Trench coats are seeing these subtle tweaks for 2026, according to fashion's favourite girlies
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If we told you it was ‘officially the start of trench coat season!’ at one point this year, what month would you expect to hear it?
See, that's exactly the magic of them. Approaching spring? Trench coats. Summer evening breeze? Trench coats. Feeling that autumn chill? Trench coats. Yet another January drizzle? We don't even need to say it…
Every season is trench coat season. So if you're looking for a wardrobe update that not only stands the test of time (crucial) but also the trickier test of seasons, then you'd struggle to find anything more versatile than a trusty trench coat.
Simple, versatile, unpredictable-weather-appropriate and always ultra chic, it's no wonder many of us never tire of them.
The new way to wear them for 2026? Below the knee, flowing, layered and very pale beige, so say Sportmax, Bottega Veneta, Salvatore Ferragamo and The Attico.
How the runway is styling trench coats for 2026:
Should a trench coat be fitted or loose for women?
The fit, length and colour of the trench coat you want are things to consider when purchasing, especially if it's an investment piece. A slightly oversized fit with a loose style that drapes over you rather than fits close to the body is generally more fashion-forward and elevates a look, whereas something cut close to the body that hugs you risks becoming the main focus of the outfit.
Those well-versed in their fashion history will know that the go-to trench can often be pinpointed as the silhouette invented by Thomas Burberry during the First World War, when soldiers wore them to battle. This long-loved and instantly recognisable shape has stood the test of time, but in some cases has been reimagined to become more eye-catching, daring and bold.
What is the best length trench coat for a woman?
It depends on your height and/or the overall look you want to achieve. Traditional trench coats from the likes of aforementioned Burberry aren't cut in a longline, ankle-grazing fashion; they usually either skim the thigh or come in just below the knee which, especially if you're tall, sometimes isn't the most flattering.
High street brands like H&M, ASOS and Arket and COS stock more of a variety of lengths, from more floor sweeping, theatrical trench coats to your standard longline silhouettes and even cropped ones.
On that note, the cropped trench coat is still having something of a moment in the spotlight in 2026 – likely still thanks to Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe making it sell out in Marks and Spencer last year (and, no, I've still not recovered from not getting my hands on one, thanks for asking).
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Outside of trending longline/layered styles, the material of your trench is very important.
Traditionally cut from gabardine (which is breathable and waterproof) or sturdy cotton, remember that a trench - particularly a wool-blend one - will save you when it's too cold for a denim jacket but too warm to wrap up in a faux fur winter coat, so fabric matters. While a puffer or raincoat is perhaps more suitable for walks in the countryside, a trusty trench coat is the answer to everything else.
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Then there's the colour. If the traditional beige and brown colourways aren’t your thing, opt for black or a bold statement colour. Khaki, navy blue or even a burgundy red are great options to consider if they fit your wardrobe and general vibe better.
Whether you're a ‘team layer’ and lean towards functionality by wearing yours atop a T-shirt, knitted jumpers and blazer for that extra bit of warmth, or you're a ‘drape-it-over-the-shoulders’ sort - trench coats have the magical ability to make every outfit feel much more put-together. Transitional-dressing? Incomplete without a classic trench coat.
Why you can trust us
You won't be surprised to hear that the fashion team at Glamour has researched, shopped, tried-on and road-tested more than a few new season buys. It is our job, after all. But when it comes to trench coats we'd be lying if we said we kept things strictly professional. One of our key wardrobe weaknesses, there's something about the versatility and universally flattering nature of a trench coat that can make them difficult to walk away from. But that's not to say there aren't some total duds… So after well over a decade of both professional and personal research, we can confidently say that the ones in this edit are not only worth your consideration but are also ones you'll return to time and time again, year after year, season after season.
How we test the best trench coats
Sure, fashion is subjective. But a shopping experience is generally quite universal. If a website is clunky, it's clunky. If delivery is unpredictable, it's unpredictable. And if we find that a brand's offering lacks enough variety to keep even our small fashion team satisfied, we can almost guarantee that it's not going to hit the mark with everyone reading this. So we've put together our ultimate guide of brands that we truly believe nail it across the board. What makes them so great? Chic pieces, sure, but also short delivery times, broad size ranges, stock availability, product quality and overall sustainability.
For more from Glamour UK's Senior Commerce Writer, Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd. For more from freelance Fashion Editor Charlie Teather, follow her on Instagram @charlieteather.
Below, the 24 best trench coats for women to buy now and wear forever.
Charlie says: “This genuinely looks so premium for high street I can't believe it. It's at the top of my virtual wish list right now.”
Save when you shop for the best trench coats with these H&M discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Looks High-End
- On-Trend Scarf Detail
Cons- Expensive for High-Street
Georgia says: “Burgundy is back for 2026.”
Save when you shop for the best trench coats for women with these Karen Millen discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- On-trend colour.
- On sale.
Cons- Only goes up to a size UK 16.
Charlie says: “I love the oversized corduroy collar so much, and the simplicity of this coat's silhouette is what makes it.”
Save when you shop for the best trench coats with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Statement Collar
Cons- Tricky To Dress-Up
Charlie says: “Stone grey is a much cooler tone for a trench coat, and the boxy fit on this one gives it even more of an edge.”
Save when you shop for the best trench coats with these & Other Stories discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Two Colour Options
Cons- Only Goes Up To ‘Large’
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Georgia says: “Perfect come rain or shine.”
Save when you shop for the best trench coats for women with these Reiss discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Has a detachable hood.
- Comes in regular and petite.
Cons- Expensive for high-street.
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Charlie says: “We love a statement lapel.”
Save when you shop for the best trench coats with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
Pros & ConsPros- Unusual Colour and Print
Cons- Too Oversized for some
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