Until I recently, and completely, changed my style of professional attire – the navy pea coat was my jacket of choice.

Elegant in its simplicity, supremely comfortable and as warm as you could want — I’d wear this walking the mean streets of Sausalito or on tranquil strolls of New York City. I found my thinsulate version was useful pretty much year around in Northern California, but is likely more of a three-season coat else where. Great with blue jeans or business casual attire, I only refrain from using the Pea Coat as a top coat with my suits as I have the real deal.

The name ‘pea coat’ appears to come from the cloth used to make the jackets. From the Dutch name for this wool cloth ‘pijjekker,’ it appears English speakers shortened this to Pilot or ‘P’ cloth. The jacket for put into use by European powers as early as 1723 and was adopted for the United States Navy in 1881.

Stylish in its simplicity, rugged and durable if you buy good quality wool — I love my pea coat.