The Overcoat Thread

[Cause Moe]

This #polocoat is a recent acquisition and one of my most amazing garments for several reasons.
First of, it is a vintage heavyweight worsted cashmere. I have my preference on cloth's weight and weave. I don't throw the term heavyweight around easily. This overcoat clocks in around 9lbs (approximately 4kgs!) It is also worsted cashmere and very dense. There are some moth nibbles which I am guessing the moths just gave up because of how dense and thick the cloth is

.
Second, this is more important. It belonged to WW2 veteran Colonel James R. Perry, Jr.! (RIP!) He flew the B-24 during the war. He retired as a Colonel from Westover AFB in Massachusetts in June 1965. He commissioned this polocoat from the UK and probably in the 1970s. The cloth label has "West of England Cashmere manufactured by Strachan and Co, Ltd. established in the coaching days." It has another label with "needled on Savile Row," with beautiful handwork throughout.
I purchased this from his daughter and she was a joy to work with (Thank you Michelle!)
I was wearing it without any alterations, please witness how this polocoat fit and draped on me in the recent snowstorm. It is heavy, warm, and most importantly, has a story I honor on my shoulders.
View attachment 2331323 View attachment 2331321 View attachment 2331309 View attachment 2331311 View attachment 2331319 View attachment 2331317 View attachment 2331315 View attachment 2331313

That's a fine coat, with a very fine history and provenance.

And it lacks the one thing I like least about many polos: the mailbox pockets; good on Col. Perry for his elegant choice. I have a thrifted vintage coat (a Chesterfield) with a moth hole. I considered having it repaired by a re-weaver, but I decided to let it stay. Coats have histories, and the only history I know about my Chesterfield is provided by the mothworks.

 

[hbk320]

That's a fine coat, with a very fine history and provenance.

And it lacks the one thing I like least about many polos: the mailbox pockets; good on Col. Perry for his elegant choice. I have a thrifted vintage coat (a Chesterfield) with a moth hole. I considered having it repaired by a re-weaver, but I decided to let it stay. Coats have histories, and the only history I know about my Chesterfield is provided by the mothworks.

your Chesterfield carries a dang fine of history (though a small one, get it?)

 

[clee1982]

I love that this is a Balmacaan but with those wide lapels like you might usually see on a topcoat (and the length is perfect). Every other Balmacaan I am seeing seems to have traditional, Prussian-style collars.

Has anyone else been able to find a similar raglan sleeve coat that has dramatic notched lapels like this which can be popped up? I tried this on in store and found that I was in between sizes so looking for other options. Or perhaps a MTM option in New York or London that I can try? Thanks!

https://shop.anderson-sheppard.co.uk/products/handwoven-donegal-woollen-coat-dark-grey

well not sure if same design

Anderson & Sheppard 17oz Wool Donegal Herringbone Handmade Raglan Balmacaan | eBay

Introducing the Anderson & Sheppard 17oz Wool Donegal Herringbone Handmade Raglan Balmacaan, a superb addition to any wardrobe. This exquisite coat boasts a high-quality wool outer shell material in a stylish grey hue, perfect for the modern man. The raglan cut and balmacaan style lend a classic...

www.ebay.com

 

[bjhofkin]

This #polocoat is a recent acquisition and one of my most amazing garments for several reasons.
First of, it is a vintage heavyweight worsted cashmere. I have my preference on cloth's weight and weave. I don't throw the term heavyweight around easily. This overcoat clocks in around 9lbs (approximately 4kgs!) It is also worsted cashmere and very dense. There are some moth nibbles which I am guessing the moths just gave up because of how dense and thick the cloth is

.
Second, this is more important. It belonged to WW2 veteran Colonel James R. Perry, Jr.! (RIP!) He flew the B-24 during the war. He retired as a Colonel from Westover AFB in Massachusetts in June 1965. He commissioned this polocoat from the UK and probably in the 1970s. The cloth label has "West of England Cashmere manufactured by Strachan and Co, Ltd. established in the coaching days." It has another label with "needled on Savile Row," with beautiful handwork throughout.
I purchased this from his daughter and she was a joy to work with (Thank you Michelle!)
I was wearing it without any alterations, please witness how this polocoat fit and draped on me in the recent snowstorm. It is heavy, warm, and most importantly, has a story I honor on my shoulders.
View attachment 2331323 View attachment 2331321 View attachment 2331309 View attachment 2331311 View attachment 2331319 View attachment 2331317 View attachment 2331315 View attachment 2331313

I wish I could like this multiple times.

Also you've inspired me to go weigh my coats. 😂

 

[comrade]

That's a fine coat, with a very fine history and provenance.

And it lacks the one thing I like least about many polos: the mailbox pockets; good on Col. Perry for his elegant choice. I have a thrifted vintage coat (a Chesterfield) with a moth hole. I considered having it repaired by a re-weaver, but I decided to let it stay. Coats have histories, and the only history I know about my Chesterfield is provided by the mothworks.

"And it lacks the one thing I like least about many polos: the mailbox pockets"

I dislike them too. It seems that they are much more common on Italian than
British or American coats.

 

[eazye]

Really? I love them!

 

[ppk]

Really? I love them!

Me too. I won't even look at one without them.

 

[Iskander]

IMO not really a Balmacaan because of the collar. Very similar to the coat Churchill
wore:

Winston Churchill (Long Coat) Cardboard Cutout - Celebrity Cutouts

www.celebrity-cutouts.com

My pedantic side is really annoyed that people have started to call all raglan sleeve coats "balmacaans" the past few years

 

[comrade]

My pedantic side is really annoyed that people have started to call all raglan sleeve coats "balmacaans" the past few years

It is equivalent to mass shoe retailers calling all dress shoes "oxfords"

 

[inTROYspection]

For anyone interested, letting go of the light gray Nelson overcoat from Berg & Berg in Size 52...

https://www.styleforum.net/buyandse...ray-irish-tweed-raglan-coat-size-52-42.43519/

 

[DorianGreen]

 

[SartorialWaq]

I’m glad I kept it.
Also managed to get a compliment from the barista at a coffee shop!

 

[DavidWatts69]

Morning all,

I finally decided that enough is enough, and I should get rid of my horrible high street abomination of a coat to get myself a proper overcoat (ie: knee-length, durable, stylish). I'd like to buy used because I'm not in a position to pay thousands on anything, so I was looking at vinted or ebay.

Did any of you have experience buying online and used? How does it work in terms of measurement? I only every bought either casual clothing or shirts and suits so I don't know how to measure myself accordingly.

Help is appreciated, thank you and have a nice day

 

[St1X]

Morning all,

I finally decided that enough is enough, and I should get rid of my horrible high street abomination of a coat to get myself a proper overcoat (ie: knee-length, durable, stylish). I'd like to buy used because I'm not in a position to pay thousands on anything, so I was looking at vinted or ebay.

Did any of you have experience buying online and used? How does it work in terms of measurement? I only every bought either casual clothing or shirts and suits so I don't know how to measure myself accordingly.

Help is appreciated, thank you and have a nice day

You don't have to pay thousands for a high end overcoat. For example Cavour has a 50% + 15% off sale, where you can buy some insanely high end coats for pennies. Most are sold out now, but returns happen all the time, so you might want to keep an eye on their stock. S&M also has some good value coats for a very affordable price

 

[WoolyLamb]

Bright, windy, and cold. Perfect for this one since the colors come out.