maintenance does the trench coat require? All garments require at least some amount of work to maintain -- and trench coats are no exception. Before buying a trench coat, check the care tag for more information on how to clean and maintain it. Most trench coats are dry-clean only, meaning you shouldn't wash them. Instead, you'll need to take your trench coat to a local dry-cleaning business.
Dry cleaning isn't technically dry; it still requires the use of liquid. It's called "dry cleaning" because it uses chemicals rather than water. When dry cleaned, your trench coat will be exposed to cleaning chemicals that safely and effectively remove stains.
In Conclusion
A trench coat is a versatile form of outerwear that features a heavy-duty construction -- typically either wool or tweed -- with a medium or long length. It offers a blended combination of comfort, style and durability. To take advantage of all its benefits, though, you should take the time to choose the right trench coat. By following these tips, you'll get greater use out of your new trench coat.
