Questions About the United States Navy Peacoat

[GothamBat]

What is the better fabric for peacoats? Kersey or melton? Warmth/ longevity, wear?

 

[Peacoat]

I don't think it is from 1980. I think it was a developmental jacket for the model (current issue) that came out in 1980. So, it would have been made sometime after the pewter buttons were required in 1976. Although the Navy started transitioning to the pewter buttons as early as late 1974.

Kersey is the superior fabric. No comparison to Melton as Kersey is so much nicer.

 

[GothamBat]

Awesome thank you. how come they do not use Kersey anymore if it’s superior? Manufacturing cost I’m guessing? Is there a last year of the Kersey style?

 

[Peacoat]

I imagine the Navy wanted to save money, so it switched to Melton.

Last year for Kersey was 1979, but there were some Melton runs prior to that.

The number one expert on US Navy peacoats posted this in the Guides Section. You ought to find it interesting. It's where I get much of my information.

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/thr...-dating-the-united-states-navy-peacoat.72058/

 

[Absalom]

Hello,
I recently acquired a WWII-era pea coat with a pit-to-pit measurement of 18". My chest measures 34" but I feel the coat is still too small for me in the shoulder area. For example, buttoning the fourth (counting from down) button is really tricky and almost feels like it will get the button undone at some point. Also, I feel restricted when moving my arms horizontally back and forth.
Is it a case of needing to size up to a size 36 coat with 19" pit-to-pit or will it become too large elsewhere, then? Or would maybe a later iteration with a loser fit as a 34" be better? I'd really like to stay in the 10-button style, though.
I have attached pictures, if they help to judge.
Thanks in advance!

 

[Peacoat]

Hello,
I recently acquired a WWII-era pea coat with a pit-to-pit measurement of 18". My chest measures 34" but I feel the coat is still too small for me in the shoulder area. For example, buttoning the fourth (counting from down) button is really tricky and almost feels like it will get the button undone at some point. Also, I feel restricted when moving my arms horizontally back and forth.
Is it a case of needing to size up to a size 36 coat with 19" pit-to-pit or will it become too large elsewhere, then? Or would maybe a later iteration with a loser fit as a 34" be better? I'd really like to stay in the 10-button style, though.
I have attached pictures, if they help to judge.
Thanks in advance!

That coat is at least one size too small for you.

A peacoat with a p2p of 18" is a size 32 (approximately). A p2p of 19" is approximately a size 34, and a p2p of 20 is a size 36.

It might be helpful for you to read my thread linked below. Toward the end I have a section on sizing. Or I have a thread on sizing in the guides section. You should see it at the top of the Outerwear section. If, after reading that guide, please ask any questions you may have.

Welcome to the Lounge PC


https://www.thefedoralounge.com/thr...-dating-the-united-states-navy-peacoat.72058/

 

[Absalom]

That coat is at least one size too small for you.

A peacoat with a p2p of 18" is a size 32 (approximately). A p2p of 19" is approximately a size 34, and a p2p of 20 is a size 36.

It might be helpful for you to read my thread linked below. Toward the end I have section on sizing. Or I have a thread on sizing in the guides section. You should see it at the top of the Outerwear section. If, after reading that guide, please ask any questions you may have.

Welcome to the Lounge PC


https://www.thefedoralounge.com/thr...-dating-the-united-states-navy-peacoat.72058/

Thank you for the info! It seems that many people on eBay list an 18" p2p as a size 36", which is very confusing if the fact is that a 36" actually corresponds to a 20" p2p. That would mean that for a real size 36" with a 20" p2p, I should be looking at size 40" coats (and to confirm the p2p to be 20").

 

[Peacoat]

Put no stock in what eBay sellers say in their listings. They seldom know what they are talking about. Just go by what I have written in the guides. It is accurate.

Basically, take the p2p and double it. Then subtract 4" to get the size of the peacoat. A p2p of 20" would be size 36, and should fit someone with a measured chest circumference of 36". That's really all you need to know.

A size 36 peacoat would have an internal measurement of greater than 36" to allow room for comfortable movement. Internally it would probably measure somewhere about 39", but don't get hung up on that. Just follow my instructions in the second paragraph above.

Questions? Just ask me (after reading the fitting guide). PC

 

[PilotJens]

Did they ever made a leather version of the pea coat .I recently acquired a schott leather peacoat and was wondering if they are a real thing like the U-Boot coats from Germany

 

[PilotJens]

I probably sell it though because I look like a Nazi/ Waffen SS with it . I might get it remade in dark brown goatskin or something

 

[Peacoat]

No, the US Navy never issued a leather peacoat. Several of our board members have the civilian copies, and I like them. @SpeedRcrX has a particularly nice one. If I remember correctly, it is a Lost Worlds.

I believe the WWII German versions were grey in color.

Your leather peacoat should be short enough so that it isn't reminiscent of the long Nazi coats, even if it is black.

​

 

[GothamBat]

Having a hard time deciphering this tag due to it being so faded. Can anyone help me with what year is it made?

 

[Peacoat]

The writing is mostly illegible, but going by the pattern of the text, I date it as a 1966 coat. That was my first thought when I saw what's left of the label, and after comparing your label with a known 1966 label, I am sure of it.

 

[GothamBat]

The writing is mostly illegible, but going by the pattern of the text, I date it as a 1966 coat. That was my first thought when I saw what's left of the label, and after comparing your label with a known 1966 label, I am sure of it.

Thank you very much

 

[Kfz]

Anyone have repaired loose thread on edge of Kersey wool Peacoat? It’s a WWIi coat. How and what’s the result?

 

[89five.o]

Any recommendations on brushes for keeping peacoats tidy? Sticky lint rollers do a subpar job of lifting dog hair off of this new coat. What's everyone use typically, Boar Bristle brushes? Thanks.

 

[Peacoat]

I use those fabric brushes that brush only one way.

 

[89five.o]

I use those fabric brushes that brush only one way.

View attachment 583049

Thanks!

 

[Dudley]

Thanks!

Just picked up this 1959 today for $65. What attracted me to this one is the throat latch. This is the first post WW2 peacoat (6 button) I have seen that actually has the latch. Jackets always have the buttons under the collar.Thoughts?

 

[spoonbelly1950]

Just picked up this 1959 today for $65. What attracted me to this one is the throat latch. This is the first post WW2 peacoat (6 button) I have seen that actually has the latch. Jackets always have the buttons under the collar.Thoughts?

I've used mine a couple of times. Both of those coats are WWll. One is a Coast Guard coat which is exactly a navy coat but with a different inside tag. They're great if you don't have a hat. That '59 tag looks nice and clean. I'm assuming the coat is primo.