MEGA PEACOAT THREAD - 61 threads merged - all Peacoat questions HERE - Page 313

Rather than being an integral part of the coat, epaulets are usually sewn on. I think it would be a simple matter to take the epaulets off using a seam ripper. I didn't see epaulets on this coat, so they may not be very noticeable.

Got a line on a vintage Sterlingwear some guy is trying to sell locally, will check him out tomorrow. Also found out that a local army surplus stores actually sells Sterlingwear! Will try out the Authentic.

Hey I'm from Markham as well.. Tell us the store I'd love to try them on in person. I'm looking for gray in sterlingwear as I already have black

Received a 40R and 38R Authentic from Sterlingwear earlier in the week. I'm 6', 175lbs, and have a 42" chest. The 38R fit well; quite slim, but not constricting. I was surprised at the quality of construction, but disappointed in the billowy arms and giant (and I mean giant) floppy collar. When popped, the collar made me look like a dilophosaurus. No thanks.

Returned both, but YMMV.

I'm looking at a couple vintage coats on ebay, one tagged 38L and one tagged 40L.  I contacted the sellers, and got a pit to pit of 20.5" for the 40, and 21" for the 38, but I'm also a bit wary of their given measurements.  My chest is 40", and I'm looking for one to wear without a sweater. You guys have any advice on which to get?

I think neither of the sellers measured correctly. Send them my instructions for measuring p2p and ask them to try again. For a trim fit without a sweater, the 38L is probably what you will want. The p2p should be about 20." for that particular coat. If the p2p is 21", as stated, then it will be too big for a trim fit.

RoboOfficer, Too bad the sleeves were so large. Don't know why they do that. The size 38s they make today are substantially larger than the vintage sizes. I too have a 42" chest. My size 40 vintage is a snug fit without a sweater. No way I could wear a vintage 38, probably couldn't even put it on. Sounds as if the current issue 38s are sized about the same as the vintage size 40s. Did you happen to get a p2p on either of the coats while you had them?

Just today, I received a vintage coat from Vintage Trends that I wanted to give as a gift. It is listed as 38R. I measured the p2p at 21 inches. It is not a 38. Unfortunately, the print on the label is faded. It is a kersey wool coat from 1967 in absolutely beautiful condition, but it is much to big, and it is going back. It must be a 40 or maybe, a 42. I'm writing because the sleeves are just as big and roomy as the current issue Mil-Spec. (This is not a bad thing if one wishes to wear or sweater. Also, it frees up the arm movement.) The sleeves on my 1949 coat are very slim and the armholes are higher. For someone, this is going to be a fantastic coat.

 

+1 on where the surplus store is. I've been looking locally for some time but did not find any vintage peacoats.

Yes, it is a size 40. This is why I stress getting a p2p from the seller. Most sellers know little to nothing about the era of a peacoat or the size. Yesterday I saw a comment by a seller that the coat was big on her son and he wears a medium, so she thinks it is probably a medium. Great way to get a good fit on a peacoat.

Anyone have any opinions on how the Uniqlo pea jackets fit? I'm 5'11" and 175 pounds, based on their sizing chart it looks like I'm a medium (38" chest, 33" waist, 18" shoulders). Are those measurements true to size? Would I be fine layering under a medium, or should I go for the large?

For the record, I did ask the seller for a measurement. I'm sure it did not happen.
It's a shame because the coat is in pristine condition.

Knowing your background and your knowledge of these coats, I'm sure you did.

I always ask for sleeve measurements, as well as the p2p. For some reason, on one eBay purchase, the sleeve measurement did not happen, just as your request didn't come through. When I got the coat, everything was just as described--perfect, except the sleeves were 1 1/2" too short. Ended up giving it to a friend of mine whose arms were much shorter than mine. It wasn't until a couple of years later that I actually realized the sleeves could be let out if there was enough material in the cuff. Oh well, live and learn from the experiences of others. As one of my flight school instructors was fond of saying, "Learn from the mistakes of others, as you won't live long enough to make them all yourself." He was right.

I'm giving a clinic to mentor some young teachers. I'm going to steal this quote! GOOD advice!

The inner button of my peacoat is coming loose, so I've been only buttoning the outside buttons (usually top 2 only unless it's extremely windy.) I plan to get the inner button fixed, but I noticed that I like only fastening the outer buttons because it's much faster -- I always had trouble with the inner one and that is probably why it came loose. I haven't noticed any change in the comfort of the coat and it looks fine in a mirror. 

 

Anybody else only button only the outside buttons?

Anything wrong with this practice?

Do you guys think it's not difficult (costly) for a tailor to add a leather backing to a peacoat collar a la the billy reid?