How to Style a Leather Trench Coat (and Is It Worth It?)

To style a leather trench coat, keep what is underneath simple and close to the body, such as a fine knit, a shirt or a slim dress, and let the coat do the talking. Belt it for shape, leave it open for a relaxed look, and wear boots that meet or disappear under the hem. A good leather trench is warm, wind-resistant and lasts for decades, which is why it is worth the investment for many people. Below we cover how to choose one, outfits for different occasions, colour and care.

Are leather trench coats in fashion?

Yes. The leather trench has returned as one of the defining coats of the season, in long, belted shapes and in colours beyond black, including chocolate brown and burgundy. It borrows the classic trench details of the original gabardine coat, from storm flaps and epaulettes to the belted waist, but in leather it feels sharper and more protective. Because the shape is so classic, a well-made leather trench does not date quickly.

What to look for in a leather trench coat

Feature	Options	What it changes
Length	Knee, mid-calf, ankle	Knee length is the easiest to wear; mid-calf and ankle lengths look more dramatic and suit taller frames or high boots
Front	Double-breasted or single-breasted	Double-breasted is the classic trench and warmer; single-breasted is cleaner and slimmer
Belt	Tie belt or buckle belt	A tie belt is softer and can be knotted at the back; a buckle gives a sharper waist
Finish	Smooth or croc-embossed	Smooth leather is more versatile; croc-embossed reads as more formal and adds texture
Colour	Black, brown, burgundy	Black is the most versatile; brown is softer; burgundy is the boldest

Fit matters more on a long coat than on a jacket. The shoulders should sit at your shoulder bone, the sleeves should cover the wrist with your arms bent, and there should be room to wear a knit underneath without the front pulling. If you are tall, petite or between sizes, made to measure is worth considering; our guide on how a leather jacket should fit explains what to check.

What to wear under a leather trench coat

• A fine roll-neck and straight trousers: the cleanest everyday look, especially all in black or in tones of brown and cream.
• A knit and jeans: relaxed for weekends; leave the coat open and the belt knotted behind.
• A slim midi dress: belt the coat over it for a polished evening outfit.
• Tailoring: a blazer and trousers underneath make a leather trench work for the office.

Avoid very bulky knits under a fitted trench. If you want to layer thickly in winter, choose a size up or ask for a little extra room through the body when ordering made to measure.

Shoes and boots

Boots are the natural partner for a leather trench. Knee-high boots under a mid-calf coat create one long line; ankle boots suit a knee-length coat with trousers. Loafers work with straight trousers for a more classic look, and clean white trainers relax a black trench for weekends.

Colour: black, brown or burgundy

Black

The most versatile choice. It works over everything from jeans to evening dresses, and the classic black double-breasted shape suits work and weekend alike. Our double-breasted leather trench coat is cut in black leather and long enough to wear over tailoring.

Brown

Chocolate and dark brown are softer next to the face and easier with camel, cream and denim. Our guide to wearing brown leather covers which colours suit it.

Burgundy

A statement colour that still works every day when the rest of the outfit is neutral: grey, black, cream or navy. Our burgundy croc-embossed trench coat pairs the colour with a glossy texture and a tie belt.

Is a leather trench coat worth it?

For most people who wear a coat most days from October to March, yes. Real leather blocks wind well, sheds light rain when it is conditioned and lasts far longer than most fabric coats; well-looked-after leather coats are often worn for decades. It costs more upfront than a wool or cotton trench, but the cost per wear over its lifetime is usually lower. Faux leather trenches are cheaper but crack and peel over time and do not develop the same character. Our article on real vs faux leather compares durability, cost and environmental impact in detail.

Is a leather trench coat warm?

Leather is excellent at stopping wind, which is what makes most people feel cold. On its own, an unlined or lightly lined leather trench is comfortable down to around autumn temperatures; for a British winter, layer a knit underneath. If you need more warmth than layering allows, a sheepskin or shearling style such as our sheepskin leather winter jacket is a better choice.

Caring for a leather trench coat

Hang the coat on a wide, shaped hanger so the shoulders keep their form, and give it space in the wardrobe. If it gets wet, let it dry naturally at room temperature, never on a radiator, then condition it once it is dry. Clean marks with a soft, slightly damp cloth and condition the leather once or twice a year. Full advice is in our leather care guide.

FAQs

Is a leather trench coat worth it?

If you wear a coat often, yes. Real leather is wind-resistant, ages well and can last for decades with basic care, so the cost per wear is usually lower than a cheaper coat replaced every few seasons.

Are leather trench coats in style?

Yes. Long, belted leather trenches in black, brown and burgundy are one of the strongest coat shapes this season, and the classic design means they do not date quickly.

What do you wear under a leather trench coat?

Keep it simple and close-fitting: a fine knit with straight trousers or jeans, a slim midi dress, or tailoring for work.

Can you wear a leather trench coat in the rain?

In light rain, yes, especially if the leather is regularly conditioned. In heavy rain, use an umbrella, and always let the coat dry naturally away from direct heat.

Every Wild Leathers coat and jacket is made to order in real leather, and made to measure costs nothing extra: send us your shoulder, sleeve, bust and length measurements and we will cut it to fit. Browse all women's leather jackets and coats or see what is in new arrivals.