Here's a little history lesson on the trench coat:

http://www.gentlemansgazette.com/trench-coat-guide/

Some trench coats are water resistant, some aren't. (I have one that, unfortunately, isn't.) They're preppy/conservative coats worn for different occasions, depending on the weight of the material, the water resistance, etc.

Their main point is signaling that one is a professional/rich. There re enough downmarket/fashionny versions of the trench now (like mine, from Muji) that I'm not sure they serve their signaling function any longer, though.

First it is a very trendy old fashioned name for a man's raincoat. Now part of spy movie culture (James Bond). It now means a dress business style of long raincoat for both men and women.

I wear my trench coat with the liner as my winter coat and have for 10+ winters in DC. I had scarf, hat, gloves, boots as the weather gets colder and it is perfectly fine.

I've got a Burberry trench and its definitely water resistant even after 30 years. And I wear it with an umbrella since it doesn't have a hood.

They're for looking badass in movies such as The Matrix. They're also good for concealing long guns.

I'd go naked under it, to surprise my hubby.

They are water resistant. That's the point.

Anonymous wrote:NP here. If trench coats are rain coats why are they usually not water resistant?

Most trenchcoats ARE water-resistant. I don't think I've ever seen one that's not.

And agree with PP that they are the only professional option for rainy days.

They're for flashing people or for spies to wear.

Anonymous wrote:NP here. If trench coats are rain coats why are they usually not water resistant?

I don't think trench coats are rain coats, they are just coats for spring/fall weather. And if it rains, you are supposed to have an umbrella over your head, anyway.

NP here. If trench coats are rain coats why are they usually not water resistant?

Trench coats are raincoats. Generally used as a work coat since obviously rain jackets are not professional.

I love the look of some of them, but I am not certain what are they designed for? They are clearly not a winter coat (at least they don't look like), they don't seem to be able to protect against rain and yet, I saw some people wearing them today. I never look at one up close, so maybe their material is water proof? But then, what is the difference between trench coats and rain jackets? There is also the "fisherman" jacket ....

I am confused! Help me understand what all these different types of jackets are for and when to wear one in place of the other.