Help me choose a Trench! *modelling pics*

[tuowei]

I have so been in your shoes, price differential included! Imo,
- the smaller size looks absolutely better in the unbuttoned style, the larger size seems to swallow you abit.
- the smaller size also looks marginally better from behind because of a more fitted look/less material gathered around the torso above the belt.
- buttoned over thick clothing from the front the larger size looks better due to less wrinkling.

This, numerically imo its 2:1 in favour of the smaller size but more practically, I would choose based on how your will be wearing it more often.

 

[pony]

I think the smaller size looks better. To me it looks like the right fit, while the bigger looks, well just as if it‘s just not the right size. I completely understand the dilemma moneywise but I would consider a long term investment.

 

[BigAkoya]

Hi! Okay... I am going to be the dissenting vote.
First... of the two, I like the smaller size more on you, it fits you better.
But...I don't love this style on you. I am also small, 5' 2", 108lbs, so similar to you. I have the Kensington in a UK8/USA 6 and love it. I bought it a little bigger to layer.

Here are my thoughts on the Waterloo...
You are small, but you are very well proportioned, nice shoulders, slender arms.
I do not like the raglan sleeve on you. It makes you look like you have droopy shoulders. Set-in sleeves create a defined line for the torso which is why I like the Kensington better. Raglan sleeves, by definition, have no shoulder definition. This also means the armpit area is big, which then makes your upper arms look bigger than they really are. It is also too much fabric at the chest due to the raglan sleeve. You are a slim person, and honestly, I feel the Waterloo is not a flattering design. However, if you want to wear a sloppy fit trench coat, then yes, the Waterloo gives that sloppy look.

Have you tried the Kensington in a larger size? Kensington also comes in the Medium and Long length as well since you like a longer length.

Just my two cents... I hope this helps in your decision.

 

[christa]

It was never my intention to sound mean or condescending or harsh. I didn’t mean that you will gain weight! You look beautiful. It was more of a rhetorical question.
To come back to the original question, I think both sizes are fine, but I chose the smaller one, since it looks more tailored, which is the style of this coat. It’s not a flowy trench. As others have mentioned, if you plan to wear it a lot with heavy sweaters, maybe the bigger size is better.

Hi and sorry for my late reply! I’ve had a really busy week behind. Thank you for your kind words I just wanted to say that I was absolutely not offended! I liked that you brought up something that is a reality in life. So very often we only think about style and durability, when planning on wearing expensive things “forever”

 

[christa]

I actually think the larger size lays nicer when buttoned/tied and therefore looks a little better. But the smaller looks nicer when you wear it open. I guess whichever way you would wear it more would matter.

I

i agree with you. The larger size looks better to me. The smaller one looks rather strained with the bigger things underneath.

+1

Thank you so much ladies and sorry for my late reply! All comments are welcome I actually realized that showing the smaller one with really heavy garments was maybe a bit stupid, as those 2 garments are extremely heavy, and heavier than any other. The idea was to test that if I had to wear them under the coat, it would be technically possible, but probably I would try to wear another coat. Those heavy garments have a bit of dolman/batwing sleeves, and therefore are always almost impossible with any coat that has somewhat straight sleeves. It will always look too tight and strained. I have a cape-type thin wool coat that is probably best with those dolman sleeves I'll post soon more pictures of the smaller one with something less extreme under, something more "everyday" and realistic.

 

[christa]

I think the smaller size looks like it fits much better, lays better, looks more tailored to you, and is far more flattering. The larger size to my eyes looks too big for you... sort of adds more bulk.

I think they both look good on you, but at a push I would say the smaller on you looks exceptionally good.

I think the smaller size looks better. To me it looks like the right fit, while the bigger looks, well just as if it‘s just not the right size. I completely understand the dilemma moneywise but I would consider a long term investment.

Thank you so much ladies and sorry for my late reply! When I asked which one I should keep, and in that sense which one looks better, it is actually a question of “which one is my size” I think I’ve come over the money issue, and now the focus is on finding out which one is the size for me. It might be true that the bigger one is just too large for me.

According to the Burberry website the smaller one should fit a person with these measurements: Bust 31.5", Waist 25" and Hips 34.5". And the bigger one should fit with Bust 33", Waist 26.5" and Hips 36".

My measurements are Bust 31.5", Waist 27" and Hips 36", but I’m planning on losing a bit of hip fat (this pandemic has made me move less and snack more). So according to Burberry’s tables, I’m somewhere in between. I also believe that body type in general plays some role. I have a quite small upper body, but a round bum. I also believe that waist size doesn't matter that much for the style of Waterloo.

Burberry has also a sizing test (you put in your height, weight, age, bra size, belly shape and hip shape) that says 59% of similar shoppers to me have not returned the smaller size, and 41% have chosen one size larger. So, this is a close call! No wonder I need help here However, the test results are leaning towards the smaller one

I'll post soon more pictures of the smaller one with something less extreme under

 

[christa]

I have so been in your shoes, price differential included! Imo,
- the smaller size looks absolutely better in the unbuttoned style, the larger size seems to swallow you abit.
- the smaller size also looks marginally better from behind because of a more fitted look/less material gathered around the torso above the belt.
- buttoned over thick clothing from the front the larger size looks better due to less wrinkling.

This, numerically imo its 2:1 in favour of the smaller size but more practically, I would choose based on how your will be wearing it more often.

Sorry for my late reply and thank you so much for the deep analysis! I just replied to another comment that I actually realized that showing the smaller one with really heavy garments was maybe a bit stupid, as those 2 garments are extremely heavy, and heavier than any other. The idea was to test that if I had to wear them under the coat, it would be technically possible, but probably I would try to wear another coat.

Those heavy garments have a bit of dolman/batwing sleeves, and therefore are always almost impossible with any coat that has somewhat straight sleeves. It will always look too tight and strained. I have a cape-type thin wool coat that is probably best with those dolman sleeves

I'll post soon more pictures of the smaller one with something less extreme under, something more "everyday" and realistic. So thinking about what I will wear under most often, maybe the ratio will then be 3:0

 

[christa]

Hi! Okay... I am going to be the dissenting vote.
First... of the two, I like the smaller size more on you, it fits you better.
But...I don't love this style on you. I am also small, 5' 2", 108lbs, so similar to you. I have the Kensington in a UK8/USA 6 and love it. I bought it a little bigger to layer.

Here are my thoughts on the Waterloo...
You are small, but you are very well proportioned, nice shoulders, slender arms.
I do not like the raglan sleeve on you. It makes you look like you have droopy shoulders. Set-in sleeves create a defined line for the torso which is why I like the Kensington better. Raglan sleeves, by definition, have no shoulder definition. This also means the armpit area is big, which then makes your upper arms look bigger than they really are. It is also too much fabric at the chest due to the raglan sleeve. You are a slim person, and honestly, I feel the Waterloo is not a flattering design. However, if you want to wear a sloppy fit trench coat, then yes, the Waterloo gives that sloppy look.

Have you tried the Kensington in a larger size? Kensington also comes in the Medium and Long length as well since you like a longer length.

Just my two cents... I hope this helps in your decision.

Sorry for my late reply and thank you so much for your thoughts! All comments are welcome, and I know that when asking opinions, one will meet all kinds of opinions, and some are just matters of personal taste

And thank you much for your kind words about my proportions I’m lucky that way I know.

As I mentioned in my opening post, I’ve had the Kensington before the Waterloo was available. And when I bought the Kensington, I was kind of intrigued by the Westminster (now discontinued for women) that was very loose and had raglan sleeves. I loved the extreme classic trench style that it represented, and I even tried it on. But the style was absolutely too loose for me. So, now apparently this new Waterloo has replaced the Westminster, but is not as loose fitting. Looks like Burberry has taken the middle road with the style of Waterloo.

So even though I liked my old Kensington, I fell in love with the Waterloo. I like the casual, laid back (that can be called “sloppy”) look So here I think we are talking about personal taste and what kind of vibes we want to express with our clothing. I’m not very much into boxy, military style trenches. Not that the Kensington is that, but just to paint a mental image of the two very different trench ideas

And actually, even though the Waterloo has raglan sleeves, it’s more like raglan shoulders and slim sleeves. The armpit area is nothing like dolman/batwing sleeves but is surprisingly small. I’ll post more pictures soon showing this. Not trying to change your mind, but just telling

Here’s a picture of me trying on the Kensington long in the store (the SA said that this would be my size, but they only had the stone color), and pictures of me wearing the one I later got (same size). I would have liked it to be even longer! This was a UK4/US2, so I think UK8/US6 would have been too wide at the shoulders (seams dropping beyond my shoulder line), as despite being proportionate, I have quite narrow shoulders.

 

[christa]

I actually realized that showing the smaller one with really heavy garments was maybe a bit stupid, as those 2 garments are extremely heavy, and heavier than any other.

The idea was to test that if I had to wear them under the coat, it would be technically possible, but probably I would try to wear another coat. Those heavy garments have a bit of dolman/batwing sleeves, and therefore are always almost impossible with any coat that has somewhat straight sleeves. It will always look too tight and strained.

Here’s more pictures of the smaller one with something less extreme under, something more "everyday" and realistic To be sure the smaller one is not too small, I wore a push-up bra (which I normally don't) for this shoot, just in case something unwanted happens in that area Also showing the shape of the Waterloo's sleeves. I just have a way of standing pulling my shoulders back sometimes, especially when I need to show a garment like here, this might affect the look a bit.

BTW, just love that black wool tunic dress. It’s Filippa K, got it for -80% off, so from over 200 EUR to about 40 EUR!

Here wearing mascara and eyebrow color, but still uncensored images!

 

[BigAkoya]

Thanks for posting the photos. I still love the Kensington on you. It's perfect for your frame and the perfect length for year round most seasons. The Waterloo I still think looks baggy on you, and the length will limit you to wear it in the late fall or winter. It will look silly if you wear such a long coat in the spring or early fall, so you should think about when you plan to wear this trench. Trenches to me are not for severe winter weather below 32' freezing. Trenches to me are for temperatures in the 40s-50s, and I think a trench looks super cool in the spring. But a long trench in the spring is just too much fabric to me. The trench is down near your ankle like the coat is wearing you.

I know it's all preference and in the end, you should choose what you love, not what others say like me!
I just want to give you a different point of view as these coats are not cheap.
Good luck!

 

[Edonis06]

Hey Christa just passing by as I am trench coat lover too. I haven't read much of all the discussion but I still can see according to the last picture that the Kensington long version looks super great on you. I just like how beautiful it fit, not too narrow but not too big just perfect. The longer is okay since your are in Finland you might be looking for full weatherproof protection and a lady looks always nice with a long coat.

Hope it helps !

 

[chicklety]

Sorry for my late reply and thank you so much for your thoughts! All comments are welcome, and I know that when asking opinions, one will meet all kinds of opinions, and some are just matters of personal taste

And thank you much for your kind words about my proportions I’m lucky that way I know.

As I mentioned in my opening post, I’ve had the Kensington before the Waterloo was available. And when I bought the Kensington, I was kind of intrigued by the Westminster (now discontinued for women) that was very loose and had raglan sleeves. I loved the extreme classic trench style that it represented, and I even tried it on. But the style was absolutely too loose for me. So, now apparently this new Waterloo has replaced the Westminster, but is not as loose fitting. Looks like Burberry has taken the middle road with the style of Waterloo.

So even though I liked my old Kensington, I fell in love with the Waterloo. I like the casual, laid back (that can be called “sloppy”) look So here I think we are talking about personal taste and what kind of vibes we want to express with our clothing. I’m not very much into boxy, military style trenches. Not that the Kensington is that, but just to paint a mental image of the two very different trench ideas

And actually, even though the Waterloo has raglan sleeves, it’s more like raglan shoulders and slim sleeves. The armpit area is nothing like dolman/batwing sleeves but is surprisingly small. I’ll post more pictures soon showing this. Not trying to change your mind, but just telling

Here’s a picture of me trying on the Kensington long in the store (the SA said that this would be my size, but they only had the stone color), and pictures of me wearing the one I later got (same size). I would have liked it to be even longer! This was a UK4/US2, so I think UK8/US6 would have been too wide at the shoulders (seams dropping beyond my shoulder line), as despite being proportionate, I have quite narrow shoulders.

View attachment 4986427View attachment 4986428View attachment 4986429

You said "This was a UK4/US2, so I think UK8/US6 would have been too wide"... what about UK6/US4?? Just curious

 

[maxroxxherhandbags]

I recently went through a similar Dilemma with a Burberry Chelsea trench in the longer length in dark navy.
I tried over just a blouse and skirt The size the SA recommended was smaller than the one I brought about 12 years ago (I think they have changed the cut slightly)It looked fantastic-but with no room to wear a jacket under it so I tried the larger size and it just ballooned too much at the top even when belted it just looked bulky and not as amazing.
Its a lightweight coat so I just decided to go for the smaller one and keep it as a spring/autumn (and living in the UK probably summer also!) coat and keep my old larger sized one for when I want to 'layer'
I find Burberry cuts narrow across the shoulders and armpits and although I have small shoulders the size that is 'MY' size was not cut in such a way that I could wear a jacket beneath.
Looking at your photos I liked the smaller one on you but it IS a thin coat and if you want it as an all year round piece maybe you should go larger so you can layer.

 

[christa]

You said "This was a UK4/US2, so I think UK8/US6 would have been too wide"... what about UK6/US4?? Just curious

Thank you for your comment! Actually I've tried on the Kensington in UK6/US4, and it is also too big. The shoulder seams go beyond my shoulders. It's difficult with coats that have shoulder seams, as they they have be just right, otherwise it will look too big. And the Kensington in UK4/US6 (as the pictures above) have already a bit of layering space

 

[christa]

I recently went through a similar Dilemma with a Burberry Chelsea trench in the longer length in dark navy.
I tried over just a blouse and skirt The size the SA recommended was smaller than the one I brought about 12 years ago (I think they have changed the cut slightly)It looked fantastic-but with no room to wear a jacket under it so I tried the larger size and it just ballooned too much at the top even when belted it just looked bulky and not as amazing.
Its a lightweight coat so I just decided to go for the smaller one and keep it as a spring/autumn (and living in the UK probably summer also!) coat and keep my old larger sized one for when I want to 'layer'
I find Burberry cuts narrow across the shoulders and armpits and although I have small shoulders the size that is 'MY' size was not cut in such a way that I could wear a jacket beneath.
Looking at your photos I liked the smaller one on you but it IS a thin coat and if you want it as an all year round piece maybe you should go larger so you can layer.

Thank you for your comment! Does the fabric ever get softer when used a lot? I find these Burberry trenches to be quite stiff.

I believe the Chelsea is a narrow fit in general, so maybe that’s why it’s difficult to use for layering. Burberry describes the Chelsea on the website “Our slimmest trench coat, with narrow shoulders and a nipped-in waist. The fitted archive-inspired style is woven in our signature gabardine with a Vintage check lining. Wear it belted to accentuate the softly flared silhouette.”

The Waterloo on the other hand is a looser fit, and Burberry describes the Waterloo on the website “Our classic trench coat, cut to a relaxed, longline silhouette. Designed for layering, it is made in England in our signature cotton gabardine with a Vintage check lining and undercollar. The style is finished with raglan sleeves.” So, I believe that even the “right” size leaves room for layering.

Here in Finland winters vary a lot! Last year we didn’t once have really freezing weather, so never below 0 C / 32 F. It was mostly around 0 C / 32 F to 5 C / 41 F. That is a warm winter, no snow, and people were playing golf all year around.

This winter is another story! It was warm (like mentioned above) until new year, and then it got extremely cold. We’ve had approximately -10 C / 14 F down to -20 C / 4 F for over a month. And about 3 feet of snow. This means down jackets and shearling coats. One would freeze in a trench, even with layering. So, I’m planning to wear the trench as much as possible, but most likely most years it will be mid-April throughout November.