The Pea Coat

It is always around this time when you have the realization, “ oh shit I need a winter jacket”. Your best bet for surviving the city slush is purchasing a pea coat immediately. Pea Coats originated in Holland in the early to mid 1900s under the name “pijjekker” or pilot clothe. The name commented on the type of material used in the construction of the jacket. The garment was used primarily in Europe where many of the European navel institutions adopted the jacket as a staple of their uniforms. It was around the same time when the United States Navy began using the item as well.
The jacket represents more then just a practical garment; its large lapels signify authority while its double-breasted front have become an iconic look for the United States Navy. It was not in till the 1970s that the pea coat became a popular fashion item outside of the military. Retailers from all parts of the world started to produce facsimiles of the jacket, often copying the exact structure and details of the original item. The popularity of the pea coat is a double edge sword, for the consumer, you know have a variety of options in color, size and style but for the military, you know have an essential component of your uniform being worn as an every day fashion item. If you are interested in purchasing an official Navy surplus jacket there are a few things you can look for to assure its authenticity. The first is its weight, because of the material used in its construction (Melton cloth), the jacket weighs a hefty 30 ounces. The second would be its color, official navy jackets are only made in a dark navy as well as a matte black.
By adopting the pea coat into your winter fashion repertoire, you are stating several key things. The first is you want to warm. The second is that you want to make a statement with your jacket, a statement that allows you tell the public that you want a classic and sleek look with your jacket. The third is the statement of power the jacket gives off, because of its connection with global military institutions the idea of pea coat represents something much more then just warmth and comfort in the winter month. If you can see your self wearing such an item you can get it at a variety of retailers world wide, I personally recommend Ralph Lauren because of there signature style and quality all of there items represent.