Buttons on the officers version were brass, with bakelite for the enlisted men's coat.

I had a fire service peacoat as a teenager, in stiff heavy blackish-green cotton duck. No pockets either.

Last edited by Yuca (2010-03-05 08:06:56)

I like the Alan Whicker lookalike in the background, checking out Jane Birkin's arse. And why not, I woulda!

I had mine on today, over my indestructible Lion Of Troy BD, Bruce For Palmer gold cardigan and Press lambswool scarf.  Lovely and warm.

If anybody's willing to pass on the real deal in 42 R or L, let me know.

People often say the WWII specification, with the chin strap etc, is the pea coat of choice. I agree but it seems too difficult to get hold of one in my size in decent condition, certainly for an OK price. The repros look great but are expensive. I wish Fidelity or some company did a stab at a reasonable WWII repro (I know Fidelity already does pea coats, but I mean something with the chin strap, cord pockets etc spec, which would obviously be more expensive than the company's current selection, but they could certainly strike a different price-quality compromise to Buzz Rickson etc).

I'm afraid pea coats are one of those ivy staples that I can't get on with.  They always strike me as a bit poncy, unless worn by american sailors of course.

They put me in mind of the camp character called Nat, played by Murray Melvin,  in the original Alfie film, who appeared in a pea coat in a couple of scenes.

They look particulalrly bad on middle aged men.

Count me out too.  I don't see the point of a coat that finishes too short to keep your legs warm, unless you're actually a sailor who needs the freedom to run about on deck.