Over the past season or so, I’ve been watching male trenchcoats creep from the runway back into mainstream fashion. Burberry, Hugo, Klein, and Armani have all released some sort of trench. It makes life in rainy places so much more bearable when you have something wicked to throw on to keep out the rain. I myself have been wearing a trenchcoat on and off since September .. definitely worth it, folks, it’s great for those in-transition days when it’s too cool for cotton, but too warm for wool.
When wearing your trench, you can go one of two ways. First way: go the slim-fit route. This is a no-brainer in today’s ultra-tailored mens’ fashion climate. These long numbers will make you look even slimmer, so if you’re already skinny it might be hazardous to wear a trench coat that’s too fitted. Second way: go for a bulkier silhouette. I like this approach – just be careful not to get it too big or else you’ll feel awkward. My trench fits so large, I may get the sides taken in a little bit just to make it more wearable. Also, I have no desire to look like a front-line messenger from World War 2… well, not this season at least.
If your trench comes with a belt, TIE IT. This should be obvious. I’ve found that while mine has a buckle, I prefer to do it up in a single knot – this looks more masculine, and makes the look casual enough to wear without some sort of suit underneath. If you’re going for an ultra-casual look, feel free to leave the damn thing untied – just don’t come crying to me when it starts getting caught in things such as bus doors! Jeeze.
Some further tips for man trench coats: Even if you don’t like tan-coloured stuff, try a tan one on. I never wear tan, but my trench is tan-coloured and I love it. If you’re going to wear a trench, don’t carry a messenger bag unless it’s a very fitted coat – do you *want* to look like you’re in the Russian military, circa 1945? Unless you can effectively pull it off, carry a bag by hand, or make your messenger bag of choice a bulky one. Revel in the length of the male trench coat. You can get the modern-looking cropped ones, but I am also a fan of the ultra-long retro coats. Mine drops to my knees.
All I can say is… Guys, why wouldn’t you get yourself a trench coat? If you don’t, be prepared to miss out on not only a big trend but a very cool piece of clothing. Over and out!
-FH.