Sézane’s Clyde Trench Coat Is the ‘It’ Piece in London—I Reviewed It

I’ve had my Clyde trench coat for seven months now, and in that time, it’s seen plenty of wear (no tear)—both in California and in London, where I truly put it to the test against the famously unpredictable British weather. (Spoiler: It held up through plenty of rainy days.) I’ve worn it more times than I can count, paying close attention to how it holds up against the PureWow100 scale, particularly looking at its fit, quality, aesthetic, value and versatility. Having taken it through fall, winter and spring, I can confidently speak to a few key factors, namely how well it transitions between seasons, how warm it is and how travel-friendly it proves to be.

Before I get into the juicy details of Sézane’s Clyde trench coat, here’s a little context about me—because when it comes to sizing, it really does matter. I’m 5’7” with an athletic build, broad shoulders and some semblance of hips, and I weigh around 138 pounds. My waist measures 27 inches, I wear a 32B bra and I typically fluctuate between a US size 4 and 6, depending on the brand. So, needless to say, figuring out the right size felt a bit daunting.

Sézane describes the Clyde trench as ‘oversize’ and even suggests sizing down if you’re between two sizes, which is exactly what I did. I went with a size 4, but thanks to my broader shoulders, it felt a little too snug through the chest and I felt the fabric ride up under my armpits and pull taught when I motioned to make a hug. So, I swapped it for a size 6—and honestly, it was the best decision. The fit was instantly more comfortable, flattering and offered just the right amount of room to move freely and layer chunky sweaters underneath.

Given that Sézane is a French clothing brand, it’s not surprising that their sizing skews slightly smaller—likely tailored to more petite French frames. If your build is similar to mine, it’s something to keep in mind. That said, one of my colleagues sized down and still had plenty of wiggle room, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation.

TL;DR: Sizing for the Clyde trench can be a bit of a gamble. Your best bet? Grab a tape measure and compare your numbers to Sézane’s size chart to land on the right fit for you.

If you’re into the classic, straight-fit trench coats everyone seems to be wearing in London, you’ll probably fall hard for the Clyde. You won’t find lapels or a storm flap here, but what you will find is a beautifully bold checked lining and functional, easy-access pockets, which are perfect for slipping your hands in on brisk days. As I mentioned earlier, it has an oversize silhouette that feels effortlessly cool and relaxed on the body—less prim and polished than the traditional belted styles, and in the best way. Personally, I love an oversize fit. Not only is it more comfortable than something super tailored, but the extra room makes it ideal for layering chunky sweaters and knits (a must in England’s ever-changing weather).

The trench is made with a water-repellent cotton that’s luxe and thick enough to feel substantial, but still lightweight enough to pack without worry. I’ve tucked it into my check-in bag going to and from London, and it never tipped the scales toward an overweight fee. Weight aside, what really stands out is how versatile it is. This trench is a dream for transitional weather—especially during fall and spring when a light sweater is all you need underneath.

I’ve seen plenty of Londoners rock it in winter over wooly sweaters and big scarves, but for me, the cotton just isn’t warm enough on its own for truly cold days. That said, if it's lightly raining, I almost always reach for this coat first. The water-repellent finish holds up beautifully in a drizzle. Just keep in mind—it’s not fully water-resistant, so if the forecast calls for a downpour, a proper raincoat is probably the better call.