To trace the origins of the trench coat, you must take a step back to the early 20th century. Its beginnings date back to World War I, when Thomas Burberry patented gabardine at the end of the 19th century by weaving cotton so tightly that it became waterproof. Thanks to this innovative fabric, which proved highly effective against harsh weather, Burberry soon received an order from the British Royal Army for military overcoats to be used in the trenches—coats that later became known as trench coats, or “trench” for short.

The allure of the trench coat extends beyond fashion into the world of cinema, where it has starred in countless iconic films. In Casablanca, Humphrey Bogart dons the trench in one of the most poignant farewells on the big screen, while the unforgettable kiss in the rain between George Peppard and Audrey Hepburn features the legendary Burberry trench coat in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. In Matrix, a total-black vinyl version redefines the classic, inspiring designers like Ann Demeulemeester in his new collections, where leather combat boots, long dresses, and geometric blazers—all in black—take center stage. In Pulp Fiction, Uma Thurman heralds the modern oversized trend by wearing a 90s trench with a masculine cut that left an indelible mark on pop culture.

Icons such as Sophia Loren, Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, and Alain Delon have all contributed to the trench coat’s enduring legacy, a trend that continues with modern stars like Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada. The trench coat has become a must-have both on and off the screen; its fascinating history has helped create the myth of one of the most iconic and long-lasting outerwear pieces of all time.

Spring/Summer 2025 trench coats are rewriting the rules of a timeless classic by embracing bold exaggeration. Maxi lengths, oversized silhouettes, and statement shoulder pads are the hallmarks of this season—symbols of a generation that values style and elegance without compromising on comfort. These trench coats feature lengths that reach the ankles and wide raglan sleeves that cascade effortlessly, crafted from soft, flowing fabrics designed to enhance a slim silhouette.

From the boho-chic vibe of Chloé to the classic lines of Max Mara and Lacoste, top fashion houses are championing an androgynous, sophisticated aesthetic perfectly suited for the modern woman. Stella McCartney masterfully experiments with volume through retro shoulder pads, generous proportions, and multiple straps, creating dynamic movement that flatters the figure. Meanwhile, Saint Laurent reinterprets the iconic style of its founder, Yves SL, with a masculine, intellectual twist on structured, oversized pieces.

Following Burberry’s recent season of extremely low-waisted trench coats, this year the iconic brand is returning to simpler forms. They are now offering classic designs alongside fresh new lengths, including the short trench jackets and cropped trench coats—which we will explore in the next section. The long, oversized trench remains an essential, versatile piece this season, merging tradition with innovation and perfectly adapting to today’s style. Its refined and elegant allure redefines contemporary fashion, making it a must-have for any wardrobe.

Although Spring/Summer 2025 trends lean toward exaggerated proportions and lengths, the knee-length trench remains the most popular classic that every woman’s wardrobe must include. The perfect trench length depends on several factors, including your body shape and proportions, the occasion, outfit pairing, and of course, your personal taste. Women with a petite silhouette might opt for a short or medium trench to elongate their figure—think of the styles from Coperni or Weekend Max Mara paired with high-waisted trousers that emphasize the waist. In contrast, taller women can confidently wear longer models. The golden rule is simple: the taller you are, the longer your coat should be.

A medium trench that falls at the knee is perfect for elegant and formal occasions, while a long trench with a straight cut exudes sophistication and refined taste. On the other hand, a short trench jacket tailored at the waist works best for a casual, everyday style when paired with jeans and sneakers for a chic urban look. And for an even bolder streetwear statement, the oversized trench is emerging as the must-have cut we never knew we needed.

Another key tip is that your trench should never be exactly the same length as your dress or skirt—it should always be either slightly longer or slightly shorter to create a balanced look. Perhaps the most important piece of advice is to let your personal style guide you. Combine the latest offerings from contemporary designers with classic, traditional cuts to create outfits that truly stand out. Many designers are adding innovative details such as asymmetric cuts, contrasting colors and materials, sheer panels, prints, metallic finishes, and even leather or fur accents. These creative touches help create unique, character-filled looks that flatter every silhouette.

Classic Beige Trench – The Timeless Must-Have

The beige trench is an essential piece that suits those with warm undertones exceptionally well. For autumn or spring palettes, a beige trench perfectly enhances the natural radiance of your complexion, adding depth and volume to golden, peach, and olive hues. Darker beige variants, nearing brown—as seen in the latest Spring/Summer trench collections from Zimmermann—are ideal for warm complexions. Alternatively, cooler beige shades, like those offered by Balenciaga, work better with cooler color palettes, creating striking white-and-black looks for lighter skin tones.

Olive Green Trench – The Color of 2025 Season

Olive green trench coats, alongside soft pink, are emerging as the signature hues for Spring/Summer 2025. This shade, much like beige, pairs particularly well with warm undertones, especially those in the Autumn palette. It also enhances Spring complexions when warm reflections are present. While Max Mara offers classic cuts in olive, Chloé showcases more voluminous designs, playing with both oversized and cropped trench styles, combining structured shoulder pads with sleeveless versions to create a modern look.

Black Trench for Every Taste – In Leather, Gabardine, or Linen

Synonymous with elegance and boldness, the black trench coat is a versatile, timeless piece that adapts to various outfits. Perfect for cool undertones, such as those found in Winter and Summer palettes, it adds character to your look while offering a minimalistic style. Even neutral complexions shine in black, a universally loved color. In its leather form—drawing inspiration from the iconic “Matrix” model—it becomes a daring choice for urban, rock-inspired ensembles. The classic cotton gabardine black trench coat exudes sophisticated elegance, while the linen trench is ideal for summer looks, balancing the fabric’s lightness with the intensity of the color.

Blue Trench – Elegance and Versatility Revisited

The blue trench is a modern reinterpretation of a timeless classic, imbued with the refinement of a regal hue. Current trends favor deep blues—from navy to midnight blue—leveraging the movement of fabric and varied silhouettes for contemporary inspiration. These shades work best for cool palettes like Winter, offering striking contrast on fair skin, while blue petrol variants are suited for Autumn. Additionally, denim blue makes a comeback, with lighter or stone-washed finishes perfectly enhancing the Summer palette alongside pastel hues.