You know that feeling when you buy something and realize, about three years later, it was the best fifty bucks you ever spent? That’s basically the deal with London Fog. Honestly, in a world where "fast fashion" means your clothes literally fall apart in the wash after two cycles, there’s something weirdly comforting about a brand that’s been around since 1923. People think London Fog is British. It’s not. It was actually started by Israel Myers in Baltimore as the Londontown Clothing Company.
They made waterproof coats for the U.S. Navy during World War II. That’s the pedigree. If it can handle the North Atlantic, it can probably handle your walk to the subway in a drizzle.
When you look at london fog coats women are wearing today, you aren't seeing a massive reinvention of the wheel. You’re seeing a refined version of a design that peaked in the 1960s. Back then, London Fog was everywhere. They owned about 80% of the U.S. raincoat market. Think about that. Nearly everyone walking down a rainy street in Manhattan or Chicago was wearing the same Baltimore-made tech. Today, the manufacturing has changed, and the company has gone through various owners like Iconix Brand Group, but the silhouette—that specific, slightly oversized, belted look—remains a staple for anyone who needs to look professional without trying too hard.
The Reality of London Fog Coats Women Need to Know
Let’s get real about the "waterproof" claim. There is a huge difference between a raincoat and a trench coat. Most London Fog trenches use a polyester/cotton blend treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating. It’s great for a light mist or a dash from the car to the office. It is not a Gore-Tex shell for hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. If you stand in a downpour for forty minutes, you’re going to get damp.
The magic isn't in some futuristic space-age fabric. It's in the weave and the lining.
Most models come with a removable wool or faux-fur liner. This is the "secret sauce" of the brand. It turns a spring windbreaker into a legitimate late-autumn coat. You get two seasons for the price of one, which is probably why you see so many of these in vintage shops still looking brand new. They are built like tanks. The buttons are usually reinforced. The stitching is tight.
🔗 Read more: God Willing and the Creek Don't Rise: The True Story Behind the Phrase Most People Get Wrong
Check the labels, though. You’ll see variations like "Heritage Collection" or specific department store exclusives. The quality can vary slightly depending on where you buy it. A London Fog coat from a high-end department store might have slightly heavier hardware than one found at a discount outlet, though the core design usually stays consistent.
Why the Trench Style Won’t Die
Fashion cycles are usually pretty predictable, but the trench coat is an anomaly. It just refuses to go away. Why? Because it hides everything. Whether you're wearing a tailored suit or sweatpants you slept in, throwing on a London Fog instantly makes you look like you have your life together. It’s the ultimate "fake it 'til you make it" garment.
The double-breasted front adds a layer of structure to the torso. The belt defines the waist. It’s a geometry trick for the human body.
The Evolution of the Material
Back in the day, these coats were heavy. Like, "weighs down your shoulders after a mile" heavy. Modern london fog coats women shop for now are significantly lighter. They’ve leaned into microfibers and high-density polyesters. This makes them more packable. If you’re traveling to London (the city, not the brand) or Seattle, you can stuff one of these into a carry-on and it won't come out looking like a crumpled paper bag.
- The "Reid" or "Aubrey" styles are the classics—longer, more traditional.
- The "Piccadilly" or shorter double-breasted versions are better for shorter frames.
- Don't ignore the hooded versions. Purists hate them, but if you don't like carrying an umbrella, a detachable hood is a lifesaver.
Picking the Right Size (It’s Tricky)
Here is where people usually mess up. London Fog tends to run large. It’s an American brand with an "American cut." This means they leave plenty of room in the armholes and chest for layering. If you buy your "true" size, you might feel like you’re drowning in fabric.
💡 You might also like: Kiko Japanese Restaurant Plantation: Why This Local Spot Still Wins the Sushi Game
If you plan on wearing it over a chunky sweater or a blazer, stay true to size. If you want that sleek, modern, slim-fit look you see on Instagram, you almost always need to size down.
Also, look at the length. A "full-length" trench on someone who is 5'4" can look like a costume. A "mid-length" coat usually hits just above the knee, which is generally the most flattering spot for most heights. It allows for movement without the hem dragging through puddles.
Spotting the Real Deal vs. Cheap Imitations
Because London Fog is such a recognizable name, you’ll see a lot of "trench-style" coats that look similar but fail the stress test. Check the epaulets (those shoulder straps). On a real London Fog, those are functional. They were originally meant for securing binoculars or gas mask bags—now they just keep your tote bag from sliding off your shoulder.
Look at the "storm flap" on the chest. A well-made coat has that extra layer of fabric to ensure water doesn't seep through the button line. If the coat is missing these structural details, it's just a fashion jacket, not a functional piece of outerwear.
Maintenance Is Easier Than You Think
People are terrified of washing these. "Dry Clean Only" is often a suggestion, not a law, depending on the specific fabric blend. Most poly-cotton London Fog coats can handle a cold cycle in a front-loading machine.
📖 Related: Green Emerald Day Massage: Why Your Body Actually Needs This Specific Therapy
- Avoid the dryer. Heat is the enemy of the water-repellent coating.
- Hang it up. Use a sturdy wooden hanger, not a wire one that will poke "shoulders" into the fabric.
- Ironing. Use a low setting. If you melt the polyester, the coat is toast.
Over time, the DWR coating wears off. You’ll notice the water starts soaking into the fabric rather than beading off. You don't need a new coat. Just buy a can of waterproofing spray (like Nikwax or Scotchgard) and give it a fresh coat. It’ll be as good as new.
The Sustainability Argument
We talk a lot about "ethical fashion" these days. The most sustainable thing you can do is buy a coat that lasts twenty years instead of two. London Fog falls into that category. It’s not "luxury" in the sense of Burberry or Aquascutum, but it’s high-quality "middle-class" gear. It’s accessible. You can find them at Macy’s, Nordstrom Rack, or even thrift stores for $30.
Because they don't follow "trends" in the aggressive way Zara or H&M do, a London Fog coat you buy in 2026 will still look perfectly fine in 2036. That's the real value. You're opting out of the trend cycle.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Purchase
If you're ready to pull the trigger on a new coat, don't just click "buy" on the first one you see.
- Check the lining first. If it doesn't have a removable liner, you're limiting yourself to only a few weeks of wear per year. Get the one with the zip-out vest.
- Test the "Shoulder Swing." When trying it on, reach forward as if you're driving or hugging someone. If the back feels tight, you need a different cut. London Fog is known for the "wing" back which should give you plenty of range.
- Inspect the belt. Ensure it has D-rings. They don't do anything for most people, but they are a hallmark of the classic military design and help the belt stay in place when buckled.
- Look for the "London Fog" logo under the collar. Sometimes it’s subtle, but it's a mark of the authentic Heritage line.
- Go for the "Khaki" or "Stone" colors. They show the least amount of salt and water staining compared to black or navy.
Basically, you're buying a piece of history that happens to be very good at keeping you dry. It's a pragmatic choice. It's a smart choice. And honestly, it's one of the few items in a modern wardrobe that actually earns its keep.