My husband and I watched and enjoyed the Scottish crime series, Shetland (warning: some violence and language). Early on in the series, the likeable hero, DI Jimmy Perez (played by Douglas Henshall, shown here), begins wearing a distinctive wool coat, or peacoat, which was later sold at auction and raised more than £2,700 for a school in Glasgow.
I really liked the character and the coat, so my husband found a pea coat (sometimes spelled as two words) for himself on a resale site.
Now, he wears it in the winter complete with a tweed cap, which I think is a rather handsome ensemble.
Tonight at dinner, we found ourselves wondering about the history of the pea coat, and thought I would share a bit of it here.
Not everyone agrees on the origin of the name. Many believe it comes from the Dutch word “pij,” which referred to a coarse kind of thick blue cloth. Another theory is that a similar coarse fabric known as “pilot-cloth” worn by the lower ranks and nicknamed “petty-officer cloth” was shortened to “P-cloth” and therefore, “P-Coat.”
What everyone does agree on is the coat’s military background. The pea coat was used by the Dutch, British, and American navies as outerwear that could withstand the rain and cold temperatures often experienced at sea. It was a work jacket for harsh conditions aboard ships, so it was short to provide ease of movement and close-cut to keep out the wind.
I was surprised to learn the pea coat has been around since the 18th century. While most credit the Dutch with first creating the coat, it seems the British navy made it popular. Then the coat made its way across the Atlantic where the U.S. Navy adopted the coat for “reefers”, the sailors responsible for climbing the rigging of sailing ships.
Whatever its origins, nowadays, the pea coat is enjoying a heyday as a fashionable style of coat for men in any profession during the colder months. And I for one, quite like the trend!
Do you or a loved one own a pea coat? Are you fond of any historical garments or styles?
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I love pea coats. I remember my mom having a navy blue one that she looked so pretty in. But my siblings and I always thought that was such a funny name. We heard “pee coat” when she mentioned the name. 🫣
Thanks, Deb. It certainly is a fun(ny) word!
I used to have a pea coat and loved it. As you said, it was warm but not bulky. I detest sitting on a wad of fabric while driving, so the shorter coat was extremely practical.
Maybe time for another? My husband is now looking for one on poshmark for me. 🙂
I love it when I hear history about things. My father was in the Navy during WWII and had a pea coat, so I knew the name. Such fun to hear how it came about. This is why I love historical fiction!
Yes, your husband does look rather handsome in his ensemble! I can imagine it is great in Minnesota!
Thanks, Betty. And yes, perfect for our Minnesota winters.
I snitched a navy one from my mother, and wore it all through college. It worked well with all my preppy attire! Loved it. Such a classic look.
I can imagine! Very stylish.
I have my maternal grandfather’s peacoat.
What a treasure, Caryl.
I love pea coats! I have had several, but they never fit me very well. I so want them to! And then. HOT. I just cannot wear them. Sigh. Fascinating history though.
Yes, definitely for cold weather. Thanks, Angie.
I’m a fan of the pea coat!! In fact, I dressed my hero in one in my upcoming book. 🙂
I had a pea coat in high school – because, for some reason, they were cool then. No idea where it went all those years ago. I love your article, though, in part because Shetland and Doug Henshall are great favorites but also because your husband (not quite as cute as Douglas but cute nevertheless) looks quite sharp in his coat. Thanks for sharing all those fun facts!
My husband and I just finished watching SHETLAND. And I watched one of the extras, where they talked about deciding on Jimmy’s famous pea coat. It’s perfect for him . . . and for those Shetland winds! I have a maroon pea coat and love it . . . but hardly ever get to wear it in Florida. Sigh. But if it ever gets frosty, I’ll be prepared!