I was searching for a trench that works for me, and I decided on J. Crew. Who doesn’t like J.Crew outerwear?

Here is some information about me and JCrew sizing. I’m JCrew size 00 for dresses, XS-S for sweaters, S for an late 90’s – early 2000’s JCrew Pea Coat, 0 for JCrew Factory 2015 coat. I’m 5’6″, 105lb. I’ve got straight shoulders and hate shoulder padding of any kind, light or otherwise. My body type can be described as straight.

Needless to say, I was up in the air for either the Icon or the City trench coats.  I purchased both to try them at home and here’s what I learned about the two coats.

ICON Trench ($208, with coupon)

I bought a size 2, after reading JCrew reviews online. And it’s still tight in the shoulders. I can wear a light cardigan under it. The material is 100% cotton, made in Phillipines, a true khaki color. I think the color is more cold. The cleaning tag suggests “Dry Clean”. The cotton is thicker and stiffer.

CITY Trench ($110, with coupon)

I bought a size 0, also after reading reviews. The size 0 is a good fit, and I can wear a sweater under it. The material is 100% cotton as well, made in China, “nut brown” color. I think the color is more warm, reminds me of a classic German Shepherd brown “red”. The cleaning tag says Machine Wash. The cotton is softer and I can fold the sleeves easily.

Details of Differences Between the Two Trenches: The City trench is 1-2 inches longer than the Icon trench. If you see in the pictures the over shoulder panel is opposite sides. This might affect you if you have a shoulder bag. The back lower vent is different. The City has an actual vent. The Icon has not actual vent and its held by a button. The backs are different too, there is a button holding down the back for the Icon. And the Icon’s lining was boring, satin polyester, and the City has a fun striped navy and white lining. Though the City does have a chain for hanging and a lot of stitching details. There is a removable piece at the cuff on the neck of the City, button removable.

Results:  For my skin tone the Nut Brown of the City Trench looks better. The cotton was softer and easier to fold, and for my styling purposes I wanted that. The shoulder fit was important for me. Even as a size 2, the Icon was still tight in the shoulders. The waist was good, so sizing up to 4 would have made the waist too wide. As for the price, it was  $100 dollar difference.

I decided to keep the City Trench over the Icon due to the fabric, color, overall fit, and price. I’m excited for the weather to be right for this Autumn and the follow Spring. Now I just need to return that Icon trench…hmm where is the nearest physical store?