- M&S launches ‘the trench’ for spring 2026, redefining a longstanding customer favourite, and underpinned by incredible value at £95
- Demand is soaring with ‘women’s trench coat’ searches up 110% yoy on M&S.com and 1.2m google searches for ‘trench’ annually
- As the uk’s best brand 2026, M&S delivers a premium, durable, value coat with timeless design for men and women
- Created by the in-house M&S design team and inspired by the companies’ rich archives
Introducing the coat that redefines a British classic. An icon, a forever piece, with unmistakable presence and a timeless silhouette - engineered for today. Because this isn’t just any trench, this is THE TRENCH. Crafted for style, designed for the British weather. A modern investment at great value, underpinned by exceptional quality, effortless polish, and everyday performance. It’s the only trench you’ll ever need and the one you’ll wonder how you lived without, championing the brands high-street lead in style, quality & value*. Available exclusively at M&S from the 5th of March 2026.
The trench has stood for elegance, intelligence, and effortless cool for over a century, with raincoats first introduced to M&S customers during the 1920’s and evolving into one of fashions most enduring silhouettes. Synonymous with icons and legends, from Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca to Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, cinematic moments have cemented the trench as more than just outerwear – but a symbol of character, confidence and style that transcends trends. And with searches for ‘Women’s Trench Coat’ currently up 110% YoY on M&S.com, alongside ‘Trench’ amassing 1.2 million Google searches annually, its popularity shows no sign of waning.
Reporting M&S.com Internal searches and Annual Google searches from 2nd February 2026
Rooted in heritage yet designed for now, the UK’s Best Brand 2026** delivers a style-focused, premium trench at exceptional value (£95). To inform the development of the new trench, M&S looked to its company Archive in Leeds, exploring designs from the 1920s to the present day. Historically, similar coats were referenced as macs, gaberdines, raincoats or overcoats - and it was these reference points that helped shape the design direction. Taking inspiration from the most iconic features and reimagining them for today, including recolouring a historic check to create a modern, yet heritage grounded, statement lining. Crafted from 100% sustainably sourced premium cotton twill with a premium sustainably sourced check lining, the coat blends classic construction with modern sensibility, clean lines and thoughtful detailing.
Engineered for real British weather, it features water-resistant Stormwear™ technology and considered craftsmanship throughout: mock horn glossy buttons, an internal chest pocket, adjustable buttoned cuffs, and tab and button back vent. Designed for an authentic, confident fit for both women and men, the trench champions quality fabrics, modern proportions and craftsmanship that speak to durability and everyday wearability. Built to be worn year after year, it evolves with the wearer - honouring our past while defining a new future for the trench.
Maddy Evans Director of M&S Woman comments; “With the launch of the trench, we wanted to create more than just a coat, we wanted to create an icon. A classic that will never go out of style. Rooted in heritage but refined for today, inspired by style and designed for the British weather. Featuring elegant lines, thoughtful detailing and a confident, authentic fit. It’s a coat that moves effortlessly between moments - an investment piece with exceptional quality and perfectly showcases our commitment to delivering standout style, quality and value on the high street."
Mitch Hughes Director on M&S Menswear comments; “A coat isn’t just an accessory but a statement - the kind of quiet authority that elevates even the simplest of outfits and this classic design honours that, while making it feel completely right for now. Our menswear trench focuses on modern proportions, clean structure and durable fabrics to create an iconic style that feels premium, purposeful and easy to wear every day. It’s timeless but not traditional - a piece that works just as well in the city as it does beyond it. Celebrating British style, made accessible for a new generation and we're not only delivering style and quality, but a product with truly incredible value."
Available in stores and online from Thursday the 5th of March, in Light Camel and Black, Womenswear sizes 6-24 (Regular & Petite) and Menswear Sizes S-2XL (Regular).
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Notes to Editor
- *#1 for Style, Quality and Value perceptions (YouGov perception data).
- **M&S is the UK’s best brand for fourth year in a row (according to YouGov’s Best Brand Rankings 2026).
- We design, create and source our products with a commitment to using preferrd raw materials:
- By April 2026, our core raw materials (cotton, polyester and man-made cellulosic fibres) will be converted to preferred alternatives. Together, these account for more than 80% of our materials mix.
- By April 2031, all other raw materials used in Fashion & Home products will be converted to preferred alternatives.
- Another Life brings all our circularity services together to offer a more seamless experience for customers who are looking to support a shift to a more circular economy. It includes our long-standing in-store takeback programme with Oxfam, online takeback and resale through eBay and Reskinned, our beauty takeback scheme with Handle, and our repair partnership with SOJO.