Difference Between Trench Coat and Raincoat

Key Difference – Trench Coat vs Raincoat
 

Trench coat and raincoat are two types of waterproof outer coats that provide protection from the weather. However, it is important to know the difference between trench coat and raincoat in order to choose appropriate and fashionable outer wear. The key difference between trench coat and raincoat is the design and the material used.  A raincoat is a waterproof coat that protects the wearer from rain, and it can come in different designs and styles. A trench coat is a long and double-breasted coat with a belt and deep pockets.

CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is a Trench Coat
3. What is a Raincoat
4. Side by Side Comparison – Trench Coat vs Raincoat

What is a Raincoat?

Raincoat, as its name implies, is a coat that is waterproof and protects the wearer from the rain. Raincoats are usually long and extend below the knees. Raincoats that are waist length are sometimes called rain jackets. Most raincoats also have a hood to protect your head from the water.

Raincoats are more of a practical garment than a fashion statement. They are often made with breathable, waterproof fabrics so that the sweat can pass through the garment. Material like Gore-Tex, Tyvek and coated nylon are used to make raincoats.

Raincoats may come in different designs and styles, but they usually have long sleeves and a hood. Some raincoats may also have front openings with zips or buttons, strings to adjust the size of the hood, collars and pockets.

What is a Trench Coat?

A trench coat is a long and double-breasted coat with a belt and deep pockets. These coats have a military origin; trench coats were adapted to be used in the trenches in the First World War. The name trench comes from this use.

Trench coats are waterproof and sturdy while being lightweight. They are made from materials such as cotton gabardine and leather. Trench coats are usually longer than an ordinary coat since most of them extend to the knees of the wearer.

The various details of its construction is a special feature of trench coats. Their double-breasted fronts usually have 10 buttons, wide lapels, a storm flap, and pockets that button-close. They also have straps around the wrists that can be buckled to prevent water seeping inside through the arm holes. The belt is another important feature of trench coat; this is usually at the waist. The collars of the trench coat are turned down, but they can be also worn flipped upwards. The colour of traditional trench coats is khaki. However, today trench coats can be found in different colours as well.

What is the difference between Trench Coat and Raincoat?

Trench Coat vs Raincoat
A trench coat is a long and double-breasted coat with a belt and deep pockets.	Raincoat is a waterproof coat that protects the wearer from rain.
Hood
Trench coats don’t have hoods.	Most raincoats have hoods to cover the head.
Material
Trench coats are typically made from cotton gabardine or leather.	Raincoats are made from Gore-Tex, Tyvek and coated nylon.
Design
Trench coats have double-breasted fronts with large buttons, broad lapels and slash or vertical pockets.	Raincoats come in various designs and styles but usually have long sleeves and a hood.

Image Courtesy: 

“Yellow Raincoat” By Jim Grandy – originally posted to Flickr as IMG_1133.JPG (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia

“Collins Bradley” By Army Signal Corps – Naval Historical Center Photo # SC 191143 (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia