Last week Kenneth Starr showed up at the Trump impeachment trial wearing a khaki double-breasted trench coat (and an ill-advised cowboy hat). While I agree that a fedora would have been a much better choice of headwear, I have to take issue with the number of comments I saw online deriding his outerwear choice. The double breasted trench coat is classic, iconic. It is one of those wardrobe pieces going on a hundred years with few changes, and I don’t see how it won’t last a hundred more.
While existing prior to the first World War, the trench coat acquired its name and popularity through use in The Great War. I’ll have to see how many show up in “1917”. Originally, the two main manufacturers of the trench coat were Aquascutum and Burberry. Both are still in operation today, and while they have expanded their product line, they both still offer magnificent double-breasted trench coats. A host of others have joined in the trench coat parade too, from legacy brands like Brooks Brothers and T.M. Lewin to new brands like Suitsupply and Topman.
Recommended Double-Breasted Trench Coats
Burberry // Brooks Brothers // Suitsupply
Aquascutum // T. M. Lewin // Topman
The double-breasted trench coat has managed to find a strong foothold in pop culture as well. From arguably the most iconic moment in trench coat history in “Casablanca”, to an edgy, 80s adaptation in “Highlander”, to cult comic status in “Hellboy”, the trench has permeated the outerwear conversation.
Casablanca 
Highlander 
Hellboy
How to Style the Double-Breasted Trench Coat
For me, there are two options when it comes to styling a trench coat. First, take it all the way up with a Navy suit, black Oxfords, blue shirt, navy tie, and a fedora. Think Humphrey Bogart. Obviously, this is a pretty professional and formal look, but if you choose the right venue you will be the best-dressed there.
The second option is more casual. My vision is to channel some French, laissez-faire style invoking Christopher Lambert. I would drop to full infomal wearing some selvedge denim, white canvas sneakers, a Breton striped shirt, and simply tie off the trench coat. But remember, there can be only one, so watch out for the Kurgan!
What are your thoughts on the double-breasted trench coat? Do you already own one? Are you willing to give it a shot? If you want to talk about classic men’s style, a DB trench coat should be on the top of your list.
