Full Length Trench Coats - How Long?

[etb]

Just bought a nice used trench (my first) that might need shortening.

Is 3" below the knee too long? I'm thinking that the optimal length is bottom-of-knee (similar to attached picture) but would appreciate your thoughts.

 

[Joe Cool]

Anything between barely covering your ass to nearly dragging on the ground is acceptable, it's largely a function of personal preference if you ask me.

 

[JayJay]

For heavy rains combined with strong winds, the longer the coat the better.

 

[Sazerac]

Disagree that any length will do. Like women's skirts, preferred length vary with fashion. These days, shorter trench coats are in. That is, they should end at your knee or a little above. In times past, longer was better, and no doubt the cycle will come around again.

A lot depends on the other elements of the coat, though. If you have large Burberry-style lapels, I'd avoid cutting the length too short. The proportions won't be right. Also, if the trench has a liner, it may be almost impossible to shorten it anyway and still have it look right.

See a good tailor, I guess, and get their advice.

 

[JayJay]

^^^I prefer function over fashion. A longer coat on wet and windy days provides greater protection. After all, it is a rain coat.

 

[gdl203]

Don't like the Marlboro-man-slash-flasher long raincoats - I prefer them on the shorter side (at or just below the knee).

 

[Bradford]

I prefer longer coats as well and I'm pretty sure both my overcoat and my raincoat go a few inches below the knee. But I'm 6'3" so its fine. I would say it all depends on how tall you are and what style you prefer.

 

[Holdfast]

At about 5'6" I don't really have a choice; most regular trenches fall quite low on me. But actually, I quite like that, as it keeps more of the trouser leg dry.

I think it's a personal preference thing, to be honest.

 

[theEnd]

Related question:

At around $1500 bucks a pop (and no sign of any sales/discounts), is one of the 'made in England' Burburry trenches (made out of raglan/garbadine) worth it?

I tried one on last weekend and it is clearly a cut above any other trench I have seen (JCrew, BB, RL, even a Brioni).

Just looking for some confidence to make the purchase.

 

[Endeavour]

Originally Posted by theEnd

Related question:

At around $1500 bucks a pop (and no sign of any sales/discounts), is one of the 'made in England' Burburry trenches (made out of raglan/garbadine) worth it?

I tried one on last weekend and it is clearly a cut above any other trench I have seen (JCrew, BB, RL, even a Brioni).

Just looking for some confidence to make the purchase.

I have one of the older 'Burberry's" labeled coats and couldn't be happier with it. The fabric is unlike any other cotton gabardine I've seen. Mine has been in the family for years and shows almost no signs of age. With the lining, I wear it pretty much fall through spring without any complaints. That being said, I'm not sure if there has been a quality change with the new ones, and the relaxed fit is not for everyone.

 

[theEnd]

Originally Posted by Endeavour

I have one of the older 'Burberry's" labeled coats and couldn't be happier with it. The fabric is unlike any other cotton gabardine I've seen. Mine has been in the family for years and shows almost no signs of age. With the lining, I wear it pretty much fall through spring without any complaints. That being said, I'm not sure if there has been a quality change with the new ones, and the relaxed fit is not for everyone.

Thanks for the review. I've experienced Montreal winters, so that's really saying something about the warmth of the coat. I'm also considering one with a removable wool lining. Should serve me well here in NYC.

 

[Amiens]

The coat's skirt should be below the knee, but not so long as to hobble you. You should be able to comfortably stride out whilst wearing it; it is a practical garment after all.

 

[etb]

Is this the one?

http://us.burberry.com/product/index...entPage=family

Originally Posted by theEnd

Thanks for the review. I've experienced Montreal winters, so that's really saying something about the warmth of the coat. I'm also considering one with a removable wool lining. Should serve me well here in NYC.

 

[theEnd]

Originally Posted by etb

Is this the one?

http://us.burberry.com/product/index...entPage=family

Spot on.