A trench coat is a great thing to have on a rainy day. Not only that, it’s great for any fall or spring day when the wind is blowing and you want to protect yourself. But, the most important thing about this type of coat is the kind of statement it makes about the person who wears it. So what does a trench coat convey about you? Below are 5 things you can stream.

Mystery: This coat exudes an air of mystery. In many movies, the main characters often mysteriously wear trench coats. The reason behind the mystery lies in what the coat hides underneath. You have no idea if the person is the type who likes to wear dresses or pants, jeans or shorts, t-shirts or button-downs. Also, you don’t know the style of the clothing, so you can’t figure out where the person is going. Is the person well dressed to go out to dinner or go dancing? Is the person a waitress, a business person, a department store buyer, or a judge? With this type of coat covering you, no one has any idea who you are and this gives off a definite air of mystery.

Confidence: Trench coats often convey confidence. You see the confident swagger of many cowboys in westerns with their long, full-length coats. You also see the confidence of a businesswoman who walks to her meetings in a long, smart coat. Depending on how you wear it, a trench coat generally exudes a lot of confidence.

Style: A stylish trench coat tells others that you have a sense of fashion. Lots of designer brands make fancy coats these days and the details around these kinds of coats show a lot of style. So, when looking for a trench coat, carefully select the color, the collar, the type of buttons and the other small details that will be on your coat to convey your style.

Timelessness: Trench coats have been around for a long time. People have been wearing them since Thomas Burberry created them in 1901. Since then, many people have been wearing them. From men at war to stylish women in the ’50s and countless people from all walks of life now, these types of jackets exude a unique timelessness that other pieces of clothing don’t. You can wear your coat at 20 and continue to wear it until your 50s and beyond. So buy one carefully and be selective.

Danger: Finally, a trench coat, especially when worn on men, can convey danger. Many TV and movie characters wear these coats to hide their weapons. If you come across a threatening person wearing a trench coat, be careful. You don’t know what they can wear under the coat. The same could apply to yourself. If you want to convey an air of menace or danger, unbutton your coat, turn it around, and wear it with confidence when you walk.

A trench coat is a great piece of clothing. When you wear one, think about what you want to convey to others.