The History Of The Pea Coat Apart from the durable wool, the pea coat featured a double-breasted silhouette for extra chest protection, a large ulster collar that could be buttoned all the way to the top, vertical slit pockets, and buttons with an anchor emblem.

pea·​coat ˈpē-ˌkōt. : a heavy woolen double-breasted jacket originally worn by sailors.

The peacoat originated as a piece of functional outerwear nearly three centuries ago to protect European and America sailors from harsh wind, heavy rain and cold temperatures at sea. It is always double-breasted, shorter than a traditional overcoat, and has broad lapels that can be buttoned up.

What is a Pea Coat? A pea coat, also called pea jacket, p coat, p jacket and peacoat, is a short double-breasted wool coat usually in navy blue. The pea coat is one of the most stylish jackets that a man can wear.

The wide peak lapels broaden the chest to draw the eye upward and make you appear taller than you actually are. The construction of the double breasted suit adds a formal touch making it perfect for formal occasions. It can easily be accessorized with a tie and handkerchief.

The pea coat was originally used as a military piece of clothing, more specifically for the navy. The Dutch navy created the pea coat in the 1800s as part of the navy uniform, and that is where the name originates from - “pije” means coarse wool in Dutch, the fabric used to make the pea coat.

The pea coat was originally used as a military piece of clothing, more specifically for the navy. The Dutch navy created the pea coat in the 1800s as part of the navy uniform, and that is where the name originates from - “pije” means coarse wool in Dutch, the fabric used to make the pea coat.

According to a 1975 edition of The Mariner's Mirror, the term "pea coat" originated from the Dutch or West Frisian word pijjekker or pijjakker, in which pij referred to the type of cloth used, a coarse kind of twilled blue cloth with a nap on one side. Jakker designates a man's short, heavy coat.

Who Should Wear a Pea Coat?

• Younger men.
• Men with average to slender physiques.
• Choose 100% wool - or up to a 20% synthetic/wool blend.
• Nail the fit.
• Pick a versatile, traditional color.
• Look on ebay and in consignment and military surplus stores.
• Button up.
• It's okay to pop the collar, sometimes.

Contrary to dated advice you may see, this leaves it very accessible to a broad range of body shapes. The only male body type not suited to the double-breasted style is a man with wide hips, who may feel a little boxy. With good tailoring, everyone else can enjoy the style.

We're here to put those concerns to rest: Any man from any background with any body shape can wear a double-breasted suit. With modern styling and an impeccable fit, this style works for everyone. The DB is appropriate for any occasion from business casual to formal - just as long as you're willing to get noticed.

The History Of The Navy Peacoat The Dutch were a seafaring power centuries ago and in order to help their sailors they developed a heavy and dark wool coat called a "piijekker". In Dutch, "pij" (apparently pronounced "pea") is the word for coarse, twilled cloth while "jekker" means "jacket".

Camplin Since 1893 Camplin producing the original Royal Navy Peacoat.

The current US Navy standard peacoat is made from 100% wool and is supplied by the manufacturer Northwest Woolen Mills (A Division of The Brickle Group).

A pea coat. You're elegant, sophisticated, put-together, and thoughtful. A pea coat doesn't compete to be the center of attention, but instead opts for a quiet, non-intrusive, classic look that says there's more to you than meets the eye.

The peacoat is a very popular outerwear piece that also passes for a great winter outfit. It has a nicely tailored double-breasted [single breasted also available] styling and classic-contemporary charm. It is a very versatile outfit that can be worn with everything from a suit to sneakers.