What’s the difference between a trench coat, mac and car coat?
It’s midweek, the sky’s a dull grey, and the weather forecast is being about as much use as a leaky umbrella - 70% rain, 15°C, and “partly cloudy with occasional sun.” Classic British nonsense, in other words. You need a coat, but which one will actually do the job?
The thing is, not all coats are created equal. While your mate might swear by their trusty trench, your colleague looks ridiculously cool in a chic mac, and that person at the coffee shop somehow makes a car coat look like it was made for every occasion.
Each of these classic coats has earned its place in British wardrobes for good reason. Understanding their unique strengths means you can pick the one that actually fits your life, rather than just hoping for the best when the heavens open.
In this article we’ll cover the differences between a trench coat, mac, and car coat, then answer some common questions like “what is a funnel coat?” and “what is the best women's rain jacket?” We’ll also give you some ideas on how to style a black trench coat and share tips on what coat to wear in spring, so you can stay stylish and prepared whatever the weather throws at you.
The trench coat
The trench coat has got history. Born in the muddy trenches of World War I, it was designed to keep officers dry and agile in the harshest conditions. While it may have started life as army kit, today it’s one of the most fashionable pieces of outwear you can own. Its trademark details, double-breasted front, storm flaps over the shoulders, a belted waist, and the signature D-rings across the belt, give it instant character without being over the top.
Hitting anywhere from the knee to mid-calf, the classic trench has a fitted waist that gives a clean, sharp silhouette. It’s smart enough for the office, practical enough for a wet commute, and classic enough to wear year after year.
How to style a trench coat
If you’re not sure how to style a black trench coat, it’s good to keep it simple. Chuck it on with jeans and trainers if you’re nipping into town, or smarten it up with trousers and shoes when you’re heading into the office. Black goes with just about everything, which makes it a solid choice for building a no-fuss autumn wardrobe.
Figuring out how to style a green trench coat is just as easy. Olive and khaki tones work a treat with neutrals like cream, beige, or navy. For men, try a green trench over a cream jumper and dark jeans for everyday, while women should layer it over a cream knit or a navy dress with tan boots when you want something chic without going overboard.
The mac
The mac has a quiet, confident charm. Born in Scotland in the 1820s thanks to Charles Macintosh, it was originally made from rubberised cotton - the perfect option to keep you dry in grim wet weather.
Where the trench grabs attention, the mac keeps things understated. Single-breasted with clean, minimalist lines, it skips the storm flaps and military details, delivering smart simplicity instead.
Today's macs are designed to protect from rain without fuss, and are made from breathable waterproof fabrics - ideal for city life.
How to style a mac
Wondering how to style a long grey coat? For men, layer your mac over a smart shirt and trousers for the office, or throw it over a hoodie and dark denim at the weekend. Neutral colours like navy, black, or beige make mixing and matching easy peasy.
For women, the mac works just as well. Pair it with a simple jumper and jeans for everyday errands, or layer it over a dress with ankle boots for a polished, rain-ready look. Simple, smart, and weather-ready, the mac ensures you always look on trend.
The car coat
The car coat has always had a quietly confident vibe. Designed back when early motorists needed something practical that wouldn’t snag in car doors, it’s built for ease of movement and everyday wear.
Hitting around hip to mid-thigh, it’s shorter than a trench or mac, usually single-breasted with a straight, relaxed cut. Clean lines and a minimal silhouette give it a refined, no-nonsense look.
What makes the car coat special is that it never feels out of place. It’s ideal for commuting, weekend errands, or popping out to meet friends - smart enough to look intentional, relaxed enough to never feel overdressed.
How to style a car coat
For guys, the car coat pairs beautifully with both casual and smart outfits. Throw it over dark jeans and a knitted jumper for weekend errands, or layer it on top of chinos and a shirt for something a bit smarter. Boots, trainers, or brogues all fit the bill depending on how sharp or relaxed you want to look.
For women, it’s just as versatile. Throw it over a simple dress with ankle boots for trips into town, or team it with tailored trousers and a knit top for a day at the office. Its clean lines and minimal detailing help it sit comfortably between smart and casual, making it one of those rare pieces that works across almost any occasion.
What coat to wear in spring
Spring can be unpredictable - sun one moment, sudden showers the next. So which style coat should you reach for? Lighter options are your best friends. A cotton-blend trench handles changeable days with ease, while a packable mac tucks into your bag until the clouds roll in.
Car coats handle cooler mornings without leaving you overheating by lunchtime. For a bit of extra coverage around the neck, a funnel coat is ideal - and if you’re wondering “what is a funnel neck coat?”, it’s basically the same style with a high collar to keep draughts out.
Which coat suits you best?
Reach for a trench coat when you want a look with a bit of character. A trench is ideal for the office, meetings, or those days when you can’t leave the house looking sloppy.
Pick a mac if you want hassle-free rain protection. Minimalist, sleek, and rain-ready, it’s great for city life and unpredictable weather.
Go for a car coat if your days are more casual and you need something flexible. Relaxed, versatile, and easygoing, it’s great for weekends, school runs, or simply wandering the city.
The beauty of these classic coats is they’ve stood the test of time - through decades of unpredictable British weather. At TOG24, we take those heritage silhouettes you know and love and give them a modern upgrade, using technical fabrics built to handle whatever the skies throw at you.
Ready to find yours? Explore our collection of men’s and women’s outerwear designed for real life and proper British conditions. Or check out specific styles like our men’s long coats & jackets and women’s lightweight jackets to jump straight to styles that catch your eye.
And don’t forget to check out our blog, which has some brilliant reads - like our guide on how to style long jackets with outfit ideas for every occasion, or tips on choosing between waterproof coats and jackets, depending on your plans.
