The Express Trench / Mac in store review

Express Single Breasted Trench Coat – $198.00

This coat came up in the comments section right after Express launched their Winter Sale.  I hadn’t even seen it in store yet, and reader Andy was asking how it compared to the only available in some stores Banana Republic Water Resistant Trench.  The BR trench retails for $225, but can be had for as little as $135 (they ran a 40% off in store sale this weekend).  The Express Trench runs just under $200 retail, but can usually be had for around $140.  A field trip to Express to check out their version was necessary.  Here are a few observations:

The Pros:

• No Belt
• Great Color
• Feels like it would actually keep you dry
• Not flashy like most Express stuff
• Single breasted (which some will like)

The Cons:

• Pretty Expensive
• A little on the short side
• Boxy
• Thin construction when compared to the BR
• Single breasted (some prefer double)

This thing feels less like a coat and more like a jacket.  It doesn’t dart in at all at the sides, so you’re left with a pretty straight from arm pit to tail drop line.  It’s long enough to cover a suit or blazer jacket, but it just doesn’t look or feel as good as the Banana Republic trench.

I do own the BR version, and consider it to be one of the best clothing investments I’ve made in the last few years.  So I’m a little biased, but I just don’t see how the Express option can compete with the Banana Republic water resistant trench.  But if you want something lighter, shorter, more casual but still sharp?  Then wait on this Express version until it drops down to around $100.  Then it’s a decent deal.
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