Not all trench coats are created equally. How do I know this? When Sézane produced a cotton, slightly oversized version originally available in five different colours (which we'll explore later in our Sézane Clyde Trench review) it proved to be so popular, it had to be restocked five times and amassed a waiting list of over 40,000 people. Of course, it helps that Sienna Miller is not just a fan but a repeat-wearer. As we all know, anything she's spotted in – whether it's her high street trainers, the perfect rainy day outfit or anything from her sell-out M&S collection – flies off the shelves, thanks to her winning combination of looking simultaneously glorious and somehow also relatable.
She's even been wearing the trench coat on the set of her latest film, the next instalment of Jack Ryan, pairing the everyday yet elevated design with the lo-fi combination of a polo neck and wide-leg jeans. She also packed her trusty coat on a trip last year to Paris, teaming it with a black crew-neck jumper and grey wool trousers as she strode out of Le Bristol.
www.sezane.com
One colour that has been causing quite the stir is the brown gingham (it's also available in seven other neutrals). The Sézane Clyde Trench has already cemented itself as the coat of the season - and this iteration only fuels the frenzy. A fresh spin on the beige predecessors of the Parisian brand's signature outerwear, the brown gingham/ecru combination injects a touch of bucolic charm. The demand for it? Predictably, sky high. Ideal for the transition from winter to spring, it's crafted from the same weighty organic cotton twill, which gives it a luxe feel without being too heavy.
www.sezane.com
| Main fabric | Organic cotton |
| Water resistant | Yes |
| Sizes | UK 4-20 |
As a fashion commerce writer that's heavily reported on items that come in and out of stock, I'd like to think I'm relatively good at catching items when they finally come back in. Using that tactic, I managed to get my hands on the new Sézane Clyde Trench in brown gingham. The brand's sizing, in general, comes up pretty average so I love the brand for that. To give you all the details I'm 5'4" and I'm usually a size 10 - so, as stated in the size guide I took a size 10 in the Clyde Trench. I'm so glad I did as it's perfectly oversized and large enough to fit a jumper on underneath to layer up in the winter, or to wear on its own in the spring. Unlike some versions, this one isn't reversible, but honestly? The gingham is so good and just the staple coat I was after that I wouldn't want to hide it anyway.
The organic cotton's thickness gives it a nice structured drape and I'm a big fan of the two side pockets (having somewhere to put my phone in a jacket is a big bonus). I also love the slightly larger-than-average Peter Pan-esque collar that gives it a different look to most other trench coats, but it's not so large that is gets in the way or distracts from the other gorgeous details of the trench.
How we tested the Sézane Clyde Trench
For the Sézane Clyde Trench, the criteria was a jacket made to the highest standards, including fabric quality, fit, comfort, wearability and style. For example, does it layer well? Will it see you through the seasons? Of course, it's a resounding yes to both, and the final verdict is that the Clyde Trench is one of the best on the high street (and that's according to two Grazia writers). Not only delivering timeless style (as proven by Miller), but also real-life wear. It's an investment, but a great one at that.
Aside from myself, Grazia's Gavi Weiss, also took the trench coat for spin in its original ecru colourway, paired with straight-leg jeans, a cropped tee and square-toed boots.
www.sezane.com
| Main fabric | Organic cotton, Viscose |
| Water resistant | Yes |
| Sizes | UK 4-20 |
The secret of Sézane's appeal? All of the clothes possess a timeless, elegant quality. They feel well-made, they're easy to wear and they really do last – season after season. Chances are you've heard of Sézane. Perhaps you're an obsessive follower of the French brand, or perhaps you simply heard it mentioned by a friend. Maybe you have no idea what I'm talking about, so it feels pertinent to inform you that Sézane has one of those fervent, excited followings that always tends to happen whenever anything identifies as French.
Having said all that, I probably don't need to stress that this trench will likely experience the same sort of success again. So, if you don't want to find yourself as person 40,000 on a list of trench coat fans (I've been there so I feel your pain) once these restocked shades inevitably sell out, I'd suggest you act fairly quickly.
Shop: The Sézane Clyde Trench Coat
www.sezane.com
www.sezane.com
| Main fabric | Organic cotton |
| Water resistant | Yes |
| Sizes | UK 4-20 |
www.sezane.com
| Main fabric | Organic cotton |
| Water resistant | Yes |
| Sizes | UK 4-20 |
www.sezane.com
| Main fabric | Organic cotton |
| Water repellent | Yes |
| Sizes | UK 4-20 |
Sézane Clyde Trench Coat FAQs:
Why is the Sézane Clyde Trench Coat so popular?
The Clyde trench coat is certainly one for the history books with its insane popularity. It's most likely down to the fact it's been worn by Sienna Miller (and the hundreds of influencers that followed), and boasts a organic cotton fabric that's surprisingly warm and good for layering. Beyond its A-list approval, the appeal lies in its effortless structure and timeless design that's equal parts classic and cool. The slightly oversized fit nails that coveted Parisian nonchalance, making it the perfect throw-on-and-go piece for any season. Add to that its versatility (it looks just as good over a hoodie and trainers as it does with tailored trousers and ballet flats), and it’s easy to see why this trench remains a cult favourite.
Is the Sézane Clyde Trench Coat true to size?
If you've been eyeing up the Sézane Clyde Trench Coat for a while now, sizing is, of course, something to consider. With its effortlessly oversized fit - designed for that chic, borrowed-from-the-boys look - it naturally comes up a little roomy. The brand's advice is that if you're between sizes, opt for the size down. That’s great news if you love layering chunky knits underneath, but if you’re after a more tailored silhouette, you might want to size down. The structured shoulders and adjustable belt help define the shape, so it still flatters without feeling boxy.
What materials is the Clyde Trench Coat made from?
The Sézane Clyde Trench Coat is made from organic cotton, proving that sustainable fashion can still be seriously chic. The fabric has a beautifully soft yet structured feel, giving it that perfect drape while still holding its shape. Unlike traditional stiff trench coats, this one moves with you, making it ideal for layering through the seasons.
What colours does the Sézane Clyde Trench Coat come in?
Without listing an entire laundry list of colours, a couple of favourites include the endlessly chic ecru and the timeless camel - both give it that wear-forever trench look. If you're after something slightly different, the Clyde also comes in a shade of rich choco, which has a leopard interior we can't get enough of.
How do I style the Sézane Clyde Trench Coat?
The beauty of the Sézane Clyde Trench Coat is its versatility - it’s one of those pieces that genuinely goes with everything. For effortless Parisian chic, throw it over a striped Breton top, straight-leg jeans, and ballet flats. Want to lean into more of the cool-girl aesthetic? Layer it over an oversized blazer, tailored trousers, and box-fresh trainers. And, when the temperature drops, it’s roomy enough to wear over a chunky knit without looking too bulky.
Is the Sézane Clyde Trench Coat suitable for all seasons?
Absolutely - the Clyde trench is a year-round wardrobe staple. Of course it's not going to be as cosy as a puffer coat or scarf coat in winter, but its organic cotton material is lightweight enough for those sunny spring days, yet is also substantial enough to layer over chunky knits in the winter. When it hits autumn, style the coat over a cosy jumper and boots.
Does the Sézane Clyde Trench Coat have water resistance?
How much does the Sézane Clyde Trench Coat cost?
Coming in at £275, the Clyde trench hits the point between high street and an investment piece. And, given its design and organic cotton fabric, it's a coat that feels far more expensive than the price tag suggests. Plus, you always have to consider cost-per-wear with these purchases - and trust us, with the Clyde trench, it's expected to be very low.
How can I get my hands on the Clyde Trench Coat if it’s sold out?
If the Clyde trench has slipped through your fingers (it's a best-seller for a reason), don't panic - it's likely the coat will come back into stock. We mean, the trench has already been restocked five times - so what's a sixth? Make sure you're signed up to getting the in-stock notification on the Sézane website to ensure you're one of the first to be notified when the item comes back into stock.
Hannah Banks-Walker is Grazia's head of fashion commerce. She has previously written for the likes of Harper's Bazaar, The Financial Times, Glamour, Stylist, The Telegraph, Red, i-D and The Pool on everything from fashion to curly hair (hi!) to the patriarchy. Not necessarily in that order. Find her on Instagram and Twitter. But please don't look for her MySpace profile, which until now was the last time she wrote about herself in the third person.