Can anybody help me decide between a Burberry, Grenfell, or SEH Kelly trench?

[SmellCrossestheLine]

I am in the market for a trench coat to wear over blazers and suits on rainy days during the warmer months.

I have come across a Burberry coat and a Grenfell one, both in my size and preferred colour (black). The grenfell is just over half the price of the Burberry. Besides its name, is there any reason to pay more for Burberry? Is the Grenfell of comparable quality?

From what I can tell, both have water resistant cotton and make coats in England. The higher price of the Burberry coat is curious given that they're made in Yorkshire whilst Grenfell is made in London. I've heard the Grenfell fabric is heavier weight and may not be suitable for hot weather.

Lastly, there is a company called SEH Kelly which makes a trench coat out of aramid cloth, which is properly waterproof as oppossed to water-resistant. So what do you all think?

 

[Duke Santos]

Burberry is a fashion brand now similar to Prada or Gucci. That, and that alone, is the reason for the higher price. I'm not saying it's not high quality, but the extra cost is for the label not the garment. I'd go with the Grenfell. I'd also take a look and see if Baracuta or Gloverall have something that appeals to you.

 

[bluespirit]

For trench coats --

New: Grenfell, Mackintosh, Private White V.C. (the trade name of Cooper & Stollbrand), L'Impermeabile, Herno
Vintage: Burberry, Aquascutum

Baracuta and Gloverall do not make trench/rain coats as far as i know

 

[Duke Santos]

For trench coats --

New: Grenfell, Mackintosh, Private White V.C. (the trade name of Cooper & Stollbrand), L'Impermeabile, Herno
Vintage: Burberry, Aquascutum

Baracuta and Gloverall do not make trench/rain coats as far as i know

You're right. Gloverall doesn't make rain coats at all. Baracuta does make longer rain coats, but their not strict trench coats in design. I'm assuming that the OP is looking for the classic trench coat (double breasted, belted and with epaulets).

 

[bluespirit]

You're right. Gloverall doesn't make rain coats at all. Baracuta does make longer rain coats, but their not strict trench coats in design. I'm assuming that the OP is looking for the classic trench coat (double breasted, belted and with epaulets).

There are also variants without epaulets that are good, such as the trench coat on the right side of this picture (showing the difference with a bad cut on the left):

 

[Cliffnopus]

I have a Private White V.C. trench and I love it. It's the Simon Crompton collaboration version. Has a great look to it.

 

[oz_boater]

There are also variants without epaulets that are good, such as the trench coat on the right side of this picture (showing the difference with a bad cut on the left):

To be fair, that Trench on the right is a bespoke coat by "The Finery Company" in Sydney Australia.

I stopped by and had a chat with them last Saturday and it seems a Bespoke trench such as that will set you back around what a 'off the rack' Burberry would cost in Oz.

 

[Charles_01]

Of course! For a classic look, choose Burberry. Grenfell offers tradition and durability, while Seh Kelly brings a minimalist touch. Pick the one that suits your style.

 

[bluespirit]

Some of Grenfell's designs are copies of original designs from other brands.

Grenfell's Kensington = Burberry's Kensington
Grenfell's Harrington = Barracuta's G9

Still a good brand though (and it's common practice in the industry - bootmakers often copy iconic designs of other brands for instance)