What do you guys want in a trench coat?

This may sound insane but how about fabric that's water-resistent? I've always thought they were worn/designed to do just that but a lot of the trenches available that aren't grandfather-cut are only meant for looks. It'd make sense to make it functional and that's exactly why I haven't purchased a coat thus far. Mid-thigh length. Steel-grey. Everything else would be gravy. I'm not saying I want a COPY of this particular trench but the cut and details (except for the hood) are similar to what I'm looking for. I could probably go for something a bit more simplified:

I just want a nice class cotton gabardine khaki trench in good fabric and cut without having to pay 2k for one from Dior or Prorsum. If you can deliver I shall worship you.

* Heavy cotton
* Mid thigh length
* Double breasted
* Belt that works
* Two outside pockets at the waist area
* One chest pocket on the inside of the coat, that you can easily slip your hand into even if the trench is buttoned up
* Epaulette straps
* Horn or wood buttons
* Pleated vent in the rear, which you can close with a button or snap
* Nice, reinforced collar that can stand up in the wind (a shawl collar would be awesome to)
* Gun flap
* Straps on the sleeves to tighten them

Usual Trench Colors - Khaki, Navy, Grey, Black

^^^ sums it up

Another for robin's suggestions, and I'm with whodini on color.

Pretty much what robin said. The Cloak trench I own is in my eye the best trench design I've ever seen. There are additional details like convertible sleeves (either pointed or traditional and a way to fully button the collar while it is standing that are just gravy. I think slim sleeves are an absolute must.

slim
mid thigh
grey
no hood
belt
Waterproof

give us our trench MJK!

a darker steel-grey would rule

black or tan wouldnt interest me so much

and a metal buckle

agreed
steel grey goes /w everything
you can wear black, blue, brown, white, red, any color really will a steel grey, black/tan is too limiting

Hell yes.


I think a mid or light gray like the color in the pic Big Al posted would be great--you could wear it with black and still have noticeable contrast, and it would still look amazing with browns, especially burgundy shades.

I think people have the design nailed - pea-coat length, double breasted, etc. I want to reiterate Who's suggestion of water-proofing. I have an EG trench that easily soaks through (WTF?). I like the steel grey color idea, but the options of black or tan would be appreciated.

couldn't have summed it any better! although i would prefer a waxed cotton, or just in a synthetic fabric that's waterproof (+1 for who's idea). the epaulettes though, make sure they're not too gaudy/flashy/stand up too much, a lot of epaulettes i see these days scream "look at me!"

Exactly.
Yeah, this detail would really be make or break for me. I have plenty of good looking coats. Let me add a good looking coat I can actually wear near water.

How the hell will people know my rank?