The One Clothing Item to Invest In That Will Last for Years
Author: Stylist at TellarDate: 2025
When it comes to fashion, trends may come and go — but smart wardrobe investments stand the test of time. If you’re looking to spend wisely on a piece that you’ll wear season after season, year after year, there’s one item that consistently tops every stylist and fashion editor’s list: the trench coat.
A well-made trench coat isn’t just timeless — it’s versatile, flattering, and endlessly wearable. In this 1,000-word guide, we’ll explain why the trench is the ultimate clothing investment, how to choose the right one for your body type, how to style it for different occasions, and how tellar.co.uk ensures it fits perfectly.
Why the Trench Coat Is Worth Investing In
From Audrey Hepburn to Meghan Markle, the trench coat has long been associated with understated elegance. Originally designed as military outerwear, it became a fashion icon in the 20th century and has remained a staple in both men’s and women’s wardrobes ever since.
Reasons to invest in a trench coat:
It never goes out of style
It works across all seasons
It suits all body shapes when tailored correctly
It transitions from day to night effortlessly
It elevates both casual and formal looks
The trench is not a trend — it’s a foundation piece.
What to Look for in a Timeless Trench
To make a trench coat truly worth your investment, pay attention to these features:
1. Length
Mid-thigh to knee-length is the most versatile for all heights and shapes.
Petite? Avoid long, calf-length trenches.
Tall? Consider a midi-length for added drama.
2. Fabric
Choose cotton-blend or water-resistant gabardine.
Avoid thin polyester that won’t hold its shape.
3. Structure
Look for a defined waist, either with a belt or subtle tailoring.
Single-breasted styles flatter fuller busts better than double-breasted ones.
4. Colour
Camel, navy, olive, and black are the most timeless.
Want something bolder? Deep burgundy or forest green are elegant alternatives.
5. Details
Quality buttons, a neat storm flap, and reinforced seams.
Shoulder epaulettes and cuff straps can add polish but avoid over-accessorised versions.
Trench Coats for Every Body Type
One of the trench coat’s greatest strengths is that it can work for every figure — with the right cut.
For Curvy or Hourglass Figures:
Choose a belted waist to highlight your shape.
Go for soft shoulders and minimal detailing around the chest.
For Apple Shapes:
Look for A-line trenches that skim over the midsection.
V-neck openings elongate your silhouette.
For Pear Shapes:
Structured shoulders balance out wider hips.
Single-breasted styles prevent bulk.
For Petite Frames:
Keep it above the knee.
Lightweight fabrics prevent overwhelming your frame.
Need help identifying the right size or style? tellar.co.uk can match your exact measurements to brand-specific trench coats, so you never have to worry about bad fit.
How to Style a Trench for Any Season
Spring
Layer over a striped top and cropped trousers.
Pair with loafers or white trainers.
Autumn
Add over a knit midi dress and ankle boots.
Belt it over a chunky roll neck.
Winter
Wear over a turtleneck, wool trousers, and thermal base layers.
Choose lined trenches or layer underneath.
Summer Evenings
Drape it over a floaty dress or linen co-ord.
Opt for lightweight, unlined versions.
Work
Style with a pencil skirt, shirt, and heels.
Weekend
Pair with jeans, boots, and a soft knit jumper.
What Brands Offer Long-Lasting Trench Coats?

Here are timeless options that pair well with tellar.co.uk sizing tool:
M&S Collection: Affordable, classic, size-inclusive
COS: Minimalist, structured tailoring, great quality
Massimo Dutti: Elegant lines and rich colours
Hobbs: Investment-grade coats with excellent fits
Burberry: The original trench — high price, but built to last
Uniqlo: Great value for a clean, functional design
Use Tellar’s brand matcher to check which size suits your bust, waist, and sleeve length.
Why Fit Is Everything
Even the most expensive coat won’t look timeless if it doesn’t fit properly.
tellar.co.uk solves this by:
Matching your measurements to 1,500+ brand sizing systems
Suggesting the exact size that fits your shape
Helping you avoid returns, exchanges, and bad tailoring
You don’t have to guess anymore — just input your measurements and let Tellar guide your investment.
Other Wardrobe Staples Worth Investing In
Beyond the trench coat, consider adding these timeless staples:
Dark straight-leg jeans
A black blazer
Ankle boots in leather or suede
A wool coat or peacoat for winter
Silk blouses or button-downs in neutral shades
All of these can be matched to your perfect size at tellar.co.uk.
Final Word
The right trench coat will elevate your wardrobe and outlast any fashion cycle. Whether you’re 25 or 65, size 8 or size 24, it will always serve as a smart, flattering, and timeless choice.
Don’t settle for a poor fit — invest wisely, shop smart, and let tellar.co.uk help you get it right.
Try It Now:
UK’s Leading Free Sizing Tool
“Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.”
Follow Us:
Instagram: @Tellarsizing
Pinterest: TellarUK
Twitter/X: @Tellar100
Facebook: TellarSizing
The Tellar Fashion Hub is the World's Largest, 100% Free, Fully searchable, Fashion Library. Filled with 4000+ Honest & Unbiased posts, written by our expert stylists.
No adverts, no sponsored posts, no subscriptions. We are 100% free to use.
We are paid by affiliates, but we never allow brands to influence our recommendations.
Honest, Unbiased, Accurate & Free.
