The Ultimate Peacoat Guide: How to Style, What & Where to Buy

A classic peacoat is the ultimate winter investment piece that will never go out of style, offering both timeless elegance and practical warmth for decades to come. As someone who's styled countless clients through British winters, I can confidently say that no other coat combines heritage, versatility, and sophisticated style quite like the peacoat. Originally designed for sailors in the Royal Navy, this double-breasted wonder has transcended its maritime origins to become a wardrobe essential that works just as beautifully over a silk dress for dinner as it does with weekend denim.

Why Every Woman Needs a Peacoat

The peacoat's enduring appeal lies in its perfect balance of form and function. The structured silhouette flatters virtually every body type, whilst the quality wool construction provides genuine warmth without bulk. I've watched trends come and go over my years as a stylist, but the peacoat remains constant – it's the coat that transforms any outfit into something more polished and purposeful.

What sets a peacoat apart from other winter coats is its distinctive double-breasted front with anchor-embossed buttons, peaked lapels, and typically knee-length cut. The wide collar can be worn up for extra warmth or folded down for a more relaxed look, making it incredibly adaptable to both weather and occasion.

Choosing the Perfect Peacoat for Your Body Type

For Petite Frames

Look for cropped peacoats that hit at the hip or just below. Avoid oversized styles that will overwhelm your frame. The key is maintaining proportion – you want the coat to enhance your silhouette, not hide it. Brands like Hobbs and Whistles offer excellent shorter-length options.

For Curvy Figures

A fitted peacoat that nips in at the waist will accentuate your curves beautifully. Look for styles with a defined waistline and avoid boxy cuts. The double-breasted front creates vertical lines that are naturally flattering. Consider trying styles from Phase Eight or Karen Millen, both known for their curve-conscious tailoring.

For Tall Women

You can carry off longer lengths beautifully – embrace midi and full-length peacoats. Look for interesting details like contrasting buttons or textured wool to add visual interest. Brands like Jigsaw and Cos offer extended lengths that work perfectly for taller frames.

For Apple Shapes

Choose peacoats with a more relaxed fit through the middle, focusing on styles that create a clean line from shoulder to hem. Avoid overly fitted styles at the waist, instead opting for coats that skim rather than cling.

Styling Your Peacoat: From Casual to Formal

Weekend Casual

Pair your peacoat with straight-leg jeans, a chunky knit jumper, and ankle boots. This combination is effortlessly chic and perfect for weekend shopping or casual brunches. Add a silk scarf for an extra touch of sophistication – I'm particularly fond of the classic Breton stripe or a subtle leopard print.

Office Professional

Layer your peacoat over tailored trousers and a crisp white shirt, or wear it with a midi skirt and fine-gauge knit. The structured nature of the peacoat adds gravitas to professional looks whilst keeping you warm during the commute. Finish with pointed-toe flats or low-heeled boots.

Evening Elegance

Don't underestimate the peacoat's formal potential. Worn over a slip dress with heeled boots and delicate jewellery, it creates an unexpectedly chic evening look that's perfectly suited to dinner dates or cultural events. The contrast between the coat's nautical heritage and feminine styling creates visual intrigue.

Layering Masterclass

The beauty of a peacoat lies in its layering potential. Start with a fine merino base layer, add a cashmere jumper or cardigan, then top with your peacoat. This creates depth and texture whilst providing practical warmth for British weather. Don't forget a quality scarf – it's often the finishing touch that elevates the entire look.

Where to Buy: High Street to Designer

High Street Heroes (£80-£200)

• John Lewis & Partners – Reliable quality with excellent customer service and a good range of sizes

• Marks & Spencer – Great value for money with classic cuts that stand the test of time

• Next – Modern interpretations of the classic peacoat with contemporary touches

• H&M – Budget-friendly options perfect for trying the trend before investing more

• Uniqlo – Excellent quality-to-price ratio with clean, minimal designs

Premium Players (£200-£500)

• Hobbs – Beautifully tailored pieces with feminine touches and excellent wool quality

• Ganni – Known for flattering cuts & quality fabrics

• Hackett – Contemporary styling with unique details and modern proportions

• Jigsaw – Sophisticated designs with interesting textures and superior construction

• COS – Minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic with exceptional attention to detail

• & Other Stories – Fashion-forward interpretations with unique design elements

Designer Investment Pieces (£500+)

• Burberry – The ultimate heritage peacoat with impeccable British craftsmanship

• Max Mara – Italian excellence with luxurious fabrics and timeless silhouettes

• Theory – Modern, architectural cuts with premium materials

• Joseph – Effortlessly chic pieces with subtle contemporary touches

• Isabel Marant – French sophistication with an edge of cool

• Acne Studios – Scandinavian minimalism with unique proportions and details

What to Look for When Shopping

Quality is paramount when investing in a peacoat. Look for 100% wool or a wool blend with at least 80% wool content. The buttons should feel substantial – genuine horn or metal buttons indicate superior construction. Check that the lining is fully finished and that seams are neat and straight.

Pay attention to the collar construction – it should lie flat when worn down and stand up properly when popped. The shoulders should fit perfectly as this is difficult to alter later. When trying on, ensure you can layer comfortably underneath whilst maintaining the coat's silhouette.

Caring for Your Investment

A quality peacoat will last decades with proper care. Always check the care label, but most require professional dry cleaning to maintain their shape and appearance. Between wears, hang on sturdy hangers and allow to air out. Store with cedar blocks during summer months to prevent moth damage.

For minor refreshing between cleans, use a fabric steamer rather than direct ironing, which can flatten the wool's natural texture. Quality peacoats actually improve with age, developing character whilst maintaining their essential shape.

Find Your Perfect Peacoat Size with Tellar.co.uk

Choosing the right size peacoat is crucial for both style and comfort, which is why I always recommend using Tellar.co.uk – the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly.

How Tellar Works:

1. Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or input your existing brand size

2. Use their Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand – whether it's COS, Phase Eight, Hobbs, Burberry, or any of the 1500+ brands in their database

3. Always free with no downloads needed – it works directly in your browser

As a stylist, I can't tell you how many sizing disasters I've seen clients experience when shopping online. With peacoats especially, getting the fit right is essential – too loose and you'll lose the flattering structure, too tight and you won't be able to layer properly underneath.

The Tellar Fashion Hub is also a treasure trove of honest, unbiased styling advice. It's completely independent and always free, covering every fashion query you might have. For more comprehensive guidance, check out their Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide and their Ultimate Guide to Dresses for additional styling inspiration.

If you're looking to refresh your entire wardrobe, their jean trends guide pairs perfectly with peacoat styling advice. For those who frequently shop at Next, their comprehensive Next sizing guide is invaluable.

Final Thoughts

A well-chosen peacoat is more than just a winter coat – it's a style statement that speaks to timeless elegance and practical sophistication. Whether you opt for a high-street version to test the waters or invest in a designer piece that will serve you for decades, the peacoat's versatility and enduring appeal make it one of the smartest additions to any woman's wardrobe.

Remember, the best peacoat is the one that makes you feel confident and comfortable, fits your lifestyle, and works with your existing wardrobe. Take time to try different styles and brands – your perfect peacoat is out there, waiting to become your winter uniform.