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When it comes to timeless outerwear, Burberry’s trench coat doesn’t set the bar; it is the bar. In 1856 Thomas Burberry established his namesake brand with the intention of making clothing that could withstand any weather conditions, especially the notoriously rainy days of Great Britain. After more than 20 years of research, his quest to find a way to make jackets both waterproof and breathable culminated with the invention of gabardine in 1888. That lightweight, drizzle-proof woven cotton textile transformed the fashion industry, and to this very day, the patented material is used by many brands in their own interpretations of rainwear.

What has been equally as influential is the invention of Burberry’s trench coat. British soldiers enlisted during World War I were actually the very first to wear the iconic silhouette in the war’s trenches, hence the name. The military-chic creation has evolved into a seasonal staple adopted by many brands over and over again. Yet still, nobody can craft a trench coat quite like the house of Burberry. Its heritage pieces continue to mesmerize the world decades later.

Photo: Courtesy of Burberry

Photo: Courtesy of Burberry

At the turn of the millennium, Christopher Bailey had fashioned the functional coat into a sartorial must-have in every woman’s wardrobe with sleek, metallic creations. As expected, when Riccardo Tisci took over the reins in 2018, he let his imagination run wild with crystal- and stud-covered designs. Now with Daniel Lee in charge at Burberry, we’re seeing the classic coat take on novel interpretations with bold, graphic checks and directional silhouettes.

Yet despite all the remixes and updates to the trench, the classic styles (the Kensington, the Chelsea, the Camden, and the Waterloo) remain enduring wardrobe staples. A breakdown of all of Burberry’s heritage trench coats, plus a few new silhouettes to cherish, all below.

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Vogue’s shopping market editor Minty Mellon wears the Castleford in juniper.

Castleford

If you are looking for a more relaxed fit, reach for the Castleford, which is available in both regular and oversized fit. Raglan sleeves and a longer hemline further emphasize the looser feel of the cut. Made from cotton-gabardine fabric, it‘s still water-resistant and lined with the heritage, checked pattern fabric. This double-breasted coat can be buckled or loosely tied with the belted sash, depending on your mood. It’s a classic that will make layering all the more easy. Vogue’s shopping market editor Minty Mellon says she gravitated towards the Long Castleford trench in juniper, as “a modern twist on a timeless classic.” “I love its elongated silhouette and rich forest-green hue, a subtle departure from my usual neutral palette.”

Sizing: Featuring a more relaxed cut, you’ll find this to be the most oversized shape. Consider sizing down to find your best fit.

Vogue’s associate shopping director Talia Abbas wears the Camden in honey.

Camden

For a completely elegant, pared-back approach to the trench coat, turn to the Camden. The minimalist take subtracts the bells and whistles of the original design made with epaulets for soldiers and comes in a free-flowing silhouette that’s less rigid as the Chelsea. Another noticeable difference is the single-breasted buttons and belt-free finish—available in black, honey, and coal blue. Talia Abbas, Vogue’s associate shopping director says she loves its “refrained simplicity contrasted by a lived-in styling approach—a turned-up collar and folded sleeves.” She styled hers with her usual uniform of a black lace-trim pencil skirt, a cashmere crewneck knotted around the waist, and a simple white T-shirt.