The General's Overcoat - Navy

Perfect coat - looks sharp and modern, heavier than expected

I loved this coat the moment I put it on. The drape is superb, it looks luxurious while the large patch pockets provide a purposeful and utilitarian feel. The cut is a miracle; it looks clean over just a shirt, but it easily swallows heavy knitwear and jackets. I suspect this is a combination of belt, raglan sleeves and the large box pleat. It just looks very cool. However, Private White VC should be clearer about the cloth weight! This is a medium-heavy coat in 20 ounce wool cloth, the same cloth weight as The Dark Navy Donegal. For some reason PWVC posted the grams per square meter number (420g) rather than using the industry standard grams per linear meter for a 1. 5m roll (GLM) which is 630g! These numbers matter to people making an informed purchase, and it explains why a few people have already commented that the coat is heavier and more substantial than expected. Although, this is a good thing in my book, and a pleasant surprise. I’m 6’ 2” with a 42” chest and took a 5. In other PWVC I’m either 5 or 6, eg Bridge Coat 6.

Elegant and understated

The material is wonderfully heavy yet drapes well. The lining is soft but it is the small design flourishes, like the brass poppers, the beautiful inner pockets and the cashmere lined outer pockets for your hands, that make this feel like the serious piece of menswear that it is.

Generally. . . superior.

This is one of the very few modern coats that can hold its own in comparison to the heavyweight vintage pieces that I own. The detailing and quality of materials is a step up from so-called 'designer' brands. The cashmere pockets are especially welcome on an 'off the peg' item. The colour and design should be pretty versatile. It's grown-up enough for a worsted business suit, it would style very nicely as 'smart casual' with a cashmere or merino roll-neck or a pale blue shirt with a navy knitted blazer and grey flannels, and it wouldn't look out of place with selvedge jeans, guernsey jumper and a solid pair of boots. I think the coat could easily become a 'go to'. Reading the measurements, I thought it would come up a bit large so I ordered a size down. . . but I exchanged it, so I would say that it does fit true to size but with plenty of room to go over a suit / sports jacket. It's a coat that is meant to have plenty of room for movement, and I would rather it be a little too large than a bit tight. You can use the belt to bring it in a little if needed. The exchange process was quick and painless.