Spend any time scouring pages of menswear history (figuratively speaking) and you’ll find that some of the most reliable pieces on the market have stood the test of time for a reason.
Whether it’s the durability of the cotton chino pant (first trusted by the military), the practicality of the white T-shirt (once an undershirt, now an essential basic) or the tried-and-true dependability of the peacoat, it doesn’t hurt if a piece has some serious utility in the field.
The peacoat, usually made with thick wool, proved useful on the high seas, with double-breasted construction for added coverage and a hefty collar to fight back against the wind.
Today, it’s a casually stylish (yet no less useful) menswear essential that’s ideal for pairing with other rugged, versatile picks, like the fisherman sweater, wool pants or the henley. Here are the ones I recommend.
Buck Mason is a men’s clothing brand that knows its history, taking inspiration from the classics of yesteryear, like the peacoat or the T-shirt, all the while giving them some depth and style for the modern man.
It’s a winning formula, and this classic, burly Melton wool peacoat draws from throwback days while boasting a modern fit and luxe fabric.
The peacoat, first and foremost, should deliver standout warmth in a classic package. It’s the kind of dependable coat to wear with a handsome sweater, blue jeans and dress boots on a date (as opposed to,say, a more casual puffer jacket), and this Buck Mason option checks every box in terms of style and utility.
While most peacoats are made from Melton wool, Relwen has never been a brand to do things half-speed, which is why they went ahead and updated the peacoat with a tech-savvy quilted design.
The water-resistant, diamond-quilted shell looks like a classic puffer jacket, but with the throwback appeal of a peacoat.
With its timeless six-button front design, a large collar for added wind protection and an array of crisp color options available – each as versatile as the last – Nautica delivers one of the best peacoats on the market with subtle style in mind.
It also makes sense that a “nautical”-inspired brand would deliver a truly classic peacoat.
If you want a designer that dabbles in heritage and history while taking an ultra-premium approach, you want Todd Snyder menswear.
In an homage to the rugged roots of the peacoat, the Midwest-born designer keeps classic touches close at hand, all the while amping things up significantly by using a supremely luxurious Italian wool and cashmere fabric blend.
So named for the designer’s Bond Street New York City store – and later worn to great fanfare by 007 – the Bond Peacoat is a certified modern menswear classic.
Billy Reid puts his own spin on it by lining the back collar in rich leather, so don’t be afraid to flip it up for warmth and added style points.
You needn’t spend hours scouring a surplus store or thrift shop to find one of the best peacoats in a tribute to the way they used to make ‘em.
Cockpit USA has that covered for you, using a sturdy Melton wool fabric blend for remarkable durability, plus its own custom lining for visual appeal.
Although packed with functional design features aplenty, the peacoat can still prove a luxurious style upgrade, as proven by British designer Paul Smith & co.
A wool and cashmere fabric blend provides an incredibly soft handfeel, while the grey contrasting under-collar is a distinctive touch for the refined gentleman.
Some menswear brands spread themselves thin, and others specialize in iconic pieces that only get better with age. Schott is an expert in the second of those two approaches, as proven by its handsome moto jackets, and it makes perfect sense that a legendary peacoat would be a trusty member of its arsenal.