Questions About the United States Navy Peacoat

[Peacoat]

If it is really cold, I like a knit watch cap in navy or dark grey. If not cold enough for a watch cap, I like my "ARMY"* low profile baseball cap. Most people just don't understand the juxtaposition of the two.

BTW, welcome to the Lounge.
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*Black body with gold letters.

 

[Navy]

Thanks. I went to my nearest surplus store and they had these http://www.armynavydeals.com/asp/products_details.asp?SKU=8492&catid=1466. However, they were itchy on my head. Are these generally supposed to be so itchy?

 

[Spoonbelly]

Thanks. I went to my nearest surplus store and they had these http://www.armynavydeals.com/asp/products_details.asp?SKU=8492&catid=1466. However, they were itchy on my head. Are these generally supposed to be so itchy?

I don't think they are supposed to be itchy. The 100% wool is the reason though. I bought one of those in navy a few years ago. Found it to be quite small. I never wore it but gave it to my son who also never wore it. It was however large enough for him. I wear either a knit cap or my full head cover up plus neck cover in real cold windy days. Both are black, but I would also welcome navy.

 

[El Marro]

I bought the exact same watch cap at the surplus store near my house and I found it to be very itchy. In my experience this sensation usually goes away after a few wears, but not so with this cap. I ended up buying a navy blue Filson wool knit cap instead. It fits better and is much more comfortable to wear.

 

[Peacoat]

It will probably be itchy if you have a wool allergy. You could try hand washing in Woolite. Give it a good workout while in the solution. That might help.

Here is the link to the Filson hats: http://www.filson.com/men/hats-caps.html Unfortunately, the $45 watch cap doesn't come in navy or black. You will have to go up to $125 to get one in blue or black. It is made of Bison wool, which is non allergenic for most people.

 

[Navy]

None of the navy ones I've found seem to match well with my 1952 midnight blue peacoat. They each looked much bluer than my peacoat (at least while with store lighting). Would they match once I go outside into the sunlight?

 

[Spoonbelly]

None of the navy ones I've found seem to match well with my 1952 midnight blue peacoat. They each looked much bluer than my peacoat (at least while with store lighting). Would they match once I go outside into the sunlight?

Usually when out in the bright sunlight things look "lighter" when outside. Peacoats which are very dark navy blue inside almost appear to be black. When outside - surprise they are navy blue. I have found that most caps and sweaters do not come in as dark a navy blue as the Kersey peacoats do. The navy color watch cap I bought was not only small but was lighter in color then the Kersey peacoats.

 

[Navy]

Usually when out in the bright sunlight things look "lighter" when outside. Peacoats which are very dark navy blue inside almost appear to be black. When outside - surprise they are navy blue. I have found that most caps and sweaters do not come in as dark a navy blue as the Kersey peacoats do. The navy color watch cap I bought was not only small but was lighter in color then the Kersey peacoats.

Should I still opt for a navy watch cap then? I found a nice charcoal one that looks great with my peacoat indoors but have no idea how the outfit will look in sunlight.

 

[Peacoat]

Should I still opt for a navy watch cap then? I found a nice charcoal one that looks great with my peacoat indoors but have no idea how the outfit will look in sunlight.

I think that would be a very nice match.

 

[Spartcom5]

Peacoat got another question for you. What brush do you use on your peacoats? Link? I just bought this https://www.amazon.com/Home-Garment...&qid=1480228653&sr=8-3&keywords=clothes+brush however the bristles are made of a softer plastic and I'm hesitant because I don't want to damage the wool on my coat... think it should be fine? I was thinking the brush should be made out of hog bristles or something like that...

 

[Peacoat]

I use a brush that is similar to the two sided brush you got from Amazon. It is a lint remover that is shown on the top side of your brush. It is the only brush I have found that will remove the lint particles.

https://www.amazon.com/DESIGN-Everc...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=7GT5BSNEB4EFVNZCBKT1

 

[mihai]

What headwear goes well with a peacoat?
Color suggestions?

Nice ideas from Peacoat, I was not aware of those possibilities.
I wear some "italian" type cap : https://www.pinterest.com/pin/475200198156381798/ . Espacially with the WW2 pea coats, it gives a more classic early 20th century look. This cap style is quite multivalent, it goes with several jacket/coat types.

 

[Navy]

I read there was some specific "Z" pattern to sewing on the buttons?
One of mine popped when I was wearing a sweater under my peacoat and took a deep breath .

 

[Peacoat]

I use the X pattern when sewing a button back on. The Z pattern is more efficient for the seamstress when using a sewing machine, but I hand stitch mine. Be careful you don't go through both sides of a pocket or you will have to do it over again. Also, use a thimble which makes it easier to go through the thick material.

If you like a close fit, you will need one size for wear with only a shirt, and you need a coat one size larger when wearing a sweater. That way you get a fitted look both ways, and you don't pop buttons.

 

[Navy]

I use the X pattern when sewing a button back on. The Z pattern is more efficient for the seamstress when using a sewing machine, but I hand stitch mine. Be careful you don't go through both sides of a pocket or you will have to do it over again. Also, use a thimble which makes it easier to go through the thick material.

If you like a close fit, you will need one size for wear with only a shirt, and you need a coat one size larger when wearing a sweater. That way you get a fitted look both ways, and you don't pop buttons.

I'm guessing the X pattern is stronger?
And what color thread should be used? The button thread looks greenish.

 

[Peacoat]

I use black. That is what is on my coats (or maybe a dark navy). Black thread is easy to find, and I usually have some around without having to search for it. In comparing the X pattern and the Z pattern, I think the X is stronger. The Z pattern is used for efficiency.

 

[Navy]

Do you know if the thread is wool or some other material?

 

[Peacoat]

It's just normal thread material.

 

[Spoonbelly]

I use heavy duty black button thread.

 

[Peacoat]

Didn't know there was a heavy duty thread. Good to know. I use whatever my wife has, and I'm sure it isn't heavy duty.