It's March, and my thoughts around this time turn to sewing for spring. One of my very favorite springtime necessities is a trench coat. Trench coats are one of the most rewarding items to sew, and a good one will stay in style and last you for years and years. In this post, we'll look at some of the patterns that are available in the commercial market, as well as some currently available Gorgeous Fabrics to make the trench coat your own.
The Classic
The traditional trench coat is made from wool or cotton twill. It's double breasted, with a high collar stand to keep rain off the wearer's neck, epaulets, a gun flap, a back flap, belt, and wrist tabs that can be tightened to keep rain from dripping down the wearer's sleeve. Some patterns that check off many of these features include Vogue V8884, Style Arc Prue Trench, Named Clothing Isla Trench, and Marfy 1752.
To capture the classic look, make it in a cotton or wool twill. A bottom weight fabric with a crisp hand will work perfectly for a trench. Some current examples include Italian Designer Stretch Wool Twill Sateen - Olive Night, Italian Wool "Crepey" Twill - Crimson Tide, and Bottomweight Stretch Cotton Twill - Lavender.
Casual and Fun Daytime Options
The beauty of a trench is that it need not strictly adhere to its militaristic roots. It lends itself wonderfully to fun interpretations, both in styling and fabrication. To whit, Simplicity S8890 gives a short, almost jacket take on it. Another option that you can sass up is Cashmerette Chilton. The trench's influence extends beyond outerwear. You can find trench-inspired dresses everywhere, once you start looking. BurdaStyle Trench Dress 104 | 04/18 gives you a summery option for daywear.
What makes the difference is fabric (of course). For fun daytime options, try N@nette Lep0re Dots & Roses Stretch Cotton Sateen - Pinks/Peach/Green/Black, J@mes Premium Designer Stretch Denim - Ultra Dark Wash, , Cat's Meow Stretch Cotton Sateen - Teal/Black/White, or a soft, slouchy version using Soft Italian Blouse Weight Linen Twill - Apricot.
Bring on the Bling!
Trench coat styles also work wonderfully for evening. I made my latest version special-occasion worthy by pairing it with a satin mikado fabric and blingy buttons and buckles. Let your fab flag fly in Maria Denmark Sewing Life Issue 1 Trench Coat, Vogue V1650, or Marfy 3511.
By changing up the usual suspects for brocade, satin, bouclé or dupioni, you can add an entirely new dimension. Leafy Greens Reversible Jacquard Brocade- Green/White, Wide Silk Dupioni - Iridescent Rose, Atlanna Haute Designer Bouclé - Aqua Tones, and NY Designer Border Print Satin Mikado - Black/White will garner you the kind of attention every sewing enthusiast loves!
Let Your Creativity Run Free!
I hope this gives you some ideas for variations on this wardrobe staple. From professional polish at work to weekend wonders, the trench is a wonderful base for inspiration. Go make yourself one, and make it as unique as you!
Happy sewing!
Ann
