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The Modern Guide to The Thing Before Preppy

Sunday, August 9, 2020

A Reader Question for the Community: Peacoat?


A Reader Question for the Community:
Our eldest daughter has just graduated and is heading up north. Naturally, we are completely unprepared for cold weather. I wanted to get her an authentic peacoat as a gift.  Where would you recommend I look?

13 comments:

  1. Try EBay. Seriously. Some terrific bargains on there.

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    1. You are absolutely correct. I've bought two Navy-spec peacoats on eBay at wonderfully low prices.

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  2. We went to a store that sells military surplus. I found a fantastic all wool navy peacoat for $100.00. It's heavy, warm and made in the U.S.

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  3. Sterlingwear of Boston. They made peacoats for the Navy for a hundred years

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  4. If you want to spend a little bit more and get a new coat for her, Gloverall's in the UK has well made traditional pea coats. I bought one for my niece who is in college in Indiana where winters are brutal. I've had more expensive coats from other brands (mostly Italian and French brands) before, but the wool used by Gloverall seems to be very dense (it must be the process they use) and stand up to the elements better than my cashmeres and merino wool. They're practically indestructible! Barbour also made a wonderful pea coat (I preferred it to the Gloverall I had because it was warmer) but mine was bought more than 25 years ago, it was made in the UK, and I don't know about the quality of Barbour these days.

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  5. Gloverall of England would be my starting point. Schott of NYC offers classic peacoats that are made in USA from a heavy melton wool but they are expensive. Alternatively, look in Army and Navy surplus stores for cheaper options. Silvermans of London sells a made in USA peacoat for around $260 including delivery. Traditional French brands (such as Armor Lux and St James) are worth a look too.

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  6. Note the texture of the wool if you think she will wear the collar up to protect against the weather. I ended up giving away my USA made pea coat because the wool was too rough against my skin.

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  7. US Wings is a good source for several brands of authentic, Navy-issue peacoats, but I agree with RCJH above that eBay is a great place to look. Helpful hint: If you want something just a little bit longer than a normal peacoat cut, just order a tall size. You'll get an extra inch or two in the body and a more generous sleeve length.

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  8. Second Sterlingwear! USA made, family owned and they have great styles!

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  9. Inherited my fathers Pea Coat, U.S. Naval Store 1944. It is warm & heavy, pockets are corduroy lined. The double row of anchor buttons closes the deal. However, I would prefer a Gloverall Duffle if I lived up North. Hood, weight, length, & look of duffle speaks for itself. It seemed to work in the North Atlantic for the Royal Navy on convoy duty ...Corvettes or Flower Class Destroyers. Field Marshal Montgomery appropriated the kit on land.

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  10. I'm writing as a long-time college faculty member in New England, and my advice would be NOT to buy her a peacoat, as sturdy and warm as that may be. College students' coats take a beating--they're used as pillows, blankets, stowed under chairs in auditoriums, and more. Most college students want to wear what's popular around them, so my suggestion would be to let her wait until she gets to school (hoping that she CAN go to campus!), and see what appeals to her then. A plus would be if it's washable, since students' coats get quite dirty.

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  11. NEWPORT Army Navy if it's still there. The real thing and waterproof. Loved that place!

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  12. Johnson Woolen Mills in Vermont has flannel lined woolen anoraks as well as peacoats. These are very warm and classic styles for New England.

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