Pea Coats for Women

It's that time of the year to shop for winter outerwear garment that keeps you warm and adds style. What about an outerwear, an elegant complement to any outfit which blends well over everything like skinny jeans, trousers, a dress or a cute skirt, literally a versatile jacket like the pea coat?

Sans restrictions, like only formal or only casual wear and highly utilitarian in nature, fashion gurus agree that pea coat is a classic piece of outerwear any woman should like to have in her closet. With features like removable liners making them great for all seasons, pea coats no doubt, are rightly termed as fashion staple and not a mere fad.

Read on. Check out details like style, the numerous shades and colors and materials of women's pea coats. It will help in selecting the right pea coat to complement your figure. Get ready to get that timeless classic look.

A bit of pea coat history

The pea coat or pea jacket is a classic example of how fashion designers often draw inspiration from military uniforms. Pea coats have been a staple for the Navy uniforms since the beginning of the twentieth century. It was designed with a specific purpose, to keep the seafarers warm and endure the harsh, cold temperatures while at sea.

The name pea coat comes from the type of material that the coat is made of. It was called pilot cloth, which eventually became known as 'Pee' cloth. Sailors first called them pea jackets and then just pea coats. The original designed for the navy sailors were made of heavy wool, dark navy blue in color, full-fleece lining, wide and rounded lapels, satin sleeves, had vertical or slash pockets with set of double-breasted anchor inscribed buttons on the front. It had wide, heavy collars. While at sea facing harsh cold winds, the sailors could turn that wide collar up to neck.

Pea coats are still worn in the navy but have gained popularity amongst the common people as well. Today, it is making fashion statements. There are special designs for men and women. They are donned as work coats, overcoats, and even dress coats. Women's pea coats are good for almost all body types.

Pea coats for women

Pea coats for women gained popularity in the 1960s. Over the decades, it has hardly lost its sheen. Of course, the style, colors, patterns and fabrics have evolved in tune with the changing time. For example, the truest form weren't designed for all body types. The world of fashion designers inspired by the classic cut and style continue to introduce some minor and modern changes from time to time to add uniqueness and elegance.

Most women prefer pea coats because they are versatile, practical to wear, attractive, comfortable and durable. The plethora of cuts adds to the appearance. It adds value to the wardrobe if several pea coats with different looks are purchased, worn and maintained well. Pea coats for women are longer, but there are cropped options now as well.

There are several considerations when choosing a women's pea coat. You may like to go by the color, the style, the design or the fabric. There isn't actually an order for consideration per se. For instance, if the color is cute, the style and design can be appropriately chosen and vice versa. There are single-breasted as well as double-breasted pea coats with removable inner layers features. Giving preference to comfort and style, it's the double-breasted version that wins over the single-breasted version.

An adjustable cuff, slant pockets, accessories about the coat's sleeves, variation in sleeves is another feature that has undergone changes, like the kimono sleeves women's pea coat. The inside cell-phone packet and zip-close packets for mp3 players, keys are the latest additional features provided for in custom-designed or tailor-made women's pea coats. The look of the pea coat depends on the fitting. Here are key points about the fit:

• Pea coats for woman are designed to fit at the hips.
  
  
• Pea coats should be snug-fit but should allow for comfortable movement.
  
  
• Always go for plus one or two sizes. Make provision for the inner wear.
  
  
• Make sure the shoulders and sleeves fit perfectly.
  
  
• Make sure that the coat is not longer than mid thigh.
  
  
• Though bulky in nature, when you have it on, it shouldn't look appear bulky.
  

Even before setting out to shop, the extent of information you have on an item of intended purchase definitely adds value. Equip with information on styles, fabrics, the patterns and colors specifications that can make shopping for pea coats easy and most satisfying.

• The cape style women's pea coat with the roomy cut is best to hide figure flaws such as large stomach or bust.
  
  
• The flare coat style widens out at the hemline.
  
  
• Patterned pea coats come in stylish designs.
  
  
• For a complete feminine look, choose 'cut insides' pea coat, which emphasizes on the slender waist of the wearer.
  
  
• If in early maternity, a swing pea coat will give more shape and add great elegance.
  
  
• Care for a flashy look; pick a pea coat with fur lining or a pea coat with funky buttons.
  
  
• Sheepskin style pea coats for women focus on the collar.
  
  
• Double breasted pea coats, as is traditional, puts more emphasis on large buttons.
  
  
• High V-neck pea coat styling will keep you warm and trendy too.
  
  
• Belted pea coat defines a longer style. The thick belt creates a noticeable middle, while also keeping the look very fashionable and sleek.
  
  
• Double-breasted shrunken pea coat with ¾ sleeves may not keep you warm but will look incredibly stylish.
  

Length: The size of pea coat varies from knee length or quarter length and full length.

Sizes: X-small, small, medium, large and X- large, these are the sizes which are commonly available.

Colors: The classic color is always the navy blue color. Besides navy blue color, black, brown color, gray colors are top choices. Women's pea coats have more color options like bright red, berry color, pale cream, green and even an adventurous orange color. It is not uncommon to see winter pea coats 2010/2011 in colors like mustard yellow, burgundy and emerald.

Fabrics: Wool is the most popular pea coat fabric. Other fabrics include nylon blends, corduroy, khaki, cotton and denim. The most luxurious is the ultra-soft goat's wool known as cashmere to protect and keep the wearer warm during winter. Cotton and linen are for the summer months.

Caring for women's pea coats

It could be a gift from someone or a pea coat you gifted yourself, it is indeed a priced procession. You will need to know how to maintain pea coats so that you can have it for a long time.

• Look at the tag and follow instruction label.
  
  
• Take extra care for wool pea coats.
  
  
• When ironing wool pea coats remember to choose 'wool setting'
  
  
• Use a little bit of steam.
  
  
• Clean stains/spills immediately or it may set in.
  
  
• Use solutions meant for cleaning spills.
  
  
• After use, hang pea coats on padded hangers.
  
  
• Brush them off after use to get off lint or any soil that accumulate.
  
  
• Never dry near heat sources.