The Pea Coat

In the past year or two the military influenced pea coat has gone from being something of a wardrobe staple to a must-have winter fashion item. A quick walk around the menswear department of Liberty's of London the other day revealed that almost every designer has a version in their collection for FW 2010. At the stratospheric end of the scale, price-wise there's the luxurious Burberry offering, which to borrow a military analogy is something of a 5-star general amongst pea coats, made from 80% virgin wool and 20% cashmere, and retailing at around £700. Then there are cheaper versions like the one Paul Smith is offering up, which are priced around £300. But for all their designer incarnations, I must say the sort of pea coat I've always preferred is the archetypal US Navy issue coat, made from heavy melton cloth, available from surplus clothing stores. These are amazingly inexpensive, functional coats, worn, I imagine by CPOs standing out on deck in blizzards. Wear one of these and all you need is a thick roll-neck and a chunky knit beanie to really feel snug and warm this winter. Pictures from top to bottom: Burberry, Paul Smith, US Navy Issue.