Ruthie Darling/NYT WirecutterTop pickThis lightweight, ultra-classic cotton trench is tailored and sleek, and it comes in multiple neutral colors. But it runs a size small and goes up to only a size XL.When you Google the words “trench coat,” you’re likely to find a dead ringer for Aritzia’s The Finch Trench Coat — a truly classic iteration that’s belted, double-breasted, and full of handsome, functional details. It’s made from lightweight Italian cotton, and it looks extremely polished. Just be aware that it has a particularly tailored fit in the arms and shoulders, and it runs about one size small.On the belt and cuffs, the faux-leather-covered buckles are a handsome touch, and they help keep out cold air. Ruthie Darling/NYT WirecutterThe storm flap (a capelike panel of fabric that runs across the back) helps deflect rain from the body. Ruthie Darling/NYT WirecutterThe Finch is full of functional details, including a front storm flap, to prevent water from seeping into the coat. Ruthie Darling/NYT WirecutterThis 5-foot-1 model is wearing The Finch Trench in size S, in Black. Ruthie Darling/NYT WirecutterAt the center of the collar, there’s a hook-and-eye closure, so you can close the coat to the very top for extra coverage. Ruthie Darling/NYT WirecutterOn the belt and cuffs, the faux-leather-covered buckles are a handsome touch, and they help keep out cold air. Ruthie Darling/NYT WirecutterThis trench has a tailored silhouette. If you’re in the market for a polished, professional trench, this is the one for you. (When I was wearing it, I kept imagining myself as a lawyer confidently striding into the courtroom on a gloomy day.) Compared with the other trenches we tested, this one is particularly fitted through the shoulders and armholes (too much so for some testers); the fit gives definition to the upper body, with a relaxed, straight skirt. It’s among our longest picks, so it provides extra coverage (on my 5-foot-3 frame, the hem fell between my calves and my ankles). The Finch also comes in two shorter versions: The Finch Short (a hip-length style) and The Finch Mid (which falls above the knee); we did not test either of these versions.It’s full of the design details that make trench coats so versatile. The Finch has a hook-and-eye closure at the collar, to shield the neck from the elements; a storm flap on the chest, to prevent water from seeping in the front; and adjustable cuffs, which can be cinched to keep out cold air. It also has a back vent with a button closure, so when it’s windy out, you can button it to keep the coat closer to your body. When the skies clear, you can loosen the cuffs, roll up the sleeves, unfasten the back vent, and undo the neck and chest closures. The trench is made from a lightweight, tightly woven cotton twill, which the company says is water-repellent. (According to an Aritzia rep, neither the fabric nor the finish contains intentionally added PFAS.)The Finch comes in multiple neutral colors. Many trench coats come in just a beige or khaki shade, so we appreciate that this coat comes in several earthy shades — including Marcona Beige, Wicker Tan, and Atlas Olive — to complement a variety of skin tones. It also comes in Black and limited-edition colors.Flaws but not dealbreakersThe largest size is XL (equivalent to a size 14), and the coat runs small. Therefore, The Finch Trench Coat may not work for everyone.The belt is too long. After I fastened the buckle, the belt was so long that I could wrap it another three-quarters of the way around my waist. And due to the excess, it was easy for the belt to twist out of place. As a workaround, you could simply ignore the buckle and tie the belt in a bow.Aritzia’s return window is short, and its refund policy is confusing. The company has a less-than-generous return policy (which is something commenters were quick to flag in our guide to the best women’s wool coats). Refunds are given only on full-priced merchandise that’s returned within 14 days of the shipping date. (Depending on the discount, some sale items can be exchanged for store credit; others are final sale.) We recommend trying this coat on at an Aritzia store, if possible.Key specsExterior: 100% cottonLining: 100% cuproSizes: 2XS to XL (runs small)Colors: four
Source link