Peacoats

Peacoat

Peacoats, known in Sweden as “skipper coats” (skepparkavaj) are a great compromise between a fully formal wool coat and a more casual jacket. They are yet another style of military origin, having been used as outerwear in the British Navy. Their double-breasted buttoning and thick collars make for the perfect balance between formal and casual style.

Given its origins, it is hardly surprising that the go-to colour for peacoats is navy blue, but they also work exceptionally well in greys, olive greens and blacks. Through the years, many fashion houses have created stylish reinterpretations of the peacoat in denim and other innovative and well-appointed materials.

Peacoats work just as well over a suit or blazer as they do with jeans or chinos combined with a shirt or jumper. Their maritime origins mean they look fantastic paired with a chunky knit polo-neck, the high neck harmonising perfectly with the characteristic thick collar of the peacoat. This double-breasted timeless classic is even a central part of the preppy wardrobe.

When deciding what to combine with your peacoat, the only limit is your own sense of style. It lends itself just as easily to being paired, for example, with chunky brogues in dark brown suede as it does with minimalist white sneakers and jeans or chinos. Brown desert boots work particularly well with a navy blue peacoat and chunky knit polo-neck.