Best cropped trench coats: Burberry, Arket and more
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Britain is home to many iconic silhouettes. Tweed coats, Mulberry handbags, brogues, Wellington boots - but no garment is more quintessentially British than the trench coat.
The waterproof, utilitarian jacket was initially crafted for British Army officers during the First World War and subsequently gained popularity among soldiers in the trenches - hence the origin of the name ‘trench coat.’
The timeless style of the coat features a gabardine fabric in some variation of khaki, navy or black, a double-breasted silhouette, frontal buttons and a storm flap on the reverse. Additional detailing includes a waist-cinching belt, raglan sleeves and wide lapels.
Today the trench coat’s reputation is steeped in luxury connotations. British fashion house Burberry is widely credited with putting the trench coat on the fashion map. Thomas Burberry aimed to reinvent traditional, unattractive rainwear, producing the lightweight, worsted-wool spun trench with which his eponymous label became synonymous.
Trench coats quickly came to epitomise luxury fashion. Trench enthusiasts spanned fashion figureheads such as Audrey Hepburn, who wore one in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Marlene Dietrich, who also sported the distinctive silhouette in A Foreign Affair. Jackie Kennedy Onassis was a fan, as was the late Princess of Wales, Twiggy and Brigitte Bardot.
While the classic longline cut remains the most popular variation of the coat, shorter silhouettes are beginning to crop up. Brands from Mango to MaxMara are incorporating shorter trench designs into their spring collections, which echo all the traditional features of a British trench minus the shin-skimming length.
Burberry, Loewe, Stella McCartney and Sacai all brought the cropped trench coat into the high fashion sphere, while high street labels such as Cos and Arket ensured the unique style was accessible to all.
Intrigued? We’d be surprised if you weren’t. Read on to discover the best cropped trench coats to wear with flair this season.
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Burberry Cropped Gabardine Trench Jacket
Invest in a timeless Burberry silhouette that will never fall out of fashion. The British fashion house is celebrated for its iconic trench coat design, and this cropped version is beautifully crafted from classic gabardine in a light beige hue.
John Lewis Short Contemporary Trench Coat
John Lewis never fails to serve up the best of British, so it comes as little surprise that the company houses a selection of classic trenches to covet. The brand’s short trench coat is a no-brainer buy. A refined stone colourway, a double-breasted cut and buckle detailing on the cuffs make for a sophisticated staple piece.
Sacai Shell and Cotton-Blend Gabardine Jacket
A divine halfway house between a timeless trench and a trendy bomber, Sacai’s gabardine jacket is both luxurious and leisurely. Panels of shell and cotton-blend gabardine are complemented by ribbed trims to temper the slightly loose fit. Wear yours daily and let the compliments flow.
Arket Short Trench Coat
A thrown-on option for chic coffee dates, Arket’s shortened trench comes in a twill-woven blend of linen and cotton. Myriad neat details feature, such as shoulder epaulettes, sleeve straps, a rain guard and a gun flap. Embrace spring showers and step out in style.
Lindex Cropped Denim Trench Coat
A denim trench will always tickle our fancy. This leisurely number merges Nineties denim with a suave trench silhouette. It’s double-breasted, plus features raglan sleeves and slim lapels. Go for a double denim look or style the piece out with a preppy mini skirt and brogues.
Cos Cropped Hybrid Trench Coat
Cos is a hub of all things minimalist, so the humble trench slots perfectly into its aesthetic. Treat yourself to the brand’s short hybrid trench coat, made from a lightweight cotton blend and showcasing an uber-cropped cut.
Frame Short Trench Jacket in Khaki
Exude utilitarian style in Frame’s khaki cropped garment. The structured outerwear piece is a welcome alternative to more slouchy silhouettes. A boxy fit is enhanced by wide lapels, epaulettes, traditional back storm flap and horn buttons which offer a polished finish to any everyday look.
Axel Arigato Gaia Cropped Trench Coat
Revamp your street-style archive with a helping hand from Axel Arigato. The brand’s Gaia jacket is an ultra-cropped take on a more conventional trench cut. Pair yours with a white baby tee and low-slung blue jeans for a nonchalant out-of-office ensemble.
Hush Stella Short Trench Jacket
A piece fashion editors can't keep their hands off, Hush’s cropped trench has taken social media by storm. The easy-wear jacket boasts a loose design, which is ideal for throwing on for laid-back coffee dates and walks. Note the belted waist, buckle detailing, notched lapels and premium cotton blend set to last a lifetime.
Acne Studios Double Breasted Trench Jacket
Opt for a classic British piece with a Scandinavian twist. Acne Studios’ cropped take on the classic trench is a visual feast for fashion followers. A fully lined interior is elevated by a beige hue, a low-seated belt, button detailing and more luxurious details.