Review: J.Crew Icon Trench vs. Wool Cashmere Icon Trench

It’s probably a bit pre-mature to be doing a coat review but I thought I would get a jump start for you ladies:) I ordered both of these J.Crew trench coats to compare for those of you in the market for a classic trench coat or a wool version.
CompareTrench.jpg
Left: J.Crew Icon Trench in wool cashmere – size 00P
Right: J.Crew Icon Trench – size 00
CashmereTrench2.jpg

MATERIAL: The material is made out of luxurious Italian wool cashmere (and oh so soft). It appears really thick and heavy but it’s very comfortable. It’s comparable to the weight of the lady day coat. 70% wool, 22% nylon and 8% cashmere 
QUALITY/DESIGN: The quality is amazing and most J.Crew items are very well made. All the stitching and buttons are perfect – couldn’t find any flaws. I love the button tabs on the shoulders, buckle tabs on cuffs, welt pockets with flaps. The back has a vent with storm flap.
SIZE/FIT: 00P – fits someone my size nicely. It leaves plenty of room for thicker blazers or sweaters underneath. I think it’s important to remember this when shopping for coats- will it fit over all your layers?  This one fits comfortably without looking too bulky.
Shoulder to shoulder = 14″
Sleeves = 21.5″
Waist = 16″ 
Total length = 37″
CashmereTrench3.jpg
CashmereTrench4.jpg
COLOR: The color I have here is called heather acorn. It’s available in a navy and cabernet (gorgeous burgundy). I love the heather acorn. It’s neutral and classic.
PRICE: $345 – It’s very expensive and I am hoping for a sale soon. I don’t think I could spend this much on a coat. I have two lady day coats from last year that should tie me over for now. Do I really need this coat or do I just want it 

Trench2.jpg
J.Crew Icon Trench – size 00

MATERIAL: 100% cotton – I like that it’s a lighter material and would make more sense for someone living in a warmer state. Although it does get cold enough for thicker coats where I live.  This is a classic trench style that would transition well over the years.

QUALITY: Since I don’t own any other trench coats, it’s hard for me to compare.  The quality is very well made which is typical for J.Crew. A reader told me that this is the same material that Burberry coats are cut from? Can anyone attest to that? I have no clue since I don’t own a Burberry trench or even tried one on.

Trench3.jpg

SIZE/FIT: The size I am wearing is a 00 regular. I don’t believe this came in petite sizing. I wish it did so then the sleeves would fit w/out alterations.
Shoulder to shoulder = 14″
Sleeves = 23 3/4″
Waist = 16″ 
Total length = 36″

PRICE:  I got this on sale for $148 after discounts. Not bad since it’s now full price again.  I will have to get the sleeves tailored which is an additional expense. 

BackandSleeve.jpg

Here is a comparison photo to show you the wool cashmere in 00P is a bit longer in length and about 1″ shorter in the sleeves compared to the 00 regular.  All in all, both fit pretty similar in size except the sleeves. 
What are your thoughts? Do I keep the regular trench and get the sleeves tailored?
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  1. Have you tried the Banana Republic trench coat? It’s price point is much lower (once you factor in coupons) and it usually goes on sale once or twice a year. The XSP runs small so it might work for you. Even if it’s a little big, it’s so much cheaper than the J Crew, that adding in alterations wouldn’t break the bank. I’ve had mine for years and the quality is great.

    • I tried it on last year but didn’t like it for some reason. The quality didn’t seem as nice as J.Crew but for 1/2 the price…I may have to revisit. I definitely don’t want to spend over $350 for a coat…thanks for your help Katie!

  2. Have you tried the Banana Republic trench coat? It's price point is much lower (once you factor in coupons) and it usually goes on sale once or twice a year. The XSP runs small so it might work for you. Even if it's a little big, it's so much cheaper than the J Crew, that adding in alterations wouldn't break the bank. I've had mine for years and the quality is great.

  3. Hmmm. I’ve been needing to replace my old JCrew coat for years now and I was debating getting the burgundy icon. I though that I would go up a size to 2P so I would have more room for blazers, but maybe I don’t need to? Or maybe I have to just buy two and return one? I was trying to avoid that scenario. I’m so glad the sleeves are longer on this coat though, I’m getting a bit tired of the bracelet length sleeves that J.Crew has been doing the few years.

    • I think because you have longer arms and legs, you may want to get the 2P to compare…the sleeves are not as short as the lady day. I love the burgundy color but am afraid the color will be played out after a few years? I like the heather acorn better.

      • Burgundy is worn every fall season, if you get tired of it, that’s one thing, but looking “dated” probably isn’t something one needs to worry about. I like the heather acorn, but I much prefer a darker color coat for winter and since I’m looking to replace my black one, burgundy is a probably a better choice for me. I would choose acorn if I was “supplementing” or adding my wardrobe rather than filling holes.

  4. Hmmm. I've been needing to replace my old JCrew coat for years now and I was debating getting the burgundy icon. I though that I would go up a size to 2P so I would have more room for blazers, but maybe I don't need to? Or maybe I have to just buy two and return one? I was trying to avoid that scenario. I'm so glad the sleeves are longer on this coat though, I'm getting a bit tired of the bracelet length sleeves that J.Crew has been doing the few years.

  5. I agree with Katie. I have the BR trench for almost 2years now (was lucky enough to buy it when BR ran their 50%promo). Size 00P fit me like a glove but i have short arms so it was minor alterations only on the arm. Burberry is the ultimate trench but can’t justify the price.

    • Yeah I cannot justify the price on the Burberry trench no matter how hard I try..LOL I will check out the BR one again and see how it compares to the J.Crew one. I tried one on last year and it did nothing for me….lol

  6. I agree with Katie. I have the BR trench for almost 2years now (was lucky enough to buy it when BR ran their 50%promo). Size 00P fit me like a glove but i have short arms so it was minor alterations only on the arm. Burberry is the ultimate trench but can't justify the price.

  7. Looking forward to cooler weather with this post! πŸ™‚ I am LOVING that wool/cashmere coat -definitely keeping my eye on it! For the regular trench, I have to say I’m a bit partial to Burberry. Though I generally try to look for less $$ options, trench is a staple professional item that I wear often and (hopefully!) will not go out of style. That said, I think the J.Crew trench is a fabulous alternative and I with a little tailoring it would be perfect! (Did you try Banana, I know they also make a trench, but not sure of the quality.) Great reviews!

  8. Looking forward to cooler weather with this post! πŸ™‚ I am LOVING that wool/cashmere coat -definitely keeping my eye on it! For the regular trench, I have to say I'm a bit partial to Burberry. Though I generally try to look for less $$ options, trench is a staple professional item that I wear often and (hopefully!) will not go out of style. That said, I think the J.Crew trench is a fabulous alternative and I with a little tailoring it would be perfect! (Did you try Banana, I know they also make a trench, but not sure of the quality.) Great reviews!

  9. I think because you have longer arms and legs, you may want to get the 2P to compare…the sleeves are not as short as the lady day. I love the burgundy color but am afraid the color will be played out after a few years? I like the heather acorn better.

  10. I tried it on last year but didn't like it for some reason. The quality didn't seem as nice as J.Crew but for 1/2 the price…I may have to revisit. I definitely don't want to spend over $350 for a coat…thanks for your help Katie!

  11. Yeah I cannot justify the price on the Burberry trench no matter how hard I try..LOL I will check out the BR one again and see how it compares to the J.Crew one. I tried one on last year and it did nothing for me….lol

  12. Burgundy is worn every fall season, if you get tired of it, that's one thing, but looking "dated" probably isn't something one needs to worry about. I like the heather acorn, but I much prefer a darker color coat for winter and since I'm looking to replace my black one, burgundy is a probably a better choice for me. I would choose acorn if I was "supplementing" or adding my wardrobe rather than filling holes.

  13. I’m looking for a lightweight trench coat so I may give the J. Crew one a try. I haven’t tried the Burberry one yet but I really want to! It looks great on everybody. Are those the Talbot heels you’re wearing? If so, the color looks waaaaay better than I expected!

  14. I'm looking for a lightweight trench coat so I may give the J. Crew one a try. I haven't tried the Burberry one yet but I really want to! It looks great on everybody. Are those the Talbot heels you're wearing? If so, the color looks waaaaay better than I expected!

  15. Thank you for the review. A trench coat is definitely on my list for fall/ winter. I think you may be able to find a better trench coat if you wait.

  16. Thank you for the review. A trench coat is definitely on my list for fall/ winter. I think you may be able to find a better trench coat if you wait.

  17. It LOOKS like a Burberry on you! LOL I think you look terrific in this trench and the sleeve alteration would be a minor detail for such a nice fit. Diane

  18. It LOOKS like a Burberry on you! LOL I think you look terrific in this trench and the sleeve alteration would be a minor detail for such a nice fit. Diane

  19. I’ve always wanted to try a trench coat but feel it just never looks right on me. I love the first coat but a bit pricey. The second is nice but it does need alterations. Tough call. Hmm … which one could you get more use out of?? Decisions. Decisions.

  20. I've always wanted to try a trench coat but feel it just never looks right on me. I love the first coat but a bit pricey. The second is nice but it does need alterations. Tough call. Hmm … which one could you get more use out of?? Decisions. Decisions.

  21. I would buy BOTH coats. A good coat is an investment piece that you will own for years to come.

  22. I would buy BOTH coats. A good coat is an investment piece that you will own for years to come.

  23. Get the wool coat, if you can afford it without going into debt. And if you like the cabernet (burgundy) color, go for it! Thank you for a very thorough and informative review. Fascinating!

  24. Get the wool coat, if you can afford it without going into debt. And if you like the cabernet (burgundy) color, go for it! Thank you for a very thorough and informative review. Fascinating!

  25. Hi Annie,
    I was wondering, in the picture of the back of the cashmere trench, are you supposed to leave the two cross-stitches or are you supposed to cut them after you buy them? What are they for?

    Thanks so much.

  26. Hi Annie,
    I was wondering, in the picture of the back of the cashmere trench, are you supposed to leave the two cross-stitches or are you supposed to cut them after you buy them? What are they for?

    Thanks so much.

  27. Hi there! Yes you are supposed to cut them off after you buy them. I didn't know if I was keeping it or not so I always leave it in tact until I decide πŸ™‚

  28. Personally, I wouldn’t get the trench tailored because another one is bound to come along that fits off the rack. I prefer the lady coats over this wool trench b/c this trench looks bulky (even for a size 00P!).

  29. Personally, I wouldn't get the trench tailored because another one is bound to come along that fits off the rack. I prefer the lady coats over this wool trench b/c this trench looks bulky (even for a size 00P!).

  30. Hi Annie, great reviews of these two options. Both so timeless, and really fit you and your style well. Such a bummer though, that the sleeves on the trench are so darn long. Last year I was on the hunt for a classic Burberry-esque trench, and I was in H&M one day (Spring-time), not looking for a trench at all, when lo and behold there it was. I scooped it up for $49. It is a deeper khaki/camel color (similar to the wool coat here in this post), and the length was perfect.
    So, since my classic trench desire has been met, the classic camel wool coat option is on deck next. This one looks promising, but I will also wait to see if it goes down in price. Thanks again for the thoughtful reviews and posts. Always helpful!

  31. Hi Annie, great reviews of these two options. Both so timeless, and really fit you and your style well. Such a bummer though, that the sleeves on the trench are so darn long. Last year I was on the hunt for a classic Burberry-esque trench, and I was in H&M one day (Spring-time), not looking for a trench at all, when lo and behold there it was. I scooped it up for $49. It is a deeper khaki/camel color (similar to the wool coat here in this post), and the length was perfect.
    So, since my classic trench desire has been met, the classic camel wool coat option is on deck next. This one looks promising, but I will also wait to see if it goes down in price. Thanks again for the thoughtful reviews and posts. Always helpful!

  32. Thanks for the great post! The wool coat fits perfectly on you. I think you should keep exploring for a regular trench.

    Do you think the icon wool in 00P would be too bulky on someone my size? I’m about 4’10.5″ and around 85 pounds. Also, the color I’d like in that coat is sold out and I was contemplating getting in in 00 regular, so do you think that may be way too big?

  33. Thanks for the great post! The wool coat fits perfectly on you. I think you should keep exploring for a regular trench.

    Do you think the icon wool in 00P would be too bulky on someone my size? I'm about 4'10.5" and around 85 pounds. Also, the color I'd like in that coat is sold out and I was contemplating getting in in 00 regular, so do you think that may be way too big?

  34. Thank you for your reviews… May I ask how tall are you? I want to get the ICON TRENCH IN WOOL-CASHMERE, but i’m afraid it will be too long for me…

  35. Thank you for your reviews… May I ask how tall are you? I want to get the ICON TRENCH IN WOOL-CASHMERE, but i'm afraid it will be too long for me…

  36. Do you think the cotton trench is one with material that’s easily wrinkled? Also, I noticed that the armhole area seems a bit baggy. Do you think it’s something that can be fixed by just pulling on the sleeves more and straightening it? I’m 5’0 and close in size to you (< 100 lb)

  37. I guess the only differences between this one and the Burberry are:

    1. It looks like the trench wrinkles more

    2. It is made in China (my guess as it says “Import”, whereas Burberry trenches are all made in England)

    3. The flap on the chest is on the other side (Burberry is on the left, not the right)

    4. There are no buttons on the front pockets (Burberry has 2)

    5. For the price tag, the Burberry one I think is something like 5X more expensive.

    6. J. Crew only comes in one colour, Burberry has many — Honey, Black, Khaki etc.

    I haven’t tried on the J. Crew one but I will to make a comparison.

  38. hello, really nice trench! I like it!! almost like burberry one )) Where did you buy it ? And can I have the same discount, if I am also student?)
    IS this 0 or 00 size? Can you write your parameters(BUST, NATURAL WAIST , HIP ) and how tall are? )
    I am going to order this trench via Interenet and if you will answer , you will really help me)
    Thank you!!!

  39. Hi Katie,
    I was checking the J.Crew trench coat and found your blog. The icon trench looks pretty on you! The color is different this year though. Just wondering how did you get it for $148? Such a low price! The current price is $298. Huge difference! Do you still remember what sales event was that? Will it be short of sizes in such event? I normally wear size 0. Thank you!

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