Let’s go Dutch with a peacoat

It’s unlikely that winter will see you climbing the rigging of any boats. But if you do battle your way through the icy wind to secure the sails, then you’ll want to be warm. Back in the 18th century, the Dutch navy had the right idea: their choice of outerwear was the pijjakker, the first syllable of which is pronounced ‘pea’.

That pea syllable describes the hardy woollen cloth, while the jakker part refers to a man’s short, heavy coat. For the Dutch, the design was purely functional. They cut the coat short to enable free leg movement for the ‘reefers’, the chaps tasked with dealing with the sails.

Today, a peacoat makes a highly stylish statement, as comfortable worn with a pair of lived-in jeans as it is with a sharp suit walking the blocks of Lower Manhattan on the way to a Wall Street interview. We think you’ll love our take on this classic style.

GET MEASURED

What are the main styling details of the peacoat?

When you’re battling the elements, you want to be able to fasten your coat fast. That’s why the custom tailored peacoat offers a double-breasted, eight- or ten-button front with a ‘convertible’ Ulster collar. You’ll also feel a cut above the hoi polloi when wearing your peacoat. It was once the preserve of gentleman officers worn above deck: the option of having brass buttons attest to this (‘top brass’).

Your peacoat also comes with vertical side pockets for naval types to keep their hands warm, a snug fit up top for better weather protection, and a slightly flared lower area for improved leg movement. For when you’re climbing the rigging, obviously, rather than climbing in and out of city cabs.

VIEW PEACOAT FABRICS