The Coat That Stood the Test of Time
Back in 2005, living in sunny Southern California, I had little need for serious winter outerwear. But when my then-girlfriend (now wife, Andrea) and I planned a Christmas trip to Munich to visit her family, I knew I needed something more substantial than my usual lightweight jackets. That’s when I decided to invest in a timeless menswear staple—the Schott NYC Pea Coat in Dark Oxford 32oz Melton Wool. It turned out to be one of the best clothing purchases I’ve ever made.
For those unfamiliar with this classic piece, the Schott Pea Coat is a heavyweight, double-breasted wool coat inspired by traditional naval outerwear. Made from thick, 32-ounce Melton wool, it offers serious warmth and wind resistance. The design features a wide collar that can be flipped up against the cold, sturdy anchor-engraved buttons, and deep flannel-lined hand-warmer pockets that provide both function and comfort. You can check out the latest version of this coat here.
My beloved pea coat photos taken today:
A Wardrobe Staple for Two Decades
After that first trip to Munich, the coat saw only occasional use in California’s mild winters. But when I relocated to Munich in 2011, it quickly became a core part of my winter wardrobe. Year after year, it has held its own against the city’s bitter winds, snowy evenings, and damp, gray days. It’s been my go-to coat for everything from holiday markets to brisk morning commutes.
What’s most impressive is how well it has aged. The wool has developed just the right amount of wear along the edges, giving it character without looking ragged. Despite 20 years of wear, it’s never lost a button—a rare feat in my experience with outerwear. The silhouette remains as stylish today as it was when I bought it, a testament to the enduring appeal of classic menswear.
Us black in the day (2005)! Look at those fresh faces:
The First Major Repair
After two decades of faithful service, the only real sign of wear that needed addressing was the flannel-lined hand warmer pockets, one of which had finally suffered a blowout. Rather than retiring the coat or opting for a quick fix, I decided to replace both pocket linings with black fleece. The result? A subtle upgrade that makes the coat even more comfortable to wear in freezing temperatures. Given how well the rest of the coat has held up, I have no doubt it will continue to serve me for years to come.
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| New black fleece pocket liner |
The Philosophy of Buying Once, Buying Well
This coat embodies the philosophy of investing in quality pieces that stand the test of time. Fast fashion may come and go, but a well-made classic like the Schott Pea Coat remains relevant and reliable through the decades. While trends shift, this coat has never felt outdated, making it one of the rare pieces from 2005 that I still wear with pride.
If you’re considering adding a pea coat to your wardrobe, I can’t recommend this one highly enough. Twenty years in, and it’s still one of the warmest, most durable, and most stylish coats I own. Here’s to another 20 years of winter wear.
These photos represent how I have been styling this coat over the past couple of years:
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