Old military long coat

[donCarlos]

Maybe it´s a bit offtopic, but I have found a shop where they sell an "old" long double-breasted coat used by the east germany´s army. It´s made of 70% wool and 30% polyamid and they want only about 23USD for it, so I´m really considering buying it
The question is - If I rip off the epaulettes and maybe replace the metal buttons by some less shiny ones, would it be suitable even for casual winter wearing?

Here´s the picture:

 

[Nick D]

I wear my British greatcoat with the old buttons (though they're pre-Stay Brite and a little tarnished). The epaulettes don't stand out as much on mine.

 

[Spiffy]

Rock it like Captain Jack Harkness.

 

[Edward]

Absolutely. Some of the best coats I've had over the years have been picked up army surplus. They're cheaper (yet often harder wearing) than the civilian equivalent, and they tend to be cut to a more Golden Age style, with the higher armholes and generally neater fit than the baggier overcoats of today. I don't think I'd change the buttons or anything unless they were glaringly military (I know some of the epaulettes can be on Eastern European forces coats) and you really want more of a civilian look.

On the subject of Jack Harkness, I love his wardrobe - a fantastic example ofv a modern retro take on WW2 era casual dress.

 

[donCarlos]

It is obvious from the photo that this GDR model has the epaulettes sewed-on, but that´s nothing a scissors can´t handle. I will leave the buttons unless they have something like GDR coat of arms on them.

Ok, I have just sent request for my size For 23 dollars... That´s unbelievable.

 

[kampkatz]

If you like the coat, buy it. The insignia are obsolete now so there should be no big deal about endorsing any form of government. It is a good looking garment and a real bargain.

 

[Creeping Past]

If you like the coat, buy it.

I second that. For $23 you can't go wrong.

 

[Abyss]

I would have purchased that coat the instant I found one! Go for it, I say. And keep the epaulettes, I think that they always look good.

 

[Edward]

Th only thing I find "missing" from military overcoats is a breat pocket to stick my gloves in. that's a detail I love (but have never had) on an overcoat. Given, though, the choice between paying several times the price for one with, or a military coat of a similar quality.... no brainer.

 

[Dragon Soldier]

I have a repro British Army greatcoat which gets a fair bit of day-to-day wear during the deepest winter.

Need to get 'Rifles buttons for it though

 

[donCarlos]

Ok thanks all for advice. It´s ordered, I´ll post the photos as soon as I receive it. I hope it won´t dissapoint me (is it even possible for the money? )

 

[MrBern]

sportsmans guide

FYI, heres a double breasted Swedish Military overcoat designated as fine grade wool w/ nylon lining for only $20

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=392596

 

[Feraud]

I see little reason why you could not wear the ovecoat as is.

 

[donCarlos]

?
Many thanks.
Coat looks great. I second the motion about military coats: they're tougher and warmer and better cut (at least for my questionable frame) than the civilian ones, and you don't have to scurry away from inclement weather. My favorite winter coat is a Swedish double-breasted, slightly shorter greatcoat (or slightly longer peacoat). (I saw a photo of a similar one on this forum a few months back...)

The URL is http://www.militaryrange.com/zbozi/1352-kabat-k-uniforme-nva
but I don´t know how helpful will it be for you
The swedish one looks great as well, but the shipping would cost probably too much.

 

[Spitfire]

The only problem I can see, wearing a coat like that, would be "political".

You being in Praha, remembering what - among others - the East Germans, along with the russians did to your beautifull city in ´68.

Which offcourse is totaly fftopic: and irellevant to the coat.

 

[donCarlos]

The only problem I can see, wearing a coat like that, would be "political".

You being in Praha, remembering what - among others - the East Germans, along with the russians did to your beautifull city in ´68.

Which offcourse is totaly fftopic: and irellevant to the coat.

That´s why I will remove all signs of it being from the GDR... I wouldn´t feel comfortable in it - I would feel like a madman who´s playing at soldiers