Our French navy gabardine overcoat is only available in one size – medium – but will likely fit someone on the smaller side as well. As mentioned, they are constructed from gabardine, a tightly woven fabric generally used in formal clothing. The overcoat offered here is gabardine woven from a wool blend that is sure to keep you fashionable yet warm on even the coldest night.
The overcoat is a six-on-three – meaning there are six total buttons with three buttonholes for closure – double-breasted style coat in the vein of a naval reefer jacket. Additionally, there is an interior button to ensure an extra-secure closure. There are also buttons adorning each epaulet as well as the lower back strap. Each button is gold in color and features a star atop a pair of wings.
Overcoats have a long history of military use, and this one is no exception. Typically used in winter campaigns, the overcoat has found military use dating back to the 1700s. In fact, overcoats that were near identical to our French navy gabardine overcoat were used by Napoleon’s troops, as evidenced by Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier’s famous 1864 painting, “Campagne de France.” It is likely that the French navy used these overcoats in some manner.
Even if you aren’t in the military, there are still plenty of uses for this overcoat. It really is a high-quality piece of clothing that can be worn on any formal or even informal occasion. Throw it on when you decide to go out to dinner or to meet up with friends for a drink. You may also consider it for:
- Reenactments
- French military collections
- Stage or theater costume
- Movie production
At a price like this, it may even make a great gift for someone with expensive taste.
