The peacoat is a classic, durable overcoat that has been closely associated with sailors for centuries. It is typically double-breasted, made of Merino sheep wool, and features a wide collar, front pockets, and a thigh or hip-length cut. When sizing a peacoat, it is important to consider both your body measurements and the desired fit. The chest, waist, sleeve length, and hip measurements are key factors in determining the right size. For a slim-fit peacoat, additional measurements such as sleeve length and shoulder blade size come into play. It is recommended to measure your body accurately and compare it with the size chart to ensure a comfortable and flattering fit.
What You'll Learn
Measure your chest, waist, and arm length
To find your chest, waist, and arm measurements for a pea coat, you will need a cloth tape measure.
Chest
To measure your chest, stand in front of a mirror with your side facing the mirror. This will help you ensure that the tape measure is level from front to back. Measure at the widest part of your bare chest, or while wearing a tight T-shirt. Make sure the tape is level from front to back and snug around your body, but not so tight that it indents the skin. Relax your position and do this three times, taking the middle number as your chest measurement.
Waist
To measure your waist, use a soft measuring tape and place it above your belly button, at the smallest part of your waist. Lay the measuring tape flat against your skin, making sure it is snug but not tight—you should be able to fit your finger between the tape and your skin. The tape should also be parallel to the floor.
Arm
To measure your arm length, place your hand on your hip and bend your elbow at a 90-degree angle. Place a durable tape measure at the middle of your neck and measure from your shoulder to your elbow and down to your wrist. Your sleeve length is the whole length.
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Compare your measurements to a size chart
When buying a peacoat, it is important to compare your measurements to a size chart to ensure the correct fit. The men's peacoat jacket has been around for decades and is designed to provide warmth during the winter. The jacket varies in style and colour, so it is important to find the right size for your body type.
To find the perfect size, use a measuring tape to measure your chest, waist, sleeve length, neckline, and hip measurements in inches and centimetres. These measurements can then be compared to the size chart provided by the retailer or manufacturer. It is worth noting that body size type varies, so it is important to take into account your own measurements and not just rely on the tagged size of the peacoat.
For men, the chest measurement is crucial when determining the correct size. Place a tape measure over the broadest part of your chest, under your arms, to get an accurate reading. The arm measurement is also important, especially if you plan to layer clothing underneath your peacoat. Bend your elbow at a 90-degree angle and place your hand on your hip. Measure from the middle of your neck, down to your wrist, to get the full sleeve length.
For women, waist and hip measurements are crucial in addition to chest measurements. Measure your natural waistline with a tape measure, allowing for a little bit of looseness. For hip measurements, stand with your feet together and measure around the broadest part of your hips.
When selecting a peacoat, it is important to consider the style and intended fit. Peacoats are typically designed to be fitted, so the measurements should allow for enough room to layer clothing underneath without being too tight or oversized. If you prefer a slimmer fit, consider sizing down, especially if you do not plan to wear thick layers underneath. On the other hand, if you want a roomier fit, size up to accommodate bulkier items.
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Choose a size that allows room for a sweater
When choosing a pea coat, it's important to consider the fit. You want there to be enough room under your pea coat for a thick sweater, but you shouldn't have so much room that the coat feels baggy and oversized. The ideal pea coat should allow for a comfortable range of motion and provide warmth without feeling constricting.
To ensure you select the right size, it is recommended to measure your bare chest. Stand in front of a mirror with your side facing it and use a cloth tape measure to measure the widest part of your chest. Make sure the tape is level from front to back, and maintain normal breathing throughout the process. Take the measurement three times and choose the one that is reproduced or falls in the middle. This will give you an accurate indication of the chest size that will provide a comfortable fit with room for layering.
When trying on a pea coat, it is crucial to do so over the type of clothing you typically wear during the colder season. If you plan to wear thick sweaters underneath, try on the pea coat over a similar garment to ensure it fits well and allows for the desired range of motion.
For example, if your chest measurement is 41", a size 42 pea coat will provide a comfortable fit with room for a sweater, while a size 40 will result in a trim fit with no room for additional layers. It's worth noting that some people prefer to go down two sizes for an even slimmer fit, but this may result in sleeves that are too short.
When it comes to sleeve length, the pea coat should graze the tops of your hands when your arms are hanging straight down. The coat should lie close to the body without feeling too tight across the chest and midsection, allowing you to move your arms freely. The bottom of the coat should typically hit just below the hips, and it should taper naturally at the waist before flaring out slightly at the hips.
In summary, when choosing a pea coat size, opt for one that allows for a comfortable fit with enough room to layer a thick sweater underneath. Measure your bare chest and try on the coat over similar clothing to ensure the desired range of motion and level of comfort. By following these guidelines, you can achieve a stylish and functional pea coat look.
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Consider the coat's length and style
When considering the length and style of a pea coat, it is important to understand its unique design and functional origins. Pea coats are designed to be shorter than overcoats, finishing around the seat. This is due to their naval heritage, as longer coats would be hazardous on treacherous sea voyages. Today's pea coats have a specific cut that reflects their utilitarian past, with a straight cut down the body and a length that is slightly longer than a regular jacket.
Pea coats typically feature an oversized wide collar, allowing the wearer to button up for extra protection from the elements. The collar is designed in the ulster style, with the points facing down to keep the wearer warm in inclement weather. The very first pea coats had short side vents or no vents at all, while modern pea coats often feature a centre vent.
Pea coats usually have voluminous, welted pockets that are designed to protect the hands from the cold and store extra items. The pockets are positioned at a pronounced slant to ensure that items do not fall out. Overall, pea coats favour simplicity and clean lines over additional ornamentation.
In terms of fabric, pea coats are traditionally made from 100% Kersey wool, which is heavy and provides excellent warmth. However, modern pea coats may also be made from wool blends, canvas, cotton, or nylon. While these alternative materials are not technically considered pea coats, they can still be a great option depending on your needs.
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Try the peacoat on to ensure a comfortable fit
Trying on your peacoat is the best way to ensure a comfortable fit. Here are some tips to help you determine if your peacoat fits well:
Length
A classic peacoat should hit around mid-thigh. To make sure your coat isn't too long, stand with your arms at your sides and your fingers pointing down. The coat shouldn't fall much lower than where your fingers touch your leg. If it does, it may be too long, which can make you look shorter and wider.
Sleeves
The sleeves of your peacoat should not be too long. If they are, the entire coat will appear too big. Peacoats usually have a lot of detail around the wrists, which can make tailoring a challenge. If you're having trouble finding a peacoat with sleeves that fit well, consider sizing down or trying a petite size, even if you're not typically a petite size.
Fit
Historically, peacoats were cut to fit close to the body but not tightly. There should be enough room under your peacoat for a thick sweater, but it shouldn't be so roomy that you're drowning in it. Aim for a comfortable middle ground. If you want to wear thinner layers underneath, size down by more than two inches. If you prefer a roomier fit, size up.
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Frequently asked questions
An accurate body measurement is critical to selecting the appropriate pea coat size. Measure your chest, neck, arm, and waist. When getting fitted for a shirt, get the chest measurement by using a tape measure over the broadest chest region under your arms.
The trench coat has a more defined history than the pea coat, which has ambiguous origins. The trench coat also tends to be longer than the pea coat, which is designed to be thigh or hip length.
Pea coats vary in style and colour. The jacket is double-breasted and made of Merino sheep wool. It typically has two button rows, a wide collar, and front pockets.
To get the chest measurement, use a tape measure over the broadest chest region under your arms. For the arm measurement, place your hand on your hip and bend your elbow 90 degrees. Measure your shoulder to your elbow and down to your wrist. Your sleeve length is the whole length.