Dictionary

An outer coat, originally of a navy colored heavy wool, mostly worn by European and American sailors. Pea coat is characterized by short length, broad lapels, double-breasted front, often large metal or wooden buttons, and vertical or slash pockets.

There are several versions of the etymology of the name. The American version says that in cold and frosty weather, US Navy sailors put on a coat of the so-called “pilot” cloth — a thick blue twill weave. In short, it was called P-cloth. After some time, clothes made of thick blue fabric became known as P-jacket, and then – Pea Coat.