A
peacoat or
peajacket is a outer coat, generally of a
navy-colored heavy
wool, originally worn by sailors of
European navies. Peacoats are characterized by broad lapels,
double-breasted fronts, and vertical or slash pockets.
P Coat Commonly referred to as "Pea Coat".
Double-breasted, navy blue worsted wool overcoat originally designed
in the early 20th century for use by US Navy personnel. Called a
"Pea Coat" due to the material that the coats are made from. The
wool was referred to as "Pilot Cloth", but then became known as
P-Cloth, hence the name "Pea Coat." They are recognizable by the
characteristic "anchor"
buttons and wide, rounded lapels.
The style is considered a classic, and P coats are now worn in the
United States by all manner of individuals. Note that few of the
jackets seen on the street are genuine United States Navy surplus;
being a classic garment, it is frequently available from retailers
in the USA, though often with small design changes that reflect the
current tendencies of the day.