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thisfits:

FOUR FINDS FOR FALL

#4: Vintage Peacoat

This find was serendipitous. While I was interested in a pea coat, and there are plenty to be found on eBay, I was actually looking for a “military coat” when I stumbled on a listing for a “Vintage Naval Clothing Factory Mens Coat Military NAVY.”

The picture sure looked like a pea coat, so I did a search for “Naval Clothing Factory” and found this thread, which identified the pea coat as genuine World War II military-issue in near-pristine condition. I jumped on that quickly, and won it for a remarkable $22 shipped.

Unlike the pea coats we’re most familiar with today, WWII-era pea coats have a slim fit (the author of that thread notes they’re the slimmest-fitting of any he owned). The color is a midnight blue, almost black (substantially darker than it appears in my pictures), and the pockets are lined with corduroy. This is hands down my best eBay find yet, and I’ve been waiting six months for the weather to get cold enough to wear it.

I’ve had my peacoat, which is, as best as I can tell, from the period between WWII and Korea, since high school.  I bought it at a garage sale in Portland - I think I paid twenty dollars for it.  It still looks as great as it did when I bought it.  I’ve worn it every winter.  There’s no need to buy a second-rate knock-off, just get the real thing.

(Source: thisfits)

North Sea Clothing makes reproduction submariner sweaters in the UK.  They cost 115 pounds, including shipping.

I was reminded today by a mention in Valet of What Price Glory, a really remarkable military surplus and reproduction shop that caters to militaria nerds.  I first learned of it through one of my favorite blogs, Hollister Hovey, when she put together a great collection of items from the site a few months ago.

I started browsing the site and was inspired to make a little collection of my own.  You can see it online, from the Submarine Sweater to the amazing rain cape.  Do some browsing of your own, and you’ll find some remarkable stuff at very reasonable prices.  Remember that the proportions of military gear tend to be generous relative to current fashion, so things may need a nip and tuck to be au courant, but this is tough stuff to find at any price, much less at prices so affordable.

Ghurka shorts.  Maybe I’ve just been spending too much time with this book, but I’m on board.

Hollister Hovey’s Spring military surplus shopping guide.

The submariner sweater - originally manufactured for the British Navy, now recreated by North Sea Clothing.  Like the best military clothing turned civilian clothing, it’s simple, elegant and functional.

(via)

It’s On Ebay

Crazy Canvas / Wool Boots

Seriously: if you know anything about these crazy boots, tell me.  They’re kind of hideous, kind of amazing, and I’m dying to know what they’re for.

Starts at $19.50, ends Monday

Eight Days of Style

Reader Lucy wrote to us to ask that we suggest eight super-basic, affordable Hanukkah gifts for her boyfriend “to replace his stained light-wash jeans and Nine Inch Nails t-shirts.”  We’ll offer one choice for each day the oil burned.

For cold weather, get him a vintage naval peacoat.  The real deal will only cost you about $50-75 in great condition.  Remember that they’re sized to be worn with a bulky sweater underneath.