Peacoats have been around for hundreds of years. They have stood the test of time, surpassing countless fads. Today, they are a staple of men’s and women’s wardrobes. Without a doubt, the pea coat is a stylish jacket that can be worn throughout multiple seasons and can be paired with anything from a casual night out to office attire.
Due to their popularity, these coats can be found in a variety of colors, styles, and even with hoods. They are no longer available just in their standard navy color.
But what if you’re a traditionalist and want a true regulation pea coat? Where would you find one and how do you know if it’s real?
First, to find a real pea coat, you’re not going to find one in a regular department store. Chances are those jackets are designer and some liberties have been made to their style. Your best bet is to visit your local Army/Navy surplus store or local thrift stop. Since these coats are durable, they last for generations.
Second, and probably the most important clue, make sure the coat is navy blue! The US Navy color “Blue 3346” is a dark navy blue and is sometimes mistaken for black. Check that the coat is double-breasted with wide labels. Next, look at the buttons – this is the key. There should be six buttons and they should all have an anchor design on the front. The lack of anchors on the buttons is a clear sign that this is not a regulation. The pockets on the outside must be vertical bars.
Verify that the material used in the cape is 32 oz. lana melton. Designers use different fabrics in modern jackets to change the texture or weight of their coats. The inner lining of the coat must be padded. Lastly, look for a tag stating that the jacket is a US Navy office coat. If you can find the label and the design of the coat is exact, you have found an authentic Navy Pea Coat. If you find a black tag with yellow writing, the coat was made before 1965. World War II-era coats have a tag that reads “Made by Navy Clothing Factory” and feature images of anchors in the corners. For added authenticity, you can find on the bottom edge of the coat, the last name and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. These markings are required by the Navy.
With a little searching and careful inspection, your chances of finding a real pea coat are good! Happy searching!