My old trench has softened but with the softening over time the fabric colour also faded ever so slightly-the first year I had it dry-cleaned re-proofed by Burberry (they recommend dry cleaning them just once a year believe it or not-which is another reason to buy Navy IMHO!-I have an Aquascutumn beige trench and i just wear it a couple of times on the subway and the cuffs look filthy so I just throw it in the washing machine which is NOT recommended !).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.![]()
After the 1st year I just got it dry cleaned locally.
Bear in mind my original trench is very old now and they could well have changed the factory or fabric slightly over the years so dont judge by my experience.
The Chelsea I mentioned is brand new and as yet unworn so I cant comment on that.
Personally I DONT like the Waterloo as a style-it just feels more old lady somehow (and I'm not young!) I'd buy that style for my Mother in Law or advise it for someone with a large bust, Where as the the Kensington and the Chelsea feel more fashionable but still chic.
As you are very petite I would not recommend the Waterloo for you despite the extra space for layering.
But again thats just my opinion