Leather Jacket Guides

Few coats carry as much history as the trench. Cut in genuine leather, the classic shape becomes warmer, sturdier and a little more dramatic, which is why a leather trench coat works so well for both men and women. This guide covers where the style came from, the details that define it, how it should fit, and how to wear and care for one.

A short history of the trench coat

The trench coat takes its name from the trenches of the First World War. British Army officers needed something lighter and shorter than the heavy wool greatcoats of the day, and the belted, weather-resistant coat they adopted proved practical in wet, muddy conditions. Many of the details still found on trench coats began as practical features for life in the field.

Those original coats were made from tightly woven, water-resistant cotton rather than leather. After the war, officers kept wearing them at home, and the style moved into civilian wardrobes, where it has stayed a classic ever since. Leather versions keep the same lines but swap cotton for hide, which blocks wind well and takes on character with wear. For a deeper dive into the history, the trench coat entry on Wikipedia is a good starting point.

Features that make a trench coat a trench

• Double-breasted front. Overlapping front panels with two columns of buttons add an extra layer of wind protection across the chest.
• Belt. A self-belt defines the waist. You can wear it cinched, tied loosely in a knot, or left open with the belt tied behind you.
• Storm flap. An extra layer of material at the shoulder or chest that helps rain run off rather than soak through at the seams.
• Epaulettes. Shoulder straps that once held insignia and equipment in place. Today they are mostly a design detail that sharpens the shoulder line.
• Wide lapels and a turn-up collar. The collar can be flipped up and fastened against wind and rain.
• Cuff straps. Buckled or buttoned straps at the wrists that can be tightened to keep out drafts.

Not every leather trench includes every traditional detail. Some keep the full set, while others simplify for a cleaner, more modern look, so check the details on each coat when comparing.

How a leather trench coat should fit

A trench is an outer layer, so size it for what you will wear underneath. Try it on, or compare measurements, with a sweater or suit jacket in mind.

• Shoulders: the seams should sit at or just past your natural shoulder, never pulling inward.
• Chest: the coat should button without the fronts pulling into an X shape, with room for a layer beneath.
• Sleeves: they should end around the base of your thumb, long enough to cover a shirt or jacket cuff.
• Belt line: the belt should land at or close to your natural waist.

Choosing the right length

Above the knee is easy to move and drive in, and it keeps proportions balanced on shorter frames. Knee length is the classic trench: versatile for almost everyone and long enough to cover a suit jacket. Below the knee is the most dramatic and the warmest, and it looks especially striking on taller people.

Leather gives a little as it molds to you but does not stretch the way knit fabrics do, so fit matters more than with a cloth coat. Our fit checklist applies to coats too, and the size guide will help you pick a standard size. If you are between sizes or want a specific length, choose "Customise Size (made to measure)" on the product page, then email info@whiteburaq.com with your order number and measurements. Our made-to-measure page explains the process. Made-to-measure coats ship within 3 to 7 business days, but they are made to order and can't be returned, so measure carefully.

Leather trench coats for men and women

Black is the sharpest and most versatile choice, while brown feels warmer and more relaxed. Distressed finishes give a vintage, lived-in look from the first wear. Here are three of our trench coats that show the range:

Men's Black Lightweight Cowhide Leather Trench Coat Men's Distressed Brown Lambskin Trench Coat with Shearling Cuffs Women's Brown Lambskin Double-Breasted Trench Coat

For evenings and special occasions, our Women's Gold Metallic Leather Belted Trench Coat takes the classic shape somewhere much bolder.

How to style a leather trench coat for men

• Over tailoring. A knee-length black trench over a dark suit is a sharp, simple combination. Make sure the coat fully covers the suit jacket's hem.
• Smart casual. Wear it over a fine merino roll-neck or crew-neck sweater with dark chinos or wool trousers and leather boots or loafers.
• Casual. Dark jeans, a plain tee or henley and boots, with the coat worn open and the belt tied behind.
• Color pairing. Black works with black, gray and charcoal. Brown pairs well with navy, cream, olive and earth tones.

You will find more long styles, from car coats to overcoats, in our men's leather coats.

How to style a leather trench coat for women

• Belted over a dress. Cinch the waist over a midi dress and add knee-high boots for a polished fall outfit.
• With knitwear and wide-leg trousers. A turtleneck, tailored wide-leg pants and a loosely knotted belt feel effortless and elegant.
• Open over jeans. A striped or white tee, straight jeans and loafers or clean sneakers make the trench an everyday coat.
• For evening. A metallic trench over a simple black dress does all the work, so keep jewelry minimal.

Tip: knotting the belt instead of buckling it instantly makes the coat look more relaxed. If you are still deciding between a trench and a shorter jacket, our guide to women's leather jacket styles compares the main options.

Caring for a leather trench coat

• Hang it well. Use a wide, shaped hanger, and make sure your closet is tall enough that the hem doesn't fold on the floor.
• Loosen the belt for storage. Leave it threaded loosely through the loops rather than cinched tight, which can leave pressure marks over time.
• Handle rain sensibly. A light shower is fine. Blot off water and hang the coat to dry at room temperature, away from heaters. Our guide to leather in the rain has more detail.
• Clean and condition occasionally. Wipe the coat with a soft, damp cloth as needed and condition it a couple of times a year, more often in dry climates. See how to clean a leather jacket.
• Store it breathable. Use a cotton garment bag in the off-season, never plastic.

FAQ

Are leather trench coats warm?

They are warmer than cotton trench coats because leather blocks wind well. With a lining and a sweater underneath, a leather trench handles cool fall and mild winter days comfortably.

What length of trench coat should I get?

Knee length is the most versatile for most people. Above the knee is easier for shorter frames and driving, while below the knee makes a warmer, more dramatic statement.

Should I size up in a trench coat?

Usually not. Start with your normal size and check that there is room for a layer underneath, because sizing up often makes the shoulders too wide.

Can you wear a leather trench coat in the rain?

Light rain is fine, but avoid heavy downpours. If the coat gets wet, blot it and let it dry naturally at room temperature.

Is a double-breasted or single-breasted trench better?

Double-breasted is the traditional trench and gives more wind protection across the chest. Single-breasted versions look cleaner and a little more modern.

A leather trench coat is one of those pieces that looks right year after year, and with care it can be worn for many years. Choose the length that suits you, get the shoulders right and it will cover everything from office days to weekend plans. Browse our full range of leather coats and trench coats to find yours.