The Venerable Trench Coat...

[DanielJones]

Ok, most of us here know what the trench coat is and it's origins. Now, I've been wanting one for some time, but could never justify getting one since we live in such an arid area, it just didn't make sense. Well, with things changing for us a move to the Pacific Northwest is going to happen sooner than later. So, it looks like I may need to get one of these coveted coats after all. I have seen many varieties, from Bogarts in Casablanca, which is rather unique in and of itself, to the classic English Style.
I would love to see what you folks here have and hear why you love it so much. Lets see them in action. What labels would you recommend and why? Which ones are the best bang for the buck?


Now I'm not talking the abbreviated modern version that barley covers your tuchas, I'm after the knee length or lower variety. Show us what you have folks and tell us about it.

Cheers!

Dan

[Torpedo]

I have this one, US Army issue (Coat, Man's, All-weather ):



(It is not stained - it was raining!)

Note that unlike the Raglan style shoulders most often seen in civilian trench coats, this one has regular shoulder pattern.

[Super Ordinary Guy]

I used to have a trench coat but never really wore it much...so I no longer have one.\

I always liked one though.....

This one has my eye but it obscenely expensive....

http://www.abbyshot.com/products/pg-deckard-trench.php

[DanielJones]

I know J. Peterman had carried one for a while, but it is seasonal of course. They may offer that up again.
Army issue. I may have to take a peek into our local surplus store and see what they may have. Worth a try anyway.

Cheers!

Dan

[Eric Renderking Fisk]

I keep looking for one that's just right. I got one from Jos. A Bank and had to exchange it three times and it still wasn't the right size. I still haven't found the right one but I haven't given up.

[Edw8ri]

I like the idea of a trenchcoat, but not the reality. Once you have to start dealing with all the buttons, flaps, etc, it becomes a pain. Then we must confront the inevitable question of what the heck to do with the belt. Do you tie it - for the Hugh Heffner bathrobe look? Do you buckle it, for the "Ike" look. I have seen some people tie it in the back, so that you can't see it from the front.

After going through this with one trench coat, when it was time to replace it, I went with a very simple tan rain coat of the same length. Mine is single breasted and has covered buttons. It is simple, clean, and timeless.

[AeroDillo]

I like long coats. Unfortunately, living in Texas, it's a rare occasion that allows for the wearing of one. Usually the weather's lousy (and by lousy I mean a hundred degrees with at least seventy percent humidity) and on the occasion that we get cold we usually don't get it bad enough for anything more than a heavy jacket.

Also, it's a terrific pain in the ass to wear one if you'll be in and out of a vehicle with any frequency.

As for the belt, unless I'm keeping buttoned up for the duration I'll usually just leave that at home.

[segarfan]

i got a nice trenchcoat years ago, an english brand. i must say i love it; and i must say i don't wear it much. for one thing Edw8ri is exactly right, there are an astonishing number of buttons that you have to fool around with. it's a nice vintage touch, but for a guy raised on zippers it's pretty inconvenient. just putting in or taking out the liner (which has about a thousand buttons) takes me more time than i'm willing to invest. i admit it does look fantastic, but i find i only pull it out on special occasions. if i'm wearing a suit or sportcoat, for example, and it's raining (and not too hot, or too cold), then my trenchcoat is perfect. but honestly that's only once in a blue moon.
i'm actually from the pacific nw, but now live in jersey. maybe if i moved back there (which i would love to do some day) then i'd use it more often, but i doubt it. i was lucky enough to get one of tony nowak's leather jackets, and frankly that's my go-to outer wear for all but the hottest or coldest days.

[Eric Renderking Fisk]

Segarfan - I would love for you to start a thread about your Nowak jacket.

There are times when I would like to set aside website building and get to work designing clothes, starting with a better trench coat. But that's a bit presumptuous of me. Maybe what people really want is exactly what people wore when they were first introduced. Is there such a thing we can buy today?

[DanielJones]

The one J. Peterman has is on fall clearance right now at an outstanding price. Unfortunately is is in black, the tan was all sold out in my size.

Cheers!

Dan

[DanielJones]

There was one at Banana Republic this last weekend on the clearance rack for $70, it was the 3/4 length. Unfortunately it was a Large that didn't fit (usually the way it is with their jackets with me) and if it did, I just didn't have the money to get it. Oh well, maybe something else will come up.

I've been contemplating the Army Officers Trenchcoat from At The Front. Could be a good option. The only drawback is that they don't have a liner for those cooler days. But I suppose I can just wear something warmer underneath to counter that.


Cheers!

Dan

[Fedoraphile]

If money wasn't an issue (Sadly, it always is) I bet that Indy Magnoli could deliver exactly what we're looking for.

I have a fairly recent vintage military double breasted raincoat. It's nice and lightweight, is cut almost exactly like Bogie's, but has a greenish hue to it. I recall a few episodes of "Hogan's Heroes" where some U.S. officers wore trenchcoats like what you posted, Daniel, but in a khaki color. I've looked at several repro sites for them, and have yet to score. I wonder if they're Korean vintage?

[WineGuy]

I've searched for years for an exact copy of Bogart's Casablanca trench coat and I'm surprised no one has produced one. I eventually got off ebay a Christian Dior that is close, but not identical. Does anyone know where an exact copy can be purchased without going bespoke?

[Blackthorn]

This isn't the identical one we all search for, but for a workable, affordable trench coat, this looks like a good deal:

http://www.travelsmith.com/jump.jsp?ite ... esultId=11

[Eric Renderking Fisk]

It think that's something I'm going to put on my wishlist.