We Tested Stylish, Protective Trench Coats—and These 12 Are Ready for Takeoff

A stylish and functional piece of outerwear can be difficult to find, but luckily, Lands’ End found the perfect balance with their waterproof trench coat. It has the classic look of a trench with storm flaps, a collar, shoulder epaulettes, and double-breasted buttons. We wore the jacket for various occasions, including indoor and outdoor activities, with temperatures as low as 28 degrees. Thanks to the seam-sealed construction and fully waterproof fabric, we were dry and warm throughout the testing period. The jacket runs a little small, so we sized up one size and had the perfect amount of wiggle room to move about freely, plus layer a thick sweater underneath for when the weather was cold. 

The jacket is also made with polyester and rayon, which keeps the weight of the jacket minimal, making it easy to pack in a carry-on or wear in warmer weather. While the jacket wrinkled a little, it was still less than cotton or linen options that crease more easily. The only thing that would make this jacket even better is if the waist belt had a buckle for a more polished look.

The Details: XS-3XL, including petite and plus-size | Polyester and rayon | Waterproof

Traveling with a coat is no easy feat, which is why we love Alo’s Crinkle on the Move Trench since it has superior packability. T+L assistant editor Jessica Vadillo tested this jacket and noted that it’s fully waterproof after she wore it in the rain and didn’t feel remotely damp after taking it off. The oversized fit makes it easy to layer underneath, which you’ll want to do since the nylon material is very lightweight and on the thinner side. When Vadillo wore a sweatshirt underneath, she was perfectly comfortable and warm (she also sized down to have a slightly more fitted look). Because the jacket is so lightweight, it packs down efficiently. It also has a removable fleece lining, so if you want to add or remove the bulk, it’s super easy. “I am fully planning to take this on my trip to London, because it packs tiny and looks great,” Vadillo concluded.

The Details: 2XS-2XL | Nylon

If you don’t want to pack a travel steamer, we recommend this wrinkle-resistant trench from Athleta. The synthetic fabric is designed to release creases that might happen when the jacket gets shoved in a closet or suitcase. In our experience, the jacket didn’t wrinkle at all, whether it was worn around the city or stored in a closet. It also has UPF 40 protection and abrasion resistance, making this jacket particularly excellent for traveling. We found the thicker material to feel high-quality, durable, and protective against the elements. The heavier weight of the jacket isn’t a deterrent in the slightest—it’s still breathable and comfortable to wear throughout the day. It also packs down relatively compactly, so it can be placed in a carry-on. We also love the tie waist belt that gives the jacket a fitted look that accentuates the waist, but you can also leave it open for a versatile fit.

The Details: 2XS-2XL | Nylon and lycra | Wrinkle resistant | UPF 40

Our favorite affordable trench goes to this classic style from Amazon. It boasts a variety of travel-friendly features, including a detachable hood, a water-resistant exterior, and a back vent for breathability. The classic double-breasted buttons and buckle belt offer a polished look for sightseeing around the city or going out to a nice dinner. We love the vast size range, which makes it easy to get the right fit. T+L editor Hillary Maglin noted that the jacket has a slightly more fitted look, but she was still able to layer a cozy sweater underneath for warmth when the temperatures were below 40 degrees. The exterior proved to be water resistant, but Maglin shared that it might take some time for the jacket to dry, as it still absorbs some water. While the material felt mostly high-quality and long-lasting, Maglin noticed some loose threads when the jacket arrived.

The Details: XS-5XL | Polyester | Water resistant

This trench coat from Gap offers a textbook silhouette and color. It comes in the classic khaki colorway and boasts double-breasted buttons, an oversized collar, and a front-tie waist belt. However, the standout feature for us was how lightweight the jacket is, which is ideal for traveling. Made with 65 percent cotton and 35 percent polyester, the natural fibers keep the jacket breathable and the synthetic ones offer water resistance and warmth, a perfect combination. We wore it in light rain and the water resistance seemed to perform well, as we were wet from the weather. Because the jacket is on the thinner side, we recommend wearing it underneath a heavier coat if you’re traveling somewhere cold. We were able to layer a thin sweater underneath, but found that anything bulkier limited mobility in the arms (consider sizing up for a roomier fit). The jacket does wrinkle slightly, but luckily, most of the creases work themselves out as you wear it out and about.

The Details: 2XS-2XL, including regular, tall, and petite | Cotton and polyester | Water resistant

If slouchy styles aren’t your thing, this Everlane jacket is the perfect trench for you. It runs true to size and offers a slimmer fit. The tighter fit in the shoulders (but not too tight to restrict mobility) and double-breasted buttons give the jacket a polished finish. Made with organic cotton and recycled polyester, the material is extremely soft and comfortable to wear all day long. While the jacket doesn’t explicitly say water-resistant, the material did seem to repel some water, so we think it would be fine to wear in a light drizzle. The fabric is thin enough to make it easy to carry the jacket (or pack it in a suitcase), but it still feels well-made and long-lasting. We were able to layer a thicker sweater underneath the jacket and felt a little warm, so this jacket is best for mild to chilly weather when layered.

The Details: 2XS-3XL | Organic cotton and recycled polyester

While most trench coats have buttons down the front, this one from Quince has a waist belt that makes it easy to wrap up in it like a blanket. The synthetic fabric blend is thicker than we expected, which makes it warmer than most of the trench coats we tested. It runs true to size, but there’s enough room to layer a sweater underneath for extra warmth if needed in the winter. “I’m a short, curvy girl, and this is such a flattering coat. The length is just right on my frame, and I love that there’s no button and I can use the removable belt for a custom fit that doesn’t feel too restrictive,” our tester said. The jacket is prone to wrinkles, though, so you may want to pack a travel steamer to get them out quickly on the go. Additionally, the belt doesn’t have loops, so it might get lost in storage if you don’t store it in the pocket.

The Details: XS-XL | Recycled polyester, polyester, and spandex

When you’re investing in a piece of pricey outerwear, getting the right fit is key. Luckily, the Matteo Trench from Reformation makes it easy for you to do just that, especially when the jacket comes in petite and regular sizes. Compared to the regular sizing, the petite sizing cuts about half an inch off from the bust, waist, and hips to get a slimmer fit. “I felt the sleeve length was absolutely perfect, as was the place it hit on my calves. Sometimes petite-length coats make me question if I’m actually petite because they look too short in length, but this one was perfect,” T+L associate director Morgan Ashley Parker said. In addition, Parker praised how protective the jacket is with fabric that wards off wind and light rain.

The Details: XS-XL, including petite | Polyester

The French are masters of minimalist fashion, which is why this trench from Parisian brand Sézane will truly never go out of style. It’s made with high-quality natural materials, which leads us to believe that it can stand the test of time. T+L senior testing editor Jackie Cucco called this style “midweight” when she tried it since it’s lighter than a winter jacket but still had some heft to it. She particularly loved the numbered sizes (0 to 16), which made it easy to get the right fit. While the sleeves run a tad long, Cucco didn’t mind since the interior is lined with a chic checkered pattern (also available in a leopard print variation) that added a stylish flair to the classic exterior. She packed it on a trip to Japan and found it easy to tote around; it did an excellent job of repelling the rain, and when folded up, it came out with minimal wrinkles. We think this is an ideal travel coat, and the only thing to note is that it only has buttons down the front with no waist belt.

The Details: 0-16 | 100 percent natural materials | Water resistant

I’ve been on the hunt for a dressier trench coat for a very long time, and this one from Lilysilk checked all my boxes. It’s made with a wool exterior and lined with silk, so it has a luxurious feel on the inside to match the sophisticated exterior. The khaki color gives the jacket the classic trench feel, which makes it easy to pair with jeans and a T-shirt for sightseeing in the day, or a nice dress and heels for a nighttime event. I wore this during the winter and early spring when temperatures were around 40 degrees, and this jacket kept me well insulated, especially with a thick sweater underneath. I’ve also worn it into spring with milder weather, and it’s still perfectly comfortable. I love wearing it with the buttons open and closed, and the belt looks good whether buckled in the front or tied in the back. My only slight gripe is that the belt is very long, which means the tail dangles in the back if I don’t wrap it around twice.

The Details: XS-2XL | Silk and wool | Water resistant

Mackage’s wool trench coat has been in my constant rotation of jackets since I added it to my closet. It’s made with double-face virgin wool, which means it’s warmer than your average trench, but still very breathable. Wool is naturally water-resistant and therm-regulating, so I’m able to wear it in the fall, winter, and spring with varying layers for less or more warmth. The fit and design of this jacket are extremely stylish, and I’m almost always complimented when I wear the trench. The asymmetrical flap and the dark and light brown color blocking add a modern touch to the classic front-button silhouette. I love the waist belt for cinching the jacket at my waist, and it can also be worn with or without the buttons done for multiple styling techniques.

The Details: 2XS-2XL | 100 percent double-face virgin wool

An oversized jacket like this one from Oak + Fort is easy to toss on with any outfit, which is ideal for traveling when you’re limited on outfit options. Plus, a looser fit gives off a certain effortless look that can be worn with fancier outfits to gym clothes. This one in particular impressed Parker, an owner of multiple trenches and many, many jackets, due to its high value. She noted that the material is protective and warm thanks to the lined interior, and the fabric feels high-quality. It’s still light enough to wear in warmer months, and it’s not too bulky to carry around. If you want to switch up the look of the jacket, cinch the waist belt to break apart the drapey fit. The only note Parker had was that the front buttons could be bigger for an extra touch of style.

The Details: 2XS-L | Polyester, viscose, and spandex