*Check the Shop page for stock levels*
Our first collaboration this Autumn/Winter is, for me, the perfect trench coat - a limited edition of a Ventile coat being made with Private White VC.
Visitors to the pop-up shop, or our UK manufacturing debate, will have seen it in person.
Long, muted-green and with classic style in the lapel and collar, it has become a foundation of my wardrobe since I started wearing a prototype in February.
The removable lining, high collar and taped seams make it very practical, but it also has real swagger: a stylish update of a traditional model.
Only nine pieces are available in this batch, across four sizes (small, medium, large and extra-large). It costs £1125 (ex-VAT), with free worldwide shipping.
You can buy it now through the Permanent Style shop.
So what's special about it? First, let's talk about the material.
Cotton Ventile is perfect for a coat like this. It doesn’t have rustle of synthetic waterproofs, but is entirely waterproof once the seams are taped, and ages well - softening and fading slowly at the seams.
I picked dark olive in order to be an effective bridge between formal and casual wear. As shown in the imagery, it is smart enough to be worn with a suit and tie, yet relaxed enough for knitwear.
Private White VC’s distinctive copper hardware also comes up nicely against the olive. It too is uncoated, and will gain a patina over time.
The project started with a discussion with Private White VC of a coat they already make - the Despatch Motor Trench - but we wanted to tweak in several ways.
The most important point was length.
Trench coats have been cut shorter and shorter in recent years, which not only denies them the swish and swagger of a great, long coat, but is highly impractical.
In the rain, water simply streams off the bottom and onto the knees as you walk.
So I added four inches to the length, meaning it sits definitively below the knee. There is also a small, hidden flap at the bottom of the coat, which allows it to be fully closed across the knees if required.
Other design changes included a wider, more pointed lapel that gives the coat a touch more flair; a squaring off of the gun flaps so they mirror that collar and the lapel; and an additional jigger button on the inside of the lining.
That lining is removable and a wool/cashmere mix.
I’ve had so many waterproof coats over the years that could only be worn one or two seasons because they didn’t have a removable lining.
I wasn’t going to make that mistake this time. So we made a lining in the Private White VC grey-and-green colours.
Throughout the design process, the guiding philosophy was not to skimp on any detail. Details, after all, are what a good trench coat is all about.
So it has:
- Big hip pockets, with wool/cashmere lining in the front
- An angled despatch chest pocket (perfect for a phone)
- A great throat latch on the collar (which now fastens with a stud on one side)
- D-rings on the belt
- In-set sleeves on the front of the coat, to give a cleaner appearance, but raglan sleeves on the back, to aid movement
- Gun flaps on the shoulders at the front, and a saddle piece across the back
- Dark-brown horn buttons, fastening that double-breasted front all the way up
A separate word should also be said about the belt, which is distinctive of these Private White VC coats.
It is sewn into the side seam on the left hand side, runs around the back, and then attaches with a buckle in the front.
This means that most of the front of the coat is kept clean and un-hampered by the belt, but you still get that attractive cinching in the back that is characteristic of a trench coat.
When not using the belt, the buckle fastens inside the front with a stud, while the strap can be looped through itself on the back. It can happily be worn either way.
All this super-spec means the trench is fairly expensive at £1125 (ex-VAT).
But it is a waterproof coat that can be worn for most of the year, with given the flexibility of the lining.
It is also made entirely in the UK, in the Private White VC factory in Manchester (see factory visit article here).
There are also, as mentioned above, only nine available in this first run. So it’s worth getting in early.
I do hope you like it. It feels like a long time since we started designing this - over a year ago. But wonderful to have it out in the world.
Orders are placed through Permanent Style - on the Shop here.
Delivery and sizing
Delivery is from the Private White VC factory, and is being offered for free worldwide.
Sizing is outlined below. I am wearing a small, but could wear a small or a medium - the medium would be a slightly better fit with the liner over a suit, but the small best without the liner over knitwear.
The raglan sleeve construction means that there is a lot more flexibility with fit than with a normal in-set sleeve, however, and as the waist is usually cinched, the fit can be as slim in the waist as you want.
It's largely a question of style - some will want a closer fit, others a touch looser, but most people could wear two of the below.
|
Measurements in cm |
S/38 chest |
M/40 |
L/42 |
XL/44 |
|
Chest |
109 |
116 |
123 |
130 |
|
Shoulder to Shoulder |
44 |
45.5 |
47 |
49 |
|
Centre Back Length |
119 |
120 |
121 |
122 |
|
Sleeve Length |
68 |
69 |
70 |
71 |
|
Waist Circumference |
105 |
112 |
119 |
126 |
Also worn in the shoot:
- Suit:
- Single-breasted pick-and-pick grey suit from Camps de Luca (full post here)
- Blue spread-collar shirt from Luca Avitabile
- Orange tie from Mattabisch via The Armoury
- Dark-brown Asquith shoes from Edward Green
- Charcoal-grey fedora from Anderson & Sheppard
- Knitwear
- Rust-brown ribbed cashmere sweater from Private White VC
- Denim button-down shirt from Luca Avitabile
- Grey single-pleat and cuffed flannel trousers from Ambrosi
- Pale-grey cashmere beanie, Johnstons
- Shoes as before
Photography: Jamie Ferguson @jkf_man
Simon are you wearing a medium? I take a medium in the Friday polo and PS sweater – would gig recommend a medium?
Sorry, should have said.
I’m wearing a small, but could wear a small or a medium. As with all overcoats, there is a little compromise between sizes depending on what you wear it over. And of course adding the liner makes it a touch smaller as well.
So a medium might be a better fit for me when the liner is in, over a suit.
The raglan sleeve does mean there is lots of freedom of movement though, so the small doesn’t feel tight. And of course as you will cinch it most of the time, the fit through the waist can be easily adjusted. So it’s mostly about what style you would like.
Hope that’s helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Simon
Thanks Simon – sounds like a small might be a better choice. I wouldn’t wear it over a suit most of the time and would be prepared to live with a little tightness when I did
Cool
Hi Simon – sorry to return to this but I’m still a bit unsure about sizing (and extra cautious given the size of this purchase). I have quite broad shoulders – my suit jackets have shoulder measurements about 46cm.
I know this jacket has raglan sleeves, but do you think based on my shoulder measurements a medium might be a better choice?
Most of my OTR suits are 48IT in more classic cuts (eg Formosa) or 50IT I’m more contemporary cuts (eg Eidos).
Thanks for your help
Thanks
Hi Charlie, I think a medium might be good given the size of your shoulders. And of course that enables you to wear it over a suit this winter, with the liner
The coat looks great, the details are lovely and the choice of color is wonderfully refreshing
What stops me from buying a trench coat as opposed to a hooded coat is that I imagine I would still be getting my head wet if it’s raining, unless either holding an umbrella or wearing a wide brimmed hat.
The former doesn’t seem to make for a happy pairing as the coat’s main functionality is negated by the umbrella, while the latter option may look really dapper, I wonder however if there are young gents these days that have the guts to wear something so ‘old school’ and sadly out of fashion?
Certainly a coat as cool as your’s would make me consider experimenting with a hat or two, weather permitting
Thanks. Yes there’s no easy solution there.
I wouldn’t say an umbrella negates the coat at all – if it’s raining, legs etc are still going to get a little wet with an umbrella.
And a hood isn’t really possible unless you have a much less formal coat.
I think of a coat and umbrella/hat complimentary. Hoods restrict peripheral vision and hearing, I only use them as a very last resort. Also, they get too hot when it’s just a bit chilly, besides them not being very smart-looking. The coat keeps your clothes dry, and the umbrella/hat keep your head dry.
I wonder how warm it is with the liner? Is it like a Barbour with the quilt liner vest?
Yes, similar, although the length makes it warmer of course, and the liner itself is longer too.
Hi Simon,
Long time reader, first time commenter. I’ve been looking for a coat like this for about 3 years. I’ve been tempted by the standard version of this, but wasn’t sure about the colours that they come in, your colour choice (and the longer length) have really made this the coat I’ve been looking for. However, I’m not sure what size would work for me. I’m 6 foot 5, with an “athletic” build. With such a limited run, if I were to order the wrong size what are the chances of being able to exchange at a later date?
Good question James.
Given the demand we’ve already had this morning, I think there’s a decent chance we will end up with a waiting list of people for another batch later in the year. So exchanges shouldn’t be a problem – might just involve a small wait
I seem to have missed my chance to get my hand on a size S. Is it possible to reserve a coat for when a new batch is available?
Hi Dennis.
No, we still have one S left. But I see you’ve tried to order a few times and the payment hasn’t gone through. Do you want to contact me by email and we can try to work out what’s going wrong? Let me know what stage you get to and any messaging you get.
Cheers
James – did you settle on a size? I’m 6’5″ and broad shouldered as well, so just curious!
Fantastic looking thing and some really nice touches. Unfortunately likely to be outside my affordability (not disputing its value). For those of us that’d need alterations (shortening length/sleaves) would it be particularly challenging given construction/waterproofing etc?
Some alterations would be tricky if you wanted to maintain the taped seams, yes. But in any case shortening the sleeve from the shoulder would be hard because of the dual raglan/inset construction. You could do easily from the end of the sleeve, the only issue being the mark that would be left if the popper for the wrist strap was removed.
perfect Simon very impressive
Been looking for a proper trench with proper length for a few years now, looks perfect!
Ordered one just hope sizing works!
Do you recommend any light weight scarves to accessorize? Or is the coat enough on it’s own?
Thanks and looking forward
Scarves always good, and particularly nice with a hat too. Somehow a scarf makes a hat a lot more natural.
I recommend Begg & Co, perhaps their pale grey kishorns. Or Drake’s for something a bit more colourful.
Lovely coat. It reminds me a little of a stockman’s coat, a type of raincoat for riding a horse, which is popular with ranchers here in western Canada. And I must say you do have a bit of a roguish, cowboy air in that last photograph Simon.
I’ve been frustrated by the short trench coats available as well. I hope many manufacturers take note and go to a useful length as well.
Simon, like many of your other comments, delighted that you have picked a trench coat, a proper coat for us to drool over – and perhaps even buy! Like several of you posters I too have been looking for a replacement trench coat for my perfect Burberry (light olive with dark olive lining and separate collar lining – bought 20 years ago at an outlet for £200) and couldn’t find one. I despair at Burberry at the moment who have tried to make the trench coat more stylish and failed. The only reason I am looking is that the cuffs of my trench coat have frayed over the years and about five years ago my tailor very kindly sowed leather strips around the areas. I think its dashing while my wife thinks I look like a tramp.
By the way to the poster who asked about head cover – I was always told that while a gentlemen (as all who read this must be) always keeps a folded umbrella in town so he can protect his lady companion from the rain but never himself. If it rains you either wear a hat or get wet.
When do you expect the next batch of coats to be available – I need to save up for such an expensive but important purchase. I thought if I printed this and placed it in my wife’s in-tray she might get the hint for a Christmas present?
Hi John,
I’ll post an update tomorrow, but I’m hopeful we might actually be able to get new stock pretty soon – they’re going very fast!
Thanks
Nice but why that seam on the external side of the sleeves ?
Because the back of the sleeve is raglan – compare the back and front in the pictures
Simon,
What a great coat and what a fabulous recovery after cardigangate.
We are back on track !
Two questions for me:
How does it breath ? This is very important.
Secondly, I would need significant alterations from these stock sizes. Would PW accept a MTM order ?
Regards,
David
David, you’re going to annoy me if you keep on slandering one of my favourite sweaters!
Ventile breathes well for a natural material, better than a waxed cotton or bonded cotton.
PWVC certainly do MTO. I can check with them how much alteration to measurements is possible
Not slander, Simon, but libel. Slander refers to the spoken word.
Thanks for the correction, should know that really. Enough experience of libel in the day job.
Please do. I am very interested in having a MTM version of this design.
Any update on MTO?
Not yet, sorry. I think it’s unlikely that extensive adjustments will be possible, but I’m waiting to hear.
Hi Sam,
They will do MTM, with a 20% uplift in price. You can change most things in the fit – lengths, widths etc.
They recommend going into the store to make the changes, but it can also be arranged over the phone.
Cheers
Simon
Hi David.
They will do MTM, with a 20% uplift in price. You can change most things in the fit – lengths, widths etc.
They recommend going into the store to make the changes, but it can also be arranged over the phone.
Cheers
Simon
Good – I will visit the store on my return to the UK and set the wheels in motion.
The design and colour are superb.
Regards,
David
Went into PWVC’s London store today and placed my MTM order.
The fabric is excellent and the level of water resistance truly impressive.
I went with the PS version and colour but without the lining.
Delivery is six weeks.
It was my first visit to the store and I found the service excellent.
Great to hear. Thanks David
Congratulations on your latest collaboration; it looks fantastic! The topic of raincoat length emerges a lot on menswear forums, so I apologize in advance if this comment takes us down a rabbit hole. My confusion is that, without a hood (or wide brimmed hat, as one commenter suggested) you will always need an umbrella with this type of coat. This is no problem at all, but then, if you’re using an umbrella, is the coat really going to get so wet that water will stream down onto your trousers in the manner you suggest? The rain in NYC can be apocalyptic at times and I’ve never noticed my Mackintosh getting particularly soaked under an umbrella. If anything the water that gets kicked up from your feet seems like the main culprit for soaking your trousers so, unless you’re going to wear an ankle length trench (and look like you’re in the Matrix) I don’t really see the issue with shorter raincoats (from a functional perspective.)
All that said, for purely aesthetic reasons, the extra length looks great on this coat and definitely gives it a grandeur the shorter version doesn’t have (and your color choice helps too!)
Thanks.
I see your point, but actually I find the longer length is needed with an umbrella particularly – as the umbrella is most likely to deal with keeping the top half dry, and it’s the legs that are most likely to need protection from more diagonal rain, splash from the pavement, cars etc.
I agree though, that feet, shoes and wet pavement is perhaps a bigger issue. Which is why we should all be wearing riding boots…
Oh my, that is indeed a beauteous thing. Well done
Simon
Wonderful coat. I’ve long coveted the original PWVC version and save for a couple of issues for my particular use would have invested already. I suspect your version may solve these niche challenges but want to check.
I commute on a Vespa, but wish to do so in a coat of style and also of function. This apparently simple mission has proved surprisingly tough to achieve. My key requirements in a coat are obviously genuinely waterproof and windproof, high collar etc. What I want to check on this version is:
Length:
a) sufficiently long to sit on under the backside whilst riding, thus protecting the suited backside from dampness
b) long enough to protect down to at least the knee or further whilst in the seated position
Reach – enough ‘give’ across the shoulders and length in the arm forward to handlebars whilst riding
Flapping about the legs – is there, or could there be, a button + elasticated fastening at foot of the coat so that when riding one can secure the base of the coat about the legs? Perhaps this is something that one could add oneself
Many thanks for indulging my odd questions!
No problem.
The length will certainly be enough to go under the backside, no issues there.
I think the handlebars will be fine, given the raglan back, but I don’t ride a scooter or motorbike so it’s hard to say for sure. You could always size up if you’re between sizes and that would help.
There is a button you can see in some of the pictures, below the others, that fastens the coat across the knees. It’s not elasticated, but again without knowledge of riding a Vespa, I think this should work.
I own the original PWVC moto trench and I have to say your version makes a great coat even better. Especially the liner is a great feature and I also like the additional length.
One completely off topic question. I recently acquired a Sartoria Formosa sport coat. I think it fits really well, but I need to get the jacket sleeves finished and would be open for small alteration suggestions (event though I don’t think much is needed to be done-if at all). Can you suggest a place in London I could go to for this issue?
I usually use Graham Browne
It seems wonderful. Unfortunately I bought the “Humphrey Bogart” version of Aquascutum´s trench coat last fall. It is also a full length over–sized trench. I like that one but would probably love this one.
Nice coat Simon. It brings to mind the “DrizaBone”, an Australian coat which was massively popular (although monumentally unstylish) in the 90’s and which was originally designed to keep the very wettest weather at bay.
Yes, I always liked the colour and dimensions of that – but it wasn’t really a city coat. You would occasionally see a lawyer walking down the road wearing one over a suit, and it looked plain odd.
Gorgeous!
D – Rings on the belt?
Is it true they were originally for grenades?
And if so, while definitely stylish, interesting that you decided to keep them….(my Burberry has them – of course – and have always fascinated me..)
A wonderful looking coat. Back in the late 80’s I had a Barbour Trench Coat. Despite going back to Simonside for repairs reproofing, it eventually wore out. I currently have a Barbour Burghley, which is coming to the end of its useful life. The problem with Barbour is that they seem to have abandoned making a coat to the knee except for the rather shapeless Stockman.
Subsequently I bought a MacKintosh (Made for Church shoes) which will be coming into use in the next few weeks.
The look of PWVC coat is stunning and appears to be more elegant than their own version. The price is high and a little out of my reach at present, and is not necessary given my existing two coats, but that does not stop me admiring it.
Hi Simon,
Is it possible to have removable lining on a suit jacket?
Cheers
Not really, but people do do zip-in gilets, that kind of thing. See Corneliani, and the gilet I made with Davide Taub. Always hard as you want a jacket to fit fairly close
Quick question about sleeve length. Looking at the PWVC website, this says: “Measure from the centre of the collar to the shoulder seam, then measure from the shoulder seam to the end of the cuff and combine these measurements.”
Is this how the sleeves have been measured for PS version as 70cm for the Large seems very short. Or have I missed something obvious?
Have you looked at the visual on their website?
Yes, looked at the visual on their website. Measuring my current overcoat (a 42L) in this way, I get 90cm – which seems far enough off to make me think I’m missing something, especially as your XXL is only 71 cm in sleeve length.
Thanks Jonathan, I’ll ask them to check. I’m afraid we have just sold out of large though
OK Simon – thanks for prompt responses. I like the coat and, if I could be confident on sleeve length, would buy a Large
Excellent design and fashionable, stylish colour. At £1,350.00 I was slightly concerned at cost (albeit that they are selling out!). As comparison Acquascutum Bogart = £850, Huntsman Trench = £1,150 (both manufactured in Asia?). However it is all worth it as it is made in the UK. The place of manufacture would not, ordinarily, be important but given the dwindling UK clothing industry it is worth supporting. Moreover the design places it ahead of anything else on the market and the small run make it a collecter’s piece of atelier status. Too late now perhaps, but on collections such as these could you attach a ticket/label with a number (twelve of fifty) the item detail and your signature..Christmas edition please (with heavier lining?).
Thanks.
We will hopefully do another run by Christmas, yes. I guess numbering is tricky as we don’t necessarily want to limit the total number ever made. Does that make sense?
Dear Simon
Long time reader, first time poster. Many thanks for your informative and entertaining blog.
I am writing a couple of specific questions :
1.Do you have any photos of the trench buttoned up “full frontal” as it were. I tried to compare it to the Despatch photos on Privatewhite’s website and piece it all together in my mind with your close ups of pockets/collar etc but it’s hard. I am aware that such a picture is the least flattering but it would be informative and help make me commit:)
One “question mark” I have (for my own taste, not as a judgement) regarding the style is in fact the “am-I-a-single-breasted-or-double-breasted-trench” effect with the disguised belt.
It could be the thing that distinguishes is and makes it special and “bespokey” , and then again, it could be a slightly too trendy thing I might tire of (again, purely for my own taste) and a full frontal of the coat buttoned up would aid me as I would clearly be able to see the proportion of the coat regarding placement of pockets as well as the button-less left side of the coat in full.
2. Another poster asked about potential for refund in view of the popularity of this coat.
I am, as you observe yourself we would all most likely be, between an XL and an XXL and since the latter is sold out I would opt for the XL which most likely would work but just in case it won’t would I be able to return it (perhaps for an elevated
spot on the waiting list in case a new batch
will be made or indeed) for a refund? It is a mighty expensive thing to have hanging if I can’t use it:)
Many thanks for your kind consideration.
Nikolaj
Hi Nikolaj,
Sure I’ll see if I have that shot.
I don’t think the belt looks fashion-y or gimmick-y at all to be honest. It is too subtle.
And yes we always accept returns for different sizes. There’s just a chance the new size you want won’t be in stock obviously. Sorry, one of the issues of being a small maker and needing to do small runs.
Mine has just arrived and couldn’t be more impressed! One question though, what are the D rings on the belt for?
Great, lovely to hear. They’re not really functional any more – it’s a harking back to the original trench coat, which was a military piece and the D-rings were used to hang maps and other things off.
My coat arrived on Monday morning, and finally had a chance to try it on. The coat is even better than imagined. Finally a proper trench.
Thanks Simon
Fantastic! So nice to hear David, thank you
To the people who’ve received their coats already… and perhaps this is a difficult question to answer, but does it look more like the pictures on PS or like those on the PW website. I love the pictures of it on PS, but PW shots leave me a little cold. That said, I already have four of their other coats, so I’m sure I would love it, but it’s definitely holding me back from ordering!
I like the look of this garment and it’s a great idea to put a new twist on the traditional trench coat.
My first impression was that it had an equestrian flavour rather like the Barbour wax coats favoured by the queen. I plan to visit the Permanent Style shop in the near future and I suspect I’ll find the material softer and more fluid than the Barbour versions.
Trench coats are a rare sight in London these days and I feel that, forty years after the last episode of Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, it is time for this sartorial classic to make a comeback, although I totally agree that recent attempts to revive the coat in a shorter version have been absurd.
I have three traditional trench coats in my wardrobe, from Burberry, Aquascutum and Daks, all finishing an inch or two below my knee. I like to think I look more like Robert Mitchum than Frank Spencer when I wear them.
Hi Simon,
Do you pay much attention matching outerwear with shoes, suits, etc.? For example, how would a raincoat in an earth tone, like this trench, pair with a charcoal suit and black shoes? Does that even matter to you?
Yes, it does matter a little. I wouldn’t say I ‘match’ them, but I do consider whether a coat is too formal or informal for what it is worn with.
This trench is designed to be as versatile a colour between formal and informal as possible. But it might be too casual for a charcoal suit and black shoes, yes
I’ll disagree only slightly with Simon,
The colour of this PS trench is lovely, even if it verges towards casual. Much more interesting colour than typical sand, black or navy trenches we see elsewhereZ
I coat is like a curtain, drawn open and cast aside (onto a secure hanger), then revealing what is worn within.
Had I the funds, I’d wear this trench with any of my best suits. It’s an outer wrapping.
I’m very tempted by this as a treat for my 50th birthday as, being tall, I am fed up of getting my legs soaked in the rain, and I have already discovered the joys of Ventile in a shorter jacket. Only two things put me off. First, the lack of slant pockets in which to put the hands, and second, the single row of buttons. Is it really double-breasted when it doesn’t have two rows?
Hi Paul. To be honest I like both points – the square pockets are more practical for holdings things other than hands, and I like the clean look of the buttons. But of course understand if you don’t.
Hi Simon. Any update on the ETA for the second batch? I think there was talk of “the week of October 16th,” but I can’t now find that reference.
It should be the week of the 23rd….
Thanks for the update. Doubly looking forward to it now the rain has returned.
Some time ago I urged you to do something serious with the trench coat but never dreamt that the result would be as good as this..
I’ve just taken delivery of my MTM PS Trench and would declare it an absolute triumph.
The process was seamless, I went to their London store, got measured and elected to take it without the lining (the price was adjusted accordingly) and 5 weeks later it was delivered to my door.
The fit is perfect, the detail superb, the style a great evolution and when the rain arrived on schedule I got an opportunity to road test it.
Wearing it I think you’ve got the balance between smart and casual absolutely spot on. This thing is going to get a lot of wear and I detected more than two or three admiring glances.
Reimagining a staple like this is not easy. Go too far and it just looks ridiculous. Do nothing and there is no progress. I have to say PS & PWvc got it absolutely correct.
I will also be wearing it together with my fedora when watching ‘Babylon Berlin’ and can also report that Jason King has his on order.
After the faux pas that was ‘ Cardigangate’ I can declare that PS is completely redeemed.
Thanks David, that’s so lovely to hear.
I had the good fortune to snap one up in the first round, but it’s only now that the weather has turned that I’m making daily use of it. And it’s a joy in every way! The combination of quality, practicality and style is streets ahead of the aquascutum coat it replaced. Thank-you Simon.
Lovely to hear it, thanks Dominic
Hi Simon,
I note that Size 42 is now sold out again. Will you be restocking?
Having checked the Private White website, I can see that the sizing measures are different, as is the price. Is there a reason?
Many thanks. Still very much enjoying your blog.
MB
Not soon I’m afraid.
Their price is stated with VAT added, mine is without (as most customers are outside the EU)
Measurements should be the same. Let me check
Hey there Simon, absolutely love the coat and after months of consideration I have finally convinced myself to buy it, but just want to be absolutely sure with the sizing before I pull the trigger.
I’m 5″8, a typical size 46 (EU) for most ready-to-wear jackets, would be wearing suits underneath the trench coat. On that basis, should I go for the size XS or S?
So much of it depends on how you like it to fit Gary, but I think you’ll probably want an XS.
I don’t have any left now, but it’s worth asking Private White in case they do.
I have to write again about this because this coat is an absolute masterpiece.
With all the rain we’ve been having, I’ve never had it off my back and to say that it does what it says on the can is the understatement of the decade.
Fasten that storm collar and done that hat and you will be able to stride with confidence whilst lesser mortals are sheltering in doorways or under trees or, even worse ,under umbrellas. It really does straddle that country and city divide perfectly.
Yes, the styling is perfecto but the practicality is too. The pockets are great – you can actually put stuff in them without destroying the line of anything and you can reach things quickly.
PWVC also offer great service. Most of the time I wear it belted but when I thread the belt through the back I discovered I needed an extra keeper – phoned them up, they made me one and it was sent without charge. The sort of request that so many would ignore or decline – not so PWVC, great customer service !
The ventile fabric is also off the Richter scale. It doesn’t rustle like some other waterproof fabrics , keeps every drop of rain out and breaths really well.
Also, it is wearing in really nicely. In Simon’s photo – the one with the beanie – you can see how it looks when it’s been worn for a while and it ages perfectly.
To top it all, it looks achingly cool. I was waiting for a train at Waterloo and had three enquiries as to where I got it. I should be getting paid for advertising it !
A real success this – and once again bravo to Simon and PWVC.
Amazing, thanks so much! Its so nice to know it is so appreciated (and well worn!)
Simon
Mine ( MTM) has ripped already it was measured way too tight and couldn’t cope with sitting and ripped on the material not on the button which is unusual! The company PW are putting it right and have been professional in trying to put it right! Which is good in itself! I’ve often bought products from Dune which is rubbish and most of them fall apart despite very careful use almost within months and the sales staff have been great at replacing things for me without any sniffiness.
However this does require patience in keep returning to the shop! My Cordings MAC and vintage Aquascutum (bought from Florida where they don’t need such coats! on EBay) have been keeping me dry this April. I’m quite shocked at how easily it broke given how expensive it is and that PWVC is so obviously not a generic high street shop such as Dune.
I even have an Aquascutum coat which is forty years old handed to me by my late father which looks better and could possibly see out even my full existence.
Perhaps a silly question but didn’t you realise it was too tight when you were being measured ?
They use a standard block and I could have gone smaller but on their recommendation went up because I invariably wear a jacket and/or sweater underneath.
Given that you can cinch it and I prefer that look, I went with their suggestion and it worked a treat.
I trust them as a company so I’m sure they’ll sort it.
Thanks as I stated they are doing something to fix the problem but I did make them aware that I wanted the coat not too tight as i’d Be sitting on bus and tubes a lot also. At the same time I didn’t want it to billow like a Burberry Westminster Trench. They have come up with some solutions and the Customer service has been great just I cannot really recommend it as I wear other trench coats more frequently.
Hi Simon,
i heard you’re cooking up something again with PWVC for winter? Is this true?
From Instagram, it confirms that as you’ve recently been to their factory.
Are you in a position to tell us further what you are planning to release? I have your trench so am looking forward to your next collab!
Hey Pat. We are working on some ideas, yes. A bit too early to talk about them though I’m afraid… I’ll post more things on Instagram etc when I can
Hi Simon,
Do you have any plans to reintroduce this coat through the PS shop?
I struggle to find good raincoats and this looks pretty much spot on.
Cheers,
Richard
Yep, we should have new sizes in next month Richard. Do email me if you want to be put on the waiting list (you’ll get first dibs)
Hi Simon
I took delivery of one of these amazing coats last Friday. I think its absolutely awesome – the cut the design the fabric and the build quality. Very very pleased. Can you tell me how ‘Limited Edition’ this garment is? Approximately how many of these are in existence right now?
Regards
Andy
Thanks.
Not sure on the volume. We sold 60 I believe last year, and Private White perhaps around the same. This season perhaps half that
Why quote the price excluding VAT ? Surely most of your customers will end up paying it which adds considerably to the already expensive price and it doesn’t come in a variety of lengths like a Burberry. It’s a nice coat but ………
We quote without VAT because most customers are outside the EU and therefore don’t pay VAT. However I am aware we should be clearer about the fact that VAT is not included
We’re not a big enough company to offer different lengths
Hi Simon,
What a beautiful coat. I’m wondering, though, whether the fabric would work for me.
I’m highly active and live where it never gets cold, only rainy. (There will be a lot of days of 10 – 15 degrees with moderate rain.) My experience with cotton coats such as Barbour has been that I get sweat-drenched even from standing around, never mind walking up a few flights of stairs or running to catch a train. I’m much happier in technical backpacking-style coats, but of course they are too short, and too ugly.
So if I want to wrap something around myself without being too warm, how do you think the Ventile compares in practice with something like, for instance, Norwegian Rain, which uses some kind of three-layer system similar to backpacking rainwear?
Best,
Dave
Hey Dave. Barbour will be very different, as it’s likely a waxed cotton you had. That’s heavier and doesn’t breathe well.
Ventile should breathe as well as most technical fabrics. It’s not as waterproof as those, but it is as much as a Barbour. And that’s fine unless you’re spending a long time in the rain.
Hope that helps
Long-time reader, first-time commenter. Absolutely love both this and your Bridge Coat. In fact, all of your outwear posts are amazing. (Un)Fortunately I live in Sydney, so I rarely have the need for something long, let alone a heavy, woollen greatcoat, but a lighter trench coat like this may be the answer.
Will this ever be making a comeback? Could you make any suggestions about places that may offer a similar standard of off-the-rack tailoring in lighter fabrics (as I cannot bring myself to spend big on bespoke for a coat I may wear a few weeks a year)?
Thanks David.
We will be getting more back in September, yes. If you email [email protected] they can put you on the waiting list
Looking for a gahardine/original style Trench coat!
Help me out!
Dear Simon,
Do bespoke makers do Trench coats? I haven’t really seen any so far.
Best,
Alex N.
Some do, but generally they don’t because (a) it’s not worth it, given a trench coat doesn’t have any canvas or structure, or need for that shaping you get with bespoke, and (b) it’s not easy to do the taped seams required.
At the most, having on made to order with a specific length might be good, but I think that’s all anyone really needs.
Hi Simon
Any chance that this will remade? Unfortunately I missed out the previous runs.
Best,
James
Yes, there will be a small run this winter. Do email [email protected] if you want to be on the waiting list and get first dibs
Any plans to bring back the Perfect Trench? Would love to get one!!
Not this year I’m afraid. But hopefully next
Simon, an absolutely amazing piece – I own this and love it – my one complaint would be that while the one you are wearing has the lovely PW buttons with the Victoria Cross that I knew from their other coats, for regular production they seem to have switched to simpler ones that are not nearly as nice as they just have the brand name in a basic font. Probably something to do with production costs but still a pity!
Nice point Christoph. I think that was a branding decision rather than production costs, but I’ll let them know where your vote lies!
Dear Simon,
do you have an idea, when the coat will be back in stock? Or is another batch not planned?
We are planning another batch, yes, and hopefully it won’t be too long. As ever, do email [email protected] for updates
Simon, I’m an avid, but relatively new reader so I missed this launch. Any chance of this colour making a return in the future?
Hopefully this winter, yes Rob