Originating in the British Royal Navy, the pea coat has been a standard part of US Navy uniform since the late 1880s. The origin of the coat’s name remains uncertain and it is thought to either derive from a misspelling of P-jacket, from pilot’s jacket or from pij, a type of wool manufactured in Holland during the 18th century and used to make the functional jacket known as the pijjekker.
With it’s large collar and double-breasted front, the woollen jacket was designed to repel the bitter cold at sea. Today the pea coat is one of a handful of male garments which has been successfully re appropriated from workwear to become an iconic menswear staple. Like the trench, the pea coat is a unique blend of utility and simple elegance. Appearing annually, it is a versatile must have addition to your AW armour.
ALLSAINTS SPITALFIELDS‘ current outerwear collection offers a number of variations on the traditional pea coat. The London brand put a fresh stamp on this design classic by opting for more tailored silhouettes and unconventional fabric choices. Cut in chic Italian moleskin and with concealed button fastenings, the Tomlin pea coat in chocolate brown is a prime example.
The Kotova accentuates the short cut of the original pea, whilst maintaining the the colour and fabric (Melton wool) of US Navy pea coats. These enduring features are successfully juxtaposed with a tighter collar in sheepskin and the bold side zip which spans the length of the jacket.
The PAUSE favourite has to be the Petrov pea coat. Manufactured in Melton wool with a quilted lining and shearling top collar, this garment is boldly military and details like real horn buttons and working cuffs are appealing touches.
Check out the rest of ALLSAINTS‘ Outerwear collection here
Written by Peter Brathwaite
