Men's Pea Coats	Women's Pea Coats
Children's Pea Coats	Dog Pea Coats

About Pea Coats

A pea coat (or pea jacket, pilot jacket) is an outer coat, generally of a navy-colored heavy wool, originally worn by sailors of European navies.Pea coats are characterized by broad lapels, double-breasted fronts, often large wooden buttons, and vertical or slash pockets. Although it first appeared in the early 18th century, modern renditions still maintain the original design and composition.

A "bridge coat" is a pea coat that extends to the thighs, and is a uniform exclusively for officers and Chief Petty Officers. The "reefer" is for officers only, and is identical to the basic design but usually has gold buttons and epaulettes.

The term "pea coat" originated from the Dutch or West Frisian word pijjekker, in which pij referred to the type of cloth used,which was called "Pilot cloth" (P-cloth), a coarse kind of twilled blue cloth with a nap on one side. The terms "pea coat" and "pea jacket" were first used as early as 1723, when it became a cold weather uniform in many European navies, most prominently in the British Royal Navy and Dutch Royal Netherlands Navy. The US Navy adopted them as early as 1881, becoming standard fare in the 20th century.

The modern appeal of the coat stems from celebrity interest in the item, and its classic style and practical simplicity.Once considered a luxury item for civilians, it is now popular as casual winter wear on college campuses and among the young demographic.

THE MAKERS OF PEA COATS

Made in China / Excellent Knockoff but not as warm or tailored fitting as the real deal.

From the beginnings in a loft in downtown Boston, Mass., Fidelity Sportswear has been manufacturing outerwear garments in The United States since 1941.

Sterlingwear of Boston, Inc. has been a manufacturer of tailored U.S. Military uniforms for more than thirty years. Beginning as a family-operated business in 1968, producing Navy Peacoats during the Vietnam era, and now in its second generation, continues to be the foremost supplier to the U.S. Government of the Navy Peacoat and many other Military uniforms.

Travel back to 1959. Knoxville, Tennessee. The United States Department of Defense recruits Alpha to revamp its military jacket. Why? Because as the jet age takes flight to greater heights and ground troops encounter trickier terrain, the technological needs and real-life demands of our soldiers change. Simply put, but not simply achieved, Alpha re-engineers outdated designs. As better fabrics are developed and tested, Alpha makes better jackets for our soldiers-better designed, better produced, and more reliable. Alpha garments are ranked as warmer, more comfortable, and designed to meet any climatic challenge or test of time.

Today, Alpha Industries is not only a global enterprise, manufacturing and selling its products throughout the world, but also the premier supplier of jackets for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, and Marine Corps. Alpha sets the standard as a leader in cutting-edge outerwear design. From flight decks to civilian sidewalks, Alpha stands on the frontlines of quality and fashion, as a testament to innovation, creativity and manufacturing know-how. The honest truth is that Alpha is tried, and tested, and proven. And that's where you come in. Now it's your turn to try it out.

 

Even though they haven’t been a romantic item for years, Brad Pitt and ex-fiance Gwyneth Paltrow are still on the same style wavelength. During his and Angelina’s visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, Brad kept warm in snowy Pennsylvania with a millitary peacoat. A few weeks later, Gwyneth buttoned up in a similar black coat leaving a London gym. Peacoats are always fashionable, but both of theirs offer a nice twist on the classic style, with chic epaulets on the shoulders. Here’s a roundup of similar peacoats in stores right now.