A Burberry trench coat is probably the most iconic piece of outerwear there is. Synonymous with classic, effortless elegance, simply slipping it over any outfit is enough to catapult you into the realms of the seriously stylish.
You might not consider outerwear as part of your main wardrobe, but having the right collection of coats will ensure that you look stylish whatever the weather and the best trench coats are an essential. This lightweight piece of outerwear is often one of the best waterproof jacket too, but unlike the rubberized versions you might wear for a country walk, a Burberry trench coats are smartly tailored and beautifully crafted, for a coat that offers sartorial elegance, even in a sudden downpour.
Designed in the early 20th century and patented by Thomas Burberry in 1912, the trench coat was originally created as part of Britain's official military uniform. Made from durable, weatherproof gaberdine, it was first worn by soldiers in the Normandy trenches - hence its name. Since then, the iconic trench coat silhouette has become a must-have style for men and women and despite how many brands make an iteration of this classic style, a trench coat by British designer brand Burberry, is still considered one of the most timeless pieces of clothing you can own.
Why a Burberry trench coat is worth the investment
When it comes to investment purchases, most people automatically turn their attention to the best designer bags, but the Burberry trench coat, while it may not hold its value in the same way as the best Chanel bags, still has the potential to last you a lifetime. Just as with any well-made item you purchase, look after it, and in the long run, it will return the favor.
Crafted in England by expert tailors, the Burberry trench coat remains at the pinnacle of exquisite quality and style and will never go out of fashion, ensuring you can wear it season after season. It takes one year for each specialist to learn the stitching of the trench coat’s collar, which is handmade using more than 180 stitches. And such credentials don’t come cheap. Available from around $2,000 (£1,700), a Burberry trench coat is made to last. An ideal addition to any capsule wardrobe, a Burberry trench will pair with everything from your best dresses to your fave jeans and even on-trend Chelsea boots, there is no look that a Burberry trench coat can’t enhance.
Today, multiple iterations have been borne of the original, incorporating unique details and features for all tastes, which means that there is a style for every shape. Although this might leave you wondering the benefits of the Burberry Chelsea vs Kensington trench coat, any well-tailored Burberry trench coat is a good investment. Classic camel, black and navy interpretations will always have the most longevity in terms of style, but prints and color will be playful and work for several seasons. At the start of the winter season, remember to dry-clean your coat and put it away, so that it's ready for when you want to put your spring capsule wardrobe to work.
Here’s our guide to help you to decide which is the best Burberry trench coat for you, including advice on how to pick the best color, shape and style for your silhouette.
How to pick the best Burberry coat for your shape
The Best Burberry Trench Coats for Tall Women
When making a purchase, the first thing to consider is length. The right hemline can make or break a trench, so it pays to get it right. Those with a tall build should opt for a longer-line coat to play to their elongated silhouette. Due to a lengthier frame, longer-line coats won’t swamp your shape but will help the eye to be drawn up and down the body. This also can make you look leaner as it streamlines your appearance and avoids cutting your outfit in several different places.
A Note on Print and Pattern
When it comes to choosing whether you go for a plain or printed coat, tall builds often can often carry off louder prints and patterns. The classic Burberry plaid - also known as the Haymarket Check, was introduced in the 1920s and is as synonymous with the house of Burberry as its trench coat. Largely used as a lining print, in recent times, Burberry has played with print, migrating it to the outside of the coat for a more fashion-forward look. The medium-sized square and fine-lined print is surprisingly versatile and largely flattering on most. However louder iterations of the print and bolder patterned styles that have emerged in recent seasons sit best with taller frames that can carry off what can otherwise be an overwhelming pattern.
RRP: $2,490 / £1,790 | Sizes: US: 0-16 / UK: 0-18 | Length: Long | Colors: Honey and Midnight
Made in the brand's signature cotton gabardine, it is a classic fit but with a longer finish. Check out the pop of heritage Burberry check under the collar and all the signature details including epaulettes, hook-and-eye collar closure, gun flap, belted cuffs, storm shield and D-ring belt.
RRP: $2,490 / £1790 | Sizes: US: 0-16 / UK: 0-18 | Length: Long | Colors: Honey, Black
A relaxed, longline silhouette with raglan sleeves, this style is great for layering. Featuring the brand's signature check lining for a pop of color, it is finished with Burberry's iconic epaulettes, hook-and-eye collar closure, gun flap, belted cuffs, D-ring belt and storm shield.
RRP: $2,490 / £1790 | Sizes: US: 0-16 / UK: 0-18 | Length: Long | Colors: Midnight and Honey
A slim-fit trench coat with narrowed shoulders and nipped-in waist, for those that are tall and lean. This archived-inspired style is an absolute classic and features the timeless check print under the collar for added detail. Belt the coat to show off the softly flared silhouette of the skirt of the coat.
RRP: $4,590 (US only) | Sizes: US: 0-16 | Length: Long | Colors: Dark Birch Brown
Crafted from 100% wool, this unusual Burberry trench coat celebrates the brand's heritage check, but gives it a refreshing new twist. The statement chevron print creates figure lengthening points, while the longline design ensures maximum wet and cold weather coverage - ideal for a spring outfit ideas.
RRP: $2,890 / £1,990 | Sizes: US: 0-12 / UK: 2-16 | Length: Long | Color: Muted Navy
Blue hues are back in a big way when it comes to the latest fashion color trends and this delectable muted navy will easily slot into your new season wardrobe. A timeless colorway, the D-ring sleeve tie backs add a lovely relaxed feel to this otherwise polished piece that will work well with smart and casual outfits.
RRP: $2,590 / £1,850 | Size: US: 0-14 / UK: 2-16 | Length: Long | Colors: Caramel
With a relaxed fit, this Burberry trench coat is a modern take on a classic design and features logo engraved press studs and the brand's vintage check lining. Made from 100% cotton through the body, this will have great breathability, ideal for spring and fall weather, where it can be both warm and wet.
The Best Burberry Trench Coats for Petite Women
When looking at the coat trends 2023, there is little distinction made for various heights, so if you’ve been left wondering what types of coats can work for petites, and if there are Burberry trench coats that will work well for your frame? You’ll be thrilled to know the answer is, yes, but there are some things to consider.
If you’re petite, it’s best to go with a shorter-length coat which will work best with your proportions and won’t drown you. As a designer brand, producing an exclusive and detailed product, Burberry has really considered how its products will work for different heights and have trench coats that come in both short and regular lengths. The Burberry short coats are 90cms, which hits around mid-thigh, a great length for petites as it will balance your proportions. For those looking for something that skims the knee, they also do a 100cm version too.
A Note on Print and Pattern...
While the classic Burberry Haymarket Check in a small fine print, a delicate all over print is largely flattering for all, if you’re nervous about being overwhelmed, opt for a block color or invest in a plain style, and turn up the cuffs a fold or two to reveal just a hint of the check, a chic and subtle way to show off your Burberry buy.
RRP: $2,490 / £1,790 | Size Range: US: 00-16 / UK: 0-18 | Length: short | Colors: Honey & Black
A narrow silhouette with the brand's signature cotton gabardine, it has all the classic detailing and trappings you’d expect (storm flaps, waist belt and epaulettes) and comes in a honey color.
RRP: $1,350 / £990 | Sizes: US: 0-16 / UK: 0-18 | Length: short | Colors: Camel & Black
Made in Burberry’s Kensington fit, which is a classic silhouette, the Taffeta coat has been updated to include a detachable hood, fabulously innovative when heading into April showers territory.
RRP: $2,950 / £1,890 | Size Range: US: 0-16 / UK: 2-18 | Length: Short | Colors: Honey
Made from bespoke cotton gabardine, the coat is crease-resistant and features a printed collar, giving an update to the classic Burberry trench coat. Lined in the brand's archival vintage check.
RRP: $2,590 / £1,850 | Sizes: US: 0-16 / UK: 2-18 | Length: Short and Regular | Colors: Soft Fawn
This shorter trench coat gives you maximum style in a figure-flattering silhouette. The checked revere collar creates an illusion panel down the center of the coat, elongating your frame.
RRP: $2,590 / £1890 | Sizes: UK: 2-14 | Length: Regular | Colors: Honey
Don’t let print overwhelm you. Opt for a block color with just a hint of print such as turnback cuffs and collars for added interest and detail. We love the vintage print poking through on this coat.
RRP: $2,690 / £1950 | Sizes: US: 00-16 / UK: 2-14 | Length: Regular | Colors: Camel, Honey, Black
Use the belt to nip in your waist, while the contrast check paneling down the center of the coat will elongate your frame by drawing the eye up and down the body.
The Best Burberry Trench Coats for Curvy Women
Perhaps the reason for the popularity of the Burberry trench coat is its ability to flatter all silhouettes. A trench coat will work easily on apple body shapes, curvy figures and those with bigger busts and there are even a few ways to style them too, depending on the look you want.
Want to show off your curves? Use your trench coats self-fabric belt to cinch yourself in at the waist, this will instantly highlight curves and help to create a more hourglass body shape - you can even swap the fabric belt out for a statement leather belt, or any of your best designer belts to really customize your look. If you’re not a fan of belts, then look for slightly more tailored styles, that nip in at the waist, doing the job of the belt for you.
When it comes to how to style a trench coat to appear taller and more streamlined, choose a style that hangs from the shoulders and skims the body. Wear your coat open, over a sweater or any of your best shirts to create a centralized panel. This will draw the eye up and down your body, adding extra height to your frame, no heels required.
The trench coat is quite an androgynous style and often is cut with double-breasted buttons. This can be quite bulky and boxy on curvy frames, so look for single-breasted styles of this classic look.
RRP: $1,890 / £950 | Sizes: US: 00-16 / UK: 02-16 | Length: Cropped | Colors: Pink
Draw attention to your waist and create hourglass curves with this clever sugary pink, cropped trench coat. Ideal for spring weather, this jacket will help to highlight your waist, lengthening your lower torso for longer looking legs. The combo of pink and honey too is gorgeous.
RRP: $2,090 / £1,490 | Sizes: US: 0-16 / UK: 2-18 | Length: Regular | Colors: Honey
A weightless Burberry coat that's softly tailored, this trench design has a figure-flattering straight cut, which slips easily over other layers. Featuring classic Burberry hook-and-eye collar closure, button-tab cuffs, and check undercollar.
RRP: $5,900 / £4,490 | Sizes: US: 0-14 / UK: 02-16 | Length: Regular | Colors: Camel
Crafted from 100% leather, this is one of the best leather jackets on the market right now. This sensational twist on a classic Burberry trench coat that taps into the fashion trends 2023 and is a piece of outerwear that can remain in your wardrobe for years to come.
The Best Burberry Trench Coats for Rectangular Shapes
A rectangle shape is largely considered model-esque, meaning most styles will suit your frame. While rectangles aren’t always tall, they are slender meaning they can carry off both fitted styles and oversized silhouettes.
For tall women who want to add volume to their shape, opting for an oversized trench coat that hangs from the shoulders can be an incredibly chic look and one that is particularly popular with the fashion crowd. Oversized silhouettes also have a nonchalant, androgynous appeal which never fails to look stylish. Look out for added detail such as drop shoulders or large epaulettes to add interest to this aesthetic. The classic double-breasted style of a Burberry trench coat is a brilliant way of adding shape and structure. The double horn button detailing running down the front is very flattering and adds shape.
RRP: $2,490 / £1,790 | Sizes: US: 0-16 / UK: 0-18 | Length: Regular | Colors: Honey, Black, and Midnight
Fashioned in the brand's signature cotton gabardine, pop the collar for a flash of vintage heritage check. This timeless coat offers a modern spin on the classic-fit trench with an archive-inspired style and a streamlined silhouette. Ideal for every day wear over shorter dresses or pants.
RRP: $3,750 / £2,690 | Sizes: US: 0-14 / UK: 2-14 | Length: Regular | Colors: Twilight Navy
This twilight navy trench coat features chain-link buttons for a fashion-forward feel. The longer line and relaxed, self-fabric tie belt works well for rectangular figures, while the chain-link buttons add a flash of metallic for a dressier, evening-ready feel.
RRP: $3,250 / £2,290 | Sizes: US: 00-16 / UK: 0-18 | Length: Regular | Colors: Black with print
Cut to a classic Waterloo trench coat fit, this delightful design features a yellow floral print, ideal for ushering in spring weather. The dark base color keeps it timeless and of course, florals never go out of fashion. Lined in Burberry's classic trench this is a directional, yet timeless buy.
How to choose the right color Burberry Trench coat
Warm skin tones
If your skin is warmer in tone, warm colors such as honey, olive and tan will suit you best. These are great all year through colors, as they team well with lighter neutrals for spring and navy and brown for fall. If you're still wondering, we have a full guide to 'what color suits me' to help you navigate this.
RRP: $2,890 / £1,990 | Sizes: US: 0-16 / UK: 02-18 | Length: Regular | Colors: Camel
A classic camel coat, this trench is cut to the brand's Waterloo fit and features an exaggerated collar in a classic check print. With a double-breasted, poppered-front, vintage check lining and metal hardware belt buckle for a smart finish. This coat feels new and fresh without discarding Burberry's heritage.
RRP: $2,590 / £1,950 | Sizes: US: 00-16 / UK: 0-18 | Length: Regular | Colors: Camel, Honey, Black
A smart 100% cotton trench coat, with an extra utilitarian feel - thanks to the two front patch pockets with popper fastenings. A slightly shorter length, this coat is ideal for warmer spring and fall days, while the printed check collar adds a directional, new season feel. Lined in check this is a practical everyday design.
RRP: $2,250 / £1,650 | Sizes: US: 0-14 / UK: 2-16 | Length: Regular | Colors: Camel
The gorgeous caramel hue is ideal for warm skin tones. Finish with press-stud fastening and a relaxed and swinging A-line silhouette this is an attractive coat that can be easily slipped on over shorter dresses or worn with tailored pants, offering a feminine finish.
Cool skin tones
Cool skin tones suit cooler colors so reaching for styles in versatile grey or navy is a good idea. As the Burberry trench coat has grown in popularity, so too has the availability of styles and colors it comes in. When it comes to neutrals, cooler beige tones rather than warm honey will suit you best.
RRP: $2,590 / £1,890 | Sizes: US: 0-16 / UK: 2-18 | Length: Regular | Colors: Black
Combining the best of both, this coat offers a block colored body in a dark hue, trimmed with the brand's classic vintage check on the collar for added detail. Cut to a regular fit, this coat features a knee-length finish.
RRP: $3,890 / £2,790 | Sizes: US: 0-16 / UK: 02-16 | Length: Regular | Colors: Soft Fawn
In Italian woven cashmere, this beautiful soft fawn colored coat is one that you will treasure forever. While it is generally suited to colder months, this coat is wearable in spring, fall and winter for an elegant and soft to the touch look.
RRP: $2,890 / £1,990 | Sizes: US: 0-14 / UK: 02-16 | Length: Regular | Colors: Black
With a delightfully relaxed fit, this coat is part of the spring/summer 2023 collection. With statement polka dot lining, this trench coat is ideal for slipping over summer occasion wear such as the best wedding guest dresses.
What makes a Burberry Trench coat so iconic?
Burberry’s popularity dates back dates decades. The appeal of the Burberry trench was bolstered by society's elite and exclusive entertainment scene. During the 1940s, the Burberry trench hit the silver screen catapulting it into mass consciousness. Famously worn by Humphrey Bogart while uttering the unforgettable line “here’s looking at you, kid” Bogart was filmed wearing a camel edition of the now iconic style. And while this moment set the Burberry trench coat on an upward trajectory, it was an appearance on Audrey Hepburn’s Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s that cemented the coat as a style classic.
In the years since, the trench has been worn by the best-dressed around, from Marilyn Monroe and Brigitte Bardot to Alexa Chung and Gwyneth Paltrow. It even has the royal stamp of approval having been worn by Princess Diana and the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex.
