Pike Brothers 1938 Pea Coat – Black Wool

Authentic Naval Heritage. Heavyweight Virgin Wool. Timeless Military Style.

The Pike Brothers 1938 Pea Coat in Black Wool is an authentic reproduction of one of the most enduring designs in naval outerwear. Inspired by the heavy wool coats worn by sailors throughout the early 20th century, it combines traditional military styling with exceptional fabric quality and practical protection against the elements.

Crafted from 100% virgin wool weighing an impressive 1,000gsm, the coat uses a specially woven fabric produced exclusively for Pike Brothers in Portugal. Made using a traditional recipe, the heavyweight wool recreates the substantial feel, durability and natural weather resistance of original 1930s naval pea coats.

With its distinctive double-breasted front, wide Ulster collar, traditional anchor buttons and gently flared waist, the 1938 Pea Coat offers an unmistakably classic silhouette that looks just as relevant today as it did nearly a century ago.

DESIGN & INSPIRATION

The pea coat is one of the oldest and most recognisable styles of military outerwear, with origins stretching back to the 18th century.

Its development is often attributed to Dutch sailors, whose long maritime tradition demanded clothing capable of withstanding cold temperatures, strong winds and harsh conditions at sea.

The name is believed to derive from the Dutch word pije, referring to a coat made from heavy, robust woollen fabric.

Over time, the design was adopted by navies around the world, becoming a standard piece of practical maritime clothing.

Its combination of warmth, durability and distinctive styling eventually established the pea coat as a civilian wardrobe classic.

The Pike Brothers 1938 Pea Coat takes its inspiration from the naval coats of the 1930s, recreating their substantial construction and characteristic silhouette using traditional materials and manufacturing techniques.

KEY FEATURES

• Authentic 1930s-inspired naval pea coat

• Classic Black colour-way

• 100% virgin wool outer fabric

• Exceptionally heavyweight 1,000gsm wool

• Fabric woven exclusively for Pike Brothers

• Traditional wool construction based on an original recipe

• Naturally wind-repellent

• Naturally water-repellent

• Double-breasted front fastening

• Traditional naval anchor buttons

• Wide Ulster collar

• Gently flared waist

• Fully lined construction

• Durable, substantial fabric

• Manufactured in Portugal

1,000GSM VIRGIN WOOL CONSTRUCTION

The defining feature of the 1938 Pea Coat is its exceptionally substantial 1,000gsm virgin wool fabric.

Unlike many modern pea coats made from lighter wool blends, Pike Brothers has chosen to reproduce the heavy wool quality associated with original 1930s naval clothing.

The fabric is woven exclusively for Pike Brothers by a specialist mill in Portugal, using a traditional recipe designed to recreate the character and performance of historic maritime outerwear.

Why 1,000gsm Wool?

At 1,000 grams per square metre, the fabric is considerably heavier than the wool typically found in conventional fashion coats.

This substantial construction provides several advantages:

• Excellent natural insulation

• Effective resistance to cold winds

• Natural resistance to light rain and moisture

• A dense, robust fabric structure

• Long-lasting durability

• The substantial drape associated with traditional military coats

The result is a coat that feels reassuringly solid and authentic, rather than a lightweight fashion interpretation of the original.

NATURAL WIND & WATER RESISTANCE

The original pea coat was designed to provide practical protection for sailors exposed to cold winds and changing weather conditions.

The Pike Brothers 1938 Pea Coat follows the same principle.

Its densely woven, heavyweight virgin wool provides natural wind-repellent and water-repellent properties, helping protect against cold air and light rain.

Wool fibres can resist a degree of surface moisture while continuing to provide insulation, making the material particularly suitable for traditional winter outerwear.

Although the fabric offers natural weather resistance, the coat is not a fully waterproof garment and is not intended to replace specialist waterproof clothing during prolonged heavy rain.

For cold, dry or changeable conditions, however, the substantial wool construction offers the warmth and protection that made the original design so successful.

CLASSIC DOUBLE-BREASTED DESIGN

The 1938 Pea Coat retains the traditional double-breasted front, one of the defining characteristics of naval outerwear.

The overlapping front panels provide an additional layer of fabric across the chest, helping reduce exposure to cold winds.

The broad double-breasted construction also creates the distinctive, structured appearance associated with classic military coats.

Traditional Anchor Buttons

The front is finished with naval-style anchor buttons, reflecting the coat's maritime heritage.

These traditional details reinforce the authenticity of the design and provide a subtle connection to the generations of sailors who wore similar garments.

WIDE ULSTER COLLAR

The coat features a traditional Ulster collar, characterised by its generous proportions and distinctive lapel shape.

This wide collar is an important part of the pea coat's classic appearance, giving the upper body a strong, structured silhouette.

It also provides additional coverage around the neck when turned upwards, making it a practical feature in colder or windier conditions.

The substantial wool construction allows the collar to retain its shape while complementing the coat's traditional double-breasted design.

TRADITIONAL FLARED WAIST

The Pike Brothers 1938 Pea Coat features a gently flared waist, reflecting the proportions of historic naval outerwear.

Rather than adopting an aggressively tailored modern cut, the design preserves the practical silhouette associated with traditional pea coats.

The flared shape provides a balanced appearance, with a structured upper body and a comfortable lower section.

This gives the coat its distinctive vintage character while making it suitable for layering over knitwear and other cold-weather clothing.

FULLY LINED INTERIOR

The coat features a full lining made from a combination of 54% polyester and 46% viscose.

The lining provides a smoother interior surface, helping the coat sit comfortably over shirts, jumpers and other layers.

It also complements the substantial wool exterior, giving the garment a finished, premium feel.

MADE IN PORTUGAL

The 1938 Pea Coat is manufactured in Portugal, with its heavyweight wool fabric produced by a Portuguese weaving mill exclusively for Pike Brothers.

The fabric is made using a traditional recipe to recreate the dense, durable construction associated with original 1930s naval coats.

This commitment to historically inspired materials is central to the Pike Brothers approach: reproducing classic workwear and military clothing with an emphasis on authenticity, durability and practical design.

STYLE & FUNCTION

The pea coat has remained popular for generations because its design is remarkably versatile.

Originally created as functional naval outerwear, it has become a timeless alternative to conventional winter jackets and overcoats.

The Pike Brothers 1938 Pea Coat works particularly well with:

• Raw or selvedge denim jeans

• Heavyweight wool trousers

• Traditional workwear trousers

• Cable-knit wool jumpers

• Roll-neck knitwear

• Chambray or flannel shirts

• Heritage leather boots

• Military-inspired footwear

• Wool scarves and traditional winter accessories

For an authentic heritage look, pair it with selvedge denim, a heavy wool jumper and leather boots.

Alternatively, wear it over tailored trousers and knitwear for a smarter winter outfit.

Its understated Black colour way makes it particularly versatile, working equally well with traditional workwear, military-inspired clothing and contemporary casual wardrobes.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

The heavyweight virgin wool construction requires appropriate care to preserve its appearance, shape and longevity.

Pike Brothers recommends:

• Do not wash

• Do not bleach

• Do not tumble dry

• Do not iron

• Professional dry cleaning permitted

For everyday maintenance, allow the coat to air naturally after wear and use a suitable clothes brush to remove loose surface dust and debris.

Store on a substantial coat hanger to help maintain the shape of the shoulders and collar.

Avoid prolonged exposure to direct heat when drying.

WHY CHOOSE THE PIKE BROTHERS 1938 PEA COAT?

The Pike Brothers 1938 Pea Coat in Black Wool is an exceptional example of historically inspired outerwear, combining authentic 1930s naval styling with traditional materials and substantial construction.

Its 100% virgin wool fabric, weighing an impressive 1,000gsm, is woven exclusively for Pike Brothers in Portugal using a traditional recipe. The result is a genuinely heavyweight coat with the natural warmth, durability and weather resistance associated with original military garments.

The double-breasted front, wide Ulster collar, anchor buttons and flared waist preserve the unmistakable character of the classic naval pea coat, while the fully lined interior adds comfort and practicality.

Unlike lighter fashion interpretations, the Pike Brothers 1938 Pea Coat remains faithful to the original purpose of the design: providing dependable warmth and protection in a garment built for years of use.

For anyone who appreciates authentic military heritage, traditional craftsmanship and timeless winter clothing, the 1938 Pea Coat is a distinctive and enduring choice.

Authentic naval heritage. Heavyweight wool. Built to withstand the elements.