Probably one of the most major workhorses in my cold weather wardrobe is a trench coat. For me, it toes that line nicely of feeling polished enough to lift a denim look, but still relaxed enough in the styling for a more casual lifestyle. My most worn of the past few years has been this one from Kindersalmon, but I decided to spring for the Sezane Clyde Trench back in September as an alternate option.
At the time that I placed my order, it was only available in cotton in a handful of easy neutrals. The Sezane Clyde Trench has since been reimagined this A/W in wool, and various colours (and new lining prints) which suggests just how popular this trench has become. And while I usually try and approach these reviews with an extremely critical eye, it’s hard when an item lives up to the hype, meeting (or even exceeding) your expectations.
I’ve reviewed Sezane’s Scott Trench, which you can read about in detail HERE; more of a traditional cut trench that’s belted and hits to just above the knee (I recommend going up one size if you’re taller). The Clyde Trench by contrast feels a bit more modern, with the dramatic long length and swingy silhouette, with a touch of eclecticism in the gingham lining that you get peeks of every so often.
Wearing LILYSILK sweater, Levi’s jeans, Sezane Clyde trench, Chanel loafers, Sezane Claude bag
Sezane Clyde Trench: Quick Facts
Price: $350 USD/$570 AUD
Available in 8 colours (cotton): black, light khaki, camel, ecru, navy, choco, light beige, dark khaki
Made in: Bulgaria
Fabric: main fabric is 100% Organic cotton and lining is 60% Organic Cotton, 40% Recycled polyester
Size range: US0-US16/AU4-AU20
Comments on Sizing
I’m 172cm tall or 5’8″, and having that extra bit of height grants me freedom to size up with outerwear so I did end up going with the AU10/US6/FR38. For reference, I’m usually an AU8/US4/FR36. And, I would say that yes, I could have just gone with my usual size. I do have a bit of extra fabric through the chest area, though I don’t mind the way it drapes (and I think arguably, it doesn’t look bad? You be the judge from the images!). If you’re someone who prefers more of a traditional fit or you’re petite, I would suggest going down a full size. The sleeves are very roomy so will accommodate a bulky knit even when sizing down. Perhaps the only argument against sizing down is if you’re tall and want to fold up the cuffs to reveal the gingham lining – you may find them a little short.
Exact product measurements for the AU10/US6 are as follows:
- approx 47cm shoulder to shoulder
- 56cm underarm to underarm
- and 113cm long
How does the Quality hold up?
Excellent. Superb. It’s 100% cotton, and the twill weave feels soft and smooth against the hand. While it’s not waterproof, the cotton has been treated so it is water resistant (to a degree). There’s a robust quality to the cotton, though it’s not super thick; I’d class this as a transitional weight jacket, or something still suitable in winter for those living in milder climates (eg. Australia, where I’m based), as you could wear this both with a tee underneath or a chunkier knit.
Other notes
If you’re someone who tends to seek out waist definition in your jackets, you may not love the Clyde as much as the Scott. It’s an a-line cut, and I’d say that it tends to look best when worn open as opposed to closed.
The added flourish of the gingham lining adds a sense of personality to what feels like quite a classic piece, and you have the option of rolling the sleeve up to reveal this detail which is a nice touch. And this is quite specific, but I like the placement of the pockets; they’re generously cut, and the lining feels just as smooth as the exterior cotton of the trench.
It’s a mid-weight jacket option – at least in the cotton iteration – which means that you’re going to want something heavier duty (perhaps the wool version?) if you’re planning to wear this through winter too. Though this will largely depend on your climate. That said, when buttoned, the Clyde does act as a decent windbreaker!
I opted for the light beige, which in person reads as a light stone colour with a cool olive tinge to it. Online in their web imagery, it pulls little warmer with no green tint so worth noting. That said, I like that you do have a lot of options when it comes to the colour, outside of the classic trench coat colours of beige/camel, black, or navy.
One of the reasons why I consistently find myself going back to Sezane for these types of wardrobe staples is that they just nail the effortless French girl aesthetic, and overall I’ve been happy with the quality of their clothing over the years (though I do tend to avoid many of their synthetic blend items). The price point is definitely up there; at close to $600 AUD, it’s on the precipice of that mid-luxury price range. For you, the deciding factor on whether this is worth it will be a subjective one. Part that’s tied to the association you have with the brand, the perceived value of a quality jacket like this, and the importance you attach to flourishes like the gingham lining – a key detail that is largely what makes the Sezane Clyde Trench feel so special.
And if you’re still on the fence, here are a few options are arguably similar but at a slightly lower price point: Marks & Spencer, Grana, COS or M.N.G
