How to Style Your Melton Admiral Peacoat for Any Occasion

by Muhammad khan on January 02, 2025

Some menswear trends come and go, but others are so classic that they simply endure. The peacoat is one of those styles that gets all the basics right: hefty wool fabric that stands up to wind and cold, a button throat latch and oversized body buttons, and a slim fit.

1. Dress it Up

Although it seems like every season some designer tweaks the peacoat, it's still a cold-weather classic—and if you know where to look (like Old Navy), you can pick one up for under $100. This version is made of wool and shearling, and comes with premium embellishments like horn buttons and a quilted lining. It also features a throat latch and wide lapels that help keep the cold out, just as they did for sailors on the sea.

For a more formal take on the style, consider this jacket from Ralph Lauren. It's a great choice for cold-weather business casual outfits, especially when paired with chinos and a crisp button-down shirt. It's crafted of dense, thickly knit Melton wool and is a good choice for frigid temperatures. Plus, the coat features a throat latch and authentic horn buttons for an added touch of sophistication.

Another option is this long peacoat from Nautica. It's slim-fit and has a non-bulky quilted lining, so it'll be warm even if you just wear a simple Henley underneath. The jacket also features a ulster collar, horn buttons, and leather trim on the underside of the collar. The best part about this model is the price, which is less than half of what you'd pay for a modern Navy peacoat from Camplin, which is made from reprocessed wool and nylon fibers with polyester padding and a quilted nylon lining.

A good choice for everyday wear is this long peacoat from Buck Mason. It's crafted of Melton wool and has a nice mix of bells and whistles, including horn buttons and an adjustable back belt. The jacket is also made in Manchester, England and offers a lifetime repair service.

As a nod to the naval origins of the style, the coat is fitted, so it may feel a little snug on someone who's used to wearing more loose outerwear. For this reason, we recommend going with the longer model, which is six inches longer than the regular version. That will give you plenty of room to wear a thick sweater under it, which is how we'd recommend wearing the coat.

2. Dress it Down

If you’re looking for a men's peacoat that delivers standout warmth with classic style, this one from Buck Mason has all the markings of a timeless design. Its heavy Melton wool fabric blend is durable, while its satin-lined sleeves provide added comfort and easy on/easy off wearability. And its double-breasted design with chest handwarmer pockets provides a hint of naval heritage that can't be ignored.

Another great option is this one from Anatomica, which borrows from the bridge coats worn by Naval officers to create a style that's a bit more formal. While the jacket's boxy cut makes it look a bit more modern, its rugged Melton wool fabric blend and contrasting undercollar will still keep you warm on cold days.

Even better, the jacket's lining features leather trims and accents that lend a luxurious touch. This is a style feature you don't typically see in peacoats, and it demonstrates the attention to detail that you'll find throughout this collection.

The ten button front of Schott's made in the USA model gives this peacoat throwback appeal, while the quilted lining provides extra insulation. Plus, its large collar can be flipped up against wind chills. And since it's crafted from durable, wrinkle-resistant fabrics, you'll be able to wear this peacoat for years to come.

You'll also want to check out this navy version from Nautica. It's a good choice for the man who wants to make sure that his peacoat can be worn for work or play, and it comes in a variety of crisp color options to suit any wardrobe.

And then there's Ralph Lauren's Luke Peacoat, which has a few touches that set it apart from other classic coats. The two flap pockets are a nod to the style's military roots, while its pronounced collar rides high enough to protect your neck when it's flipped up.

If you're looking for a more modern take on the traditional peacoat, this one from Todd Snyder is worth a closer look. The Midwest-born brand is known for blending heritage styling with ultra-premium fabrics, and this jacket is no exception. The heavy Melton wool fabric is durable, while the back collar can be flipped up for added wind protection. It's a design that works well for business casual looks (think: a blazer and tan chinos) or everyday outfits (like the best blue jeans and a thermal henley).

3. Dress it Up Again

The peacoat has always been a workwear staple, but thanks to its utilitarian origins and rugged materials, it's also a versatile choice for smarter occasions. When paired with dark blue denim and a tailored button-up shirt, it's the perfect ensemble for cold-weather brunches or casual drinks. Plus, it's a great way to add some visual interest to your look without overcrowding the outfit.

You'll find the best peacoats in a variety of fabrics and styles, from lightweight shearling to thick wool. While some are designed to be as minimalist as possible, others offer more luxe features, such as genuine horn buttons and custom-made linings. This option from American designer Todd Snyder is a prime example of the latter. It features the 6-button-3 front, welted handwarmer pockets, flapped hip pockets and button tabs at the cuffs of a traditional navy peacoat—plus a few more stylish touches, including a slim fit, horn buttons and Bemberg lining. You can pick it up in sizes small to XXL on the brand's website.

Other options that take the classic to the next level include this one from British label Paul Smith & Co. It offers the same dressy, sharp style of the traditional navy peacoat but with a slightly longer length that works well over sweaters and dress shirts. Plus, it's made in a high-quality wool and cashmere fabric blend with Bemberg lining for a touch of luxury.

Finally, you can't go wrong with this classic navy peacoat from Schott. It's everything you want in a traditional peacoat: warm, sturdy and thoroughly handsome. It's crafted in the US from a generous 32-ounce Melton wool blend and comes in a variety of classic shades, including navy.

While the peacoat may have originated in naval uniforms, it quickly found a home among style icons and ordinary people alike. And even though it's been tweaked a few times over the years—by adding more or less buttons, changing the color or size of the collar, or using different fabric—it remains the ultimate winter jacket for any man.

4. Dress it Down Again

Designed for navy seaman close to two centuries ago, the peacoat has become a go-to winter jacket for men who need rugged warmth in a utilitarian package. Whether you wear it with blue jeans and dress boots on a date or workwear-inspired corduroy pants and a button-down for the office, it's the kind of versatile layer that'll keep you warm and looking sharp all season long.

If you're in the market for a traditional Melton Admiral Peacoat, it doesn't get much more authentic than this model from Schott. It's made in the U.S. from a 32oz 80% wool, 20% nylon Melton that's thick enough to deliver serious insulation and durability. A slim eight-button front accentuates your shoulders, and handwarmer pockets and quilted lining make this coat ready to tackle frigid temperatures year after year.

Another classic is this version from American designer Todd Snyder, who specializes in elevated workwear. It's made from a 90% wool and 10% cashmere blend with Bemberg lining, genuine horn buttons and a sleeve pocket to help you keep your hands cozy on brisk days. And while it's certainly pricier than your average peacoat, its quality is undeniable.

Then there's this Brooks Brothers option, which delivers the sleek profile you'd expect from a men's peacoat while avoiding some of its more imposing features. It's a little shorter than some of the other options on this list and has proportions more like those of a blazer than a peacoat, but it's still plenty substantial thanks to its double-breasted front and a large Ulster collar that rides high to protect you from cold winter breezes.

Finally, this offering from Cockpit USA takes the classic peacoat in a more casual direction, while keeping its signature functionality. It's a slightly longer length that will work well with modern tailored pants and sportscoats, while its eight-button front and welted handwarmer pockets add a touch of everyday utility. While purists might not be thrilled about the modern cut, it's hard to argue with a peacoat that's made from a sturdy Melton fabric and carries its own custom lining for added visual appeal.

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