Where Did the Pea Coat Come From?
Pea Coat also referred to as pea jacket or pilot jackets originally appeared in the early 19th century. They were originally part of military uniforms worn by European Navy Sailors and were navy blue as a standard issue. The pea coat has maintained much of its original design including broad lapels, double-breasted fronts, vertical or slash pockets and large wooden or metal buttons. A longer version of this coat, is often called the bridge coat was a uniform designed exclusively for Chief Petty Officers, with the only difference being that they were longer (extended to the thighs) and had gold buttons. The name pea coat originated from the Dutch word pijjekker. Pij described the type of cloth used and was also called pilot cloth. This was a twilled, coarse blue cloth that had a nap on one side. As time passed the cloth was called P-cloth, representing the work Pij. From p-cloth it evolved into the p-jacket and then pea coat. The peacoat has conquered the test of time and is still consi
