Product of the week: The pea coat

What is it:

Like many other items of clothing, the peacoat has its origins in the military: the Dutch Navy introduced the silhouette in the 19th century and gave it the name “pije” – after the Dutch word for wool. In English, the jacket is therefore known as ‘ Peacoat’. It was only after the Second World War that the look entered the fashion world, along with other military clothing, which was modernized and quickly gained popularity due to its functionality. Today the coat is characterized by two rows of buttons next to each other on the front and a large one The pea coat often appears with vertical pockets and button or metal details that refer to its military origins.

Why you should order them:

The pea coat has long since left its military past behind and has become an integral part of fashion. The coat’s silhouette has been adapted to the needs of modern consumers and the new models no longer only appear in the standard military colors of navy and khaki, but are wrapped in trendy color palettes. Despite the reinterpretations of designers and fashion brands, the pea coat retains its traditional flair and functionality, which makes it particularly popular even today.

Where we saw them:

The pea coat was a popular outerwear choice in the SS24 collections and featured on the runways of various designers. The jacket’s traditional shape and details were retained at Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Michael Kors, where large collars and functional fastenings referenced the coat’s origins. Other designers played with the silhouette: Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton changed the silhouette at the waist to give the coat an hourglass figure. Marni, on the other hand, played with materials and modernized the look with denim – the style was seen in both the men’s and women’s collections, highlighting the neutrality of the look.

How to style them:

Due to its design, the pea jacket can be worn from autumn to spring and styled according to the season. In the colder months, the coat can be combined with a hat, scarf and gloves. For a casual look, the jacket goes ideal with jeans or chinos with a simple T-shirt. A sweater as an additional layer provides the necessary warmth. On formal occasions, the coat is perfect to wear over a suit and its elegant and straight cut ensures that the formal dress code is adhered to. The large neckline means that the shirt and tie are visible under the coat.

Despite its long history and continuous development, the pea coat has retained its relevance in fashion and has also become a classic of high-end fashion. For consumers, the functional coat can be worn in almost every season as it meets different needs and can be styled for different occasions.

This translated post previously appeared on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Pia Schulz