Questions About the United States Navy Peacoat

[JAGG]

Thanks. It sounds like the same size I found, but I always wonder about the way different people take measurements. And I also wonder whether it was modified somehow to make it so it won’t fit you? I tried but couldn’t find that seller, could you just link to the auction you won to make it easy to find?

 

[Gibby's dog]

Thanks. It sounds like the same size I found, but I always wonder about the way different people take measurements. And I also wonder whether it was modified somehow to make it so it won’t fit you? I tried but couldn’t find that seller, could you just link to the auction you won to make it easy to find?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/235839938503

I've measured a few of my coats and work jackets and I agree with you. When I measure P2P I measure from the seam that runs down the side of the garment from the armpit, which effectively is the halfway point. I suspect some people lay the item flat and then measure from the material start to the material end, which will add a couple of inches.

 

[JAGG]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/235839938503

I've measured a few of my coats and work jackets and I agree with you. When I measure P2P I measure from the seam that runs down the side of the garment from the armpit, which effectively is the halfway point. I suspect some people lay the item flat and then measure from the material start to the material end, which will add a couple of inches.

Yes, from what I know your way of measuring is definitely not standard. You can see that in the sellers pics, he is measuring the way Peacoat lays out in his fitting thread. The one you bought and returned does look to me like a true 42R from his pics.

My advice would be to re-read Peacoats explanation of how to measure, then pick your best fitting suit or sportcoat and measure in the way he says. Don’t use an overcoat, since you will not be using it in the same way as an overcoat. Using those measurements, you should be able to find a coat that fits you well. You may need to have a tailor bring up the arm length some, but that is standard and inexpensive. I would not be very concerned about the length of the coat, there was a good deal of variance in how long those were cut back in the day (seen from viewing period photos).

 

[Peacoat]

The spec for how the end product is made and what they need to look like: http://everyspec.com/MIL-SPECS/MIL-SPECS-MIL-O/MIL-O-2414H_33708/ If there are earlier specs that would be interesting too.

Whoops on the sailor/soldier, no disrespect intended. Wasn’t sure about it when I wrote it. But how do you feel about including more period pics. Helpful for determining proper sizing and length, as well as how typically worn, I think. I looked for and found several online pics from ww2 and after, you may have access to a lot more?

Due to the limitations of the platform, it is impossible to add photographs. The entire guide would have to be redone in order to add any text or additional photographs.

 

[Gibby's dog]

Yes, from what I know your way of measuring is definitely not standard. You can see that in the sellers pics, he is measuring the way Peacoat lays out in his fitting thread. The one you bought and returned does look to me like a true 42R from his pics.

My advice would be to re-read Peacoats explanation of how to measure, then pick your best fitting suit or sportcoat and measure in the way he says. Don’t use an overcoat, since you will not be using it in the same way as an overcoat. Using those measurements, you should be able to find a coat that fits you well. You may need to have a tailor bring up the arm length some, but that is standard and inexpensive. I would not be very concerned about the length of the coat, there was a good deal of variance in how long those were cut back in the day (seen from viewing period photos

I've read Peacoats explanation many, many times so I'm confident of the process. The coat I've just sent back was huge on me, literally far too big in every respect. As I've already said, all my suit jackets are 42" and I have had my chest measured to confirm and it's definately 42". I measured a cross section of my jackets and they come in at 22" P2P... As for tailoring, that's the story of my life. Shirts, trousers, jackets all need adjusting. At 5'5" with a 29" inside leg, 34" waist, a shirt sleeve length of 31.5 inches and a 16.5" collar I do not sit within the standard.