References to the pea jacket appear in American newspapers at least as early as the 1720s, [4] and modern renditions still maintain the original design and composition. This wool was left lightly treated after being sheared to retain much of the natural lanolin oil from sheep, thus increasing its water-repelling and insulating properties. Pea coats are characterized by short length, broad lapels, double-breasted fronts, often large wooden, metal or plastic buttons, three or four in two rows, and vertical or slash pockets. The term ‘Pea Jacket’ is reputed to first appear in the Oxford English Dictionary between 1717 and 1723. The standard US Navy-issued pea coat uses dark blue or black wool and sports buttons (originally in brass and later black plastic) decorated with an anchor motif.

Mil-Tec US Navy Pea Coat Black - Military 1st Mil-Tec US Navy Pea Coat Black - Military 1st

A quality heavyweight jacket, very well made, fully lined, double breasted with 2 front side pockets and 2 inside pockets (one zipped, the other with velcro), center vent, small label tag on one upper arm, label embroidered on the back collar. The reefer jacket is for officers [5] [ failed verification] and chief petty officers only, and is identical to the basic design, but usually has gold buttons and epaulettes. Quality heavyweight warm wool blend women's pea coat, classic double breasted cut in dark navy blue with side slant pockets, traditional nautical anchor designed buttons, no back vent and fully lined with internal zipped pocket. I own both (the 740 and the 782), and in my opinion the 782 is a big step down as a representative of the peacoat style. That said, I was able to stand out in 38 degree wind and rain with only a light button down underneath and was perfectly comfortable.It's a small detail but I'm partial to the higher placement of the warmer pockets on the 782USA, mid-torso just below the chest. All photographs and content are copyright of The Nautical Company (UK) Ltd and cannot be reproduced without permission. S. Navy through the 1970s by the rougher black Melton cloth (also lightly treated), a lighter wool that requires a quilted lining to match the warmth of the original Kersey.

Navy Men Peacoat - SchottNYC Classic 32 Oz. Melton Wool Navy Men Peacoat - SchottNYC

That detail along with the lower flap pockets give it a little more visual interest, I received a couple compliments from people I didn't know the first few times I wore it out. The success of the style is proved by its singularly universal appearance throughout the Navies of Europe. The old Peacoats had those too, so I'm glad to see this one in keeping with that old-school tradition. These crewmen had to climb the rigging and furl and unfurl, or ‘reef’, the sails of the sailing ships of the era. The fit is more generous in the torso but it does not feel baggy or bulky and allows for free movement and layering in really cold temps.At The Nautical Company, we source all our navy reefer jackets from marine labels who understand the importance of a good quality wool cut to last for seasons to come.