Questions About the United States Navy Peacoat

[Peacoat]

Does anyone know why the Kersey isn't available any longer? I it just prohibitively expensive vs demand, or has it become one of those 'lost art' things? It'd be interesting if somebody managed to resurrect it: I'd be surprised if there wasn't a market for it, albeit a niche one.

Were the longer bridge coats worn by senior officers ever Kersey, or were they a different animal altogether?

They were a different animal altogether. A bridge coat made of Kersey would have been too heavy, so a lighter material was used. To compensate for the lighter shell, a zip in liner was used. I wasn't full length, though. It only covered the torso.

I imagine the Kersey material didn't have enough demand to keep it in supply.

 

[Edward]

They were a different animal altogether. A bridge coat made of Kersey would have been too heavy, so a lighter material was used. To compensate for the lighter shell, a zip in liner was used. I wasn't full length, though. It only covered the torso.

I imagine the Kersey material didn't have enough demand to keep it in supply.

I suppose there's less requirement to stand out on deck in all weathers when you progress up the ranks too...! I believe the RN equivalent were a heavier, longer beast, though possibly not quite 32oz.

Shame the USN are phasing out the peacoat, though I expect they're about the last such force to have them now. The goretex waterproof parka type jackets that have replaced them are I'm sure very practical, but they rather lack the same elan.

 

[Peacoat]

I suppose there's less requirement to stand out on deck in all weathers when you progress up the ranks too...! I believe the RN equivalent were a heavier, longer beast, though possibly not quite 32oz.

Shame the USN are phasing out the peacoat, though I expect they're about the last such force to have them now. The goretex waterproof parka type jackets that have replaced them are I'm sure very practical, but they rather lack the same elan.

There was no reason to replace the peacoat as it wasn't part of a work uniform. It was only worn as a dress coat for sailors when on leave. I haven't heard a good explanation of why it was replaced. I know most of the sailors weren't happy about it. But things change; even the classic peacoat has been phased out.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Is this the thread for any Peacoat questions or just the original ones?

 

[Peacoat]

Is this the thread for any Peacoat questions or just the original ones?

Ask any peacoat related question here and it will be answered–maybe.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Ask any peacoat related question here and it will be answered–maybe.

Perfect, trying to avoid starting new threads-maybe sometimes.

I guess I was just wondering what people are thinking of the Real McCoys 1913 Peacoat? It looks super cool, I think.

 

[Peacoat]

Perfect, trying to avoid starting new threads-maybe sometimes.

I guess I was just wondering what people are thinking of the Real McCoys 1913 Peacoat? It looks super cool, I think.

It's good to not start new threads.

Real McCoys isn't a peacoat; it's a civilian copy of a peacoat.

Style Forum is big on stylish copies of peacoats; we only do US Navy peacoats.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

It's good to not start new threads.

Real McCoys isn't a peacoat; it's a civilian copy of a peacoat.

Style Forum is big on stylish copies of peacoats; we only do US Navy peacoats.

That's what I meant about originals; I intended to say original peacoats.

I am searching for one that fits me better than the one I picked up for $100 on eBay. It’s Pit to pit 20” Length 32” Arms 25”, and I haven’t seen any from WW2 that larger. I am curious to see if anyone has come across a larger size. All the sizes on eBay are listed as 40 or 38.

I hope I never have to start another thread tbh.

 

[Peacoat]

That's what I meant about originals; I intended to say original peacoats.

I am searching for one that fits me better than the one I picked up for $100 on eBay. It’s Pit to pit 20” Length 32” Arms 25”, and I haven’t seen any from WW2 that larger. I am curious to see if anyone has come across a larger size. All the sizes on eBay are listed as 40 or 38.

I hope I never have to start another thread tbh.

People were smaller back then. But larger sizes are available. Getting harder to find, though.

Use my guide on how to get the proper fit in the US Navy peacoat in the Guide's section. Any questions? Ask here. Link below:

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/how-to-get-the-proper-size-in-a-us-navy-pea-coat.110255/

 

[WolfofStateSt]

People were smaller back then. But larger sizes are available. Getting harder to find, though.

Use my guide on how to get the proper fit in the US Navy peacoat in the Guide's section. Any questions? Ask here. Link below:

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/how-to-get-the-proper-size-in-a-us-navy-pea-coat.110255/

I'll review it in the morning, definitely before I buy any other peacoats. I feel that I should be able to wear a sweater comfortably under my peacoat, in addition, my current one is an inch or two too short in the sleeves. It also feels like the buttons will burst off if I wear anything thicker than a T-shirt underneath.

 

[jet]

Hey everyone, after initially reaching out to Peacoat about the authenticity/date of a peacoat I was interested in (and have now bought) he said I should put this here. It is a genuine navy peacoat, but as you can tell the tag is completely different than any tag from 1964. It has the double stitch above the cuff as well as corduroy lined pockets like any other coat from that time. I’m curious if anyone has seen a similar tag or if this coat is a first of its kind, either way I couldn’t be more excited for my first peacoat.

 

[Peacoat]

Congratulations on a good score. That is certainly a one of a kind tag. I have seen thousands of them, and this is the only one of its type that I have seen.

 

[jet]

Congratulations on a good score. That is certainly a one of a kind tag. I have seen thousands of them, and this is the only one of its type that I have seen.

Thank you! I’m very excited, I may post pictures of it when it gets in because based on the pictures the condition is unreal. Is it recommended when buying vintage peacoats to have it dry cleaned before wearing or as long as there’s no smell can I just wear it right away?

 

[Peacoat]

Thank you! I’m very excited, I may post pictures of it when it gets in because based on the pictures the condition is unreal. Is it recommended when buying vintage peacoats to have it dry cleaned before wearing or as long as there’s no smell can I just wear it right away?

Having it dry cleaned will kill any small pests that might be infesting the coat. Or you could leave it outside overnight to kill anything. Our lows have been in the 20s, and that will kill most bugs. If you aren't worried about that, just wear it.

 

[Bfd70]

I understand i’m not providing very much info to support this question but is there a size chart for Vietnam era coats? I have a 36 that is great shoulders sleeves and length but is tight buttoned up In a dress shirt I have a 38 that is loose enough to be comfortable with a heavy. Sweater and absolutely baggy in a tshirt. Seems like a very big jump. Is that normal? Does it vary by maker?

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Having it dry cleaned will kill any small pests that might be infesting the coat. Or you could leave it outside overnight to kill anything. Our lows have been in the 20s, and that will kill most bugs. If you aren't worried about that, just wear it.

I’m doing that rn, it’s -5 degrees out here tonight, I’m leaving that stinky M47 from Queens out in my trunk over night. It smells like an old persons attic.

 

[Peacoat]

I understand i’m not providing very much info to support this question but is there a size chart for Vietnam era coats? I have a 36 that is great shoulders sleeves and length but is tight buttoned up In a dress shirt I have a 38 that is loose enough to be comfortable with a heavy. Sweater and absolutely baggy in a tshirt. Seems like a very big jump. Is that normal? Does it vary by maker?

As this is the peacoat thread, I assume you are asking about Navy peacoats.

Mostly the coats were true to the size stated on the tag. Occasionally there were anomalies, which is why I suggest getting accurate measurements from the seller. It does not vary by manufacturer.

The actual measurement of one's chest is the first step. Not the jacket size one usually wears, but the actual measurement of the chest.

For example if one's chest measures 38", then a size 38 peacoat should give a relaxed fit sufficient for layering a sweater underneath. A size 36 peacoat should give a fitted look without room for comfortable layering.

For details, see the Guides Section.

 

[Bfd70]

Haha. Yes, sorry, pea coats.
i have a 39” chest so i guess that is why the 36 is a little snug. i wish there was a 37