How to Determine If a Navy Pea Coat Is Regulation and Authentic
- 1). Search for an authentic pea coat at a military surplus store. Fashion outlets are unlikely to carry authentic military supplied pea coats.
- 2). Check that the coat is double-breasted. Official navy pea coats are double-breasted to ensure warmth.
- 3). Look closely at the buttons. There should be six visible buttons and all should carry an anchor design on the front.
- 4). Check that the material used is 32 oz. Melton wool. Fashion replicas may use different fabrics to get a less coarse look than the authentic US Navy pea coat. Outside pocket openings should be a vertical slash, both left and right.
- 5). Ensure that the lining of the coat is quilted and that there is an inside pocket.
- 6). Look for a label proclaiming the coat to be an official US Navy coat. If you find such a label, you can rest assured that the coat is authentic military issue.
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