I Love My Sézane Clyde Trench, But I Found 7 Affordable Alternatives That Are Friendlier to Your Wallet

Bougie French style on a budget

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sezane clyde trench alternatives uni editors picks
Anthropologie/original photo by marissa wu/banana republic factory

As an unabashed Francophile, Sézane has long been on my radar. I first heard about the cult Parisian brand while living in Paris as a fresh college grad, lusting after the 100 percent wool sweaters in the flagship boutique on Rue Saint-Fiacre. As I’ve gotten older and added many Sézane pieces to my wardrobe, one has stood above the rest: The Clyde trench coat. It’s the French label’s take on a quintessentially British closet staple, with a simple, almost Peter-Pan-like collar and oversized cut. It has garnered quite a following, from PureWow’s own editors to the fashionable TikTok set. However, it does come with a hefty price tag, clocking in at $355. While I do love it, there are many great options out there that are similar in design, more affordable and available in a variety of lengths. I know this because I combed through hundreds of trench coats in search of worthy Sézane alternatives, and narrowed it down to seven styles that feel up to snuff.  And they’re all less than $300.

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How I Chose the Coats

Sézane’s trench is actually a Mac coat, short for “Mackintosh.” It’s meant to serve as a rainy-day staple, with water-resistant fabric and a generous cut that’s convenient when layering. The Mac coat is typically single-breasted without a belt, but can still have pockets. (The Clyde has great pockets, for the record.) On the other hand, a classic trench finds its roots in British army uniforms dating back to World War I. The name is actually a reference to the brutal, lethal style of trench warfare popular at the time. The trench is defined by a doubled-breasted design with pockets, a wide belt and shoulder straps. In this round-up, I focused on single-breasted coats with oversized cuts, simple collars and lack of any embellishment to keep things understated and très chic.

Sometimes you want to find as close a match as possible to the original design. If that’s the case with the Sézane Clyde coat, then the Tankaneo trench from Amazon really is as close as you’re going to get. Even I, a Sézane acolyte, did an initial double take. The silhouette is nearly identical, down to the checkered lining, pockets and tortoiseshell buttons. There are seven colorways, including Army Green, Navy and Dark Grey. Buyers have praised this coat for its versatility (even on petite frames), noting that it’s a great windbreaker and perfect for inclement weather. Plus, it’s under $70, making it the most affordable option on this list.

Fast Facts

  • Size range: XS to XL
  • Colors: 7
  • Material: polyester

2. Sam Edelman Mac Coat

Sam Edelman

One downer about Sézane: It’s not always petite friendly. Still, petite blogger Jean Wang has said that the Clyde “fits big and long for petites, but nevertheless it has become the one I reach for the most” for full-body coverage.

 At 5’6’’, even I know that buying pants here may mean a trip to the tailor to lop off a couple inches. With its already generous cut of fabric, the Clyde is likely to engulf my friends below 5’4’’, as it already hits me mid-shin. That’s why I like this little number from Sam Edelman. It’s got the simplicity we adore at a shorter length, giving petites more wiggle room. It’s also got some side slits and buttoned cuffs on the wrists for that trench-like flair.

Fast Facts

  • Size range: XXS to XXL
  • Colors: 3
  • Material: cotton, polyester

One of my favorite details about the Clyde is its gingham lining, which peeks playfully from the sleeves when they’re rolled back. As soon as I saw Avec Les Filles’ design, it made me think of the lining of Sézane’s coat, inside out and joyous. The cut is similar, though this style is shorter and ends at the knees. A single row of buttons, flat collar and big welt pockets make it a refreshing take on the silhouette. There’s even a zipper for double the security.

Fast Facts

  • Size range: XXS to XL
  • Colors: 1
  • Material: polyester

4. Banana Republic Factory Twill Mac Coat

Banana Republic Factory

Banana Republic Factory’s twill coat is another near dead-ringer for the Clyde, at a more cropped length. It’s got the classic stand collar, raglan sleeves and tortoiseshell buttons, welt pockets and a back vent. There are sleeve cuffs, but they aren’t overly bulky and add a touch of contrast. A great petite option, as well as one for those who prefer shorter coats.

Fast Facts

  • Size range: XXS to XXL
  • Colors: 2
  • Material: cotton, polyester

Similarly to the Tankaneo trench, Zara’s version had me blinking at my computer screen. Like the Clyde, this plaid-cuff trench has a gingham lining in eerily similar shades. From the front, it looks nearly identical, save for the shorter length. But there are two surprises that give it a delightful spin: buttons on the collar (helpful on extremely windy days) and a back flap that adds some dimension.

Fast Facts

  • Size range: XS to XL
  • Colors: 1
  • Material: cotton, polyamide

If you like the Clyde’s more relaxed cut but want a traditional trench, I find this style from Everlane to be a nice compromise. It has the cut of a classic trench coat—lapels, storm flap, button cuffs and belt—but also has the looser fit that Mac coats are known for, meaning you can pile on the layers without the risk of looking bulky.

Fast Facts

  • Size range: XXS to XXL
  • Colors: 3
  • Material: viscose, recycled nylon, recycled polyester

Perhaps you like the cut of the Clyde but wish it came with a belt to rein in the silhouette. (Some days I definitely do.) Gap’s Mac coat is your answer. It’s sleek and single breasted with a similar spread collar, and it includes a belt to define the waist. Not to mention, it’s available in petite-specific sizing.

Fast Facts

  • Size range: XXS to XXL (regular and petite)
  • Colors: 1
  • Material: cotton, nylon


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Editor, SEO and Audience Development

  • Writes across all verticals, including beauty, fashion, wellness, travel and entertainment, with a focus on SEO and evergreen content
  • Has previously worked at Popular Photography and Southern Living, with words in Martha Stewart and Forbes Vetted
  • Has a B.S. in journalism from Boston University