Fashion Vs. Function: K/R Icebreaker Peacoat?

I had to try several times (while going back and forth doing my laundry today) to find useable light around my apartment, so I actually got to try out this peacoat pretty well.

Pros:

Lining is stretchy and breathable, making it super comfy
Light weight makes it easy to move about and do stuff while wearing it. Great for our kind of travel.
Construction very sturdy.
Practical hidden pocket - and hidden pocket within the hidden pocket.
Length does not interfere with tall boots.
Fun convertible collar options

Cons:

The lightweight merino bonded to a windproof membrane does not drape as luxuriously as a fashion coat of similar price. I am kind of afraid it's a spendy piece that looks cheap on the bod. The crinkling on the body and arms is less obvious in softer light, and DH doesn't notice it, but I do.
The gray plastic buttons also cheapen the look (they looked black in the advertised photo). I'd probably want to replace with dark horn buttons if I ended up keeping it.
The sleeves are super long - past my fingertips - and cut at an angle. I'd either have to cuff or shorten. Pics show both options (DH prefers the cuff to shortening).

Is the functionality worth taking a bit of a hit fashion-wise?

#15-17 is my gabardine Burberry - not as warm and significantly heavier, but maybe it would serve me better to get a new Icebreaker fleece with a funnel neck (my fleece finally broke) to layer under the trench?

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12 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I am thinking PPP. It does not sound like you are in love with it. It sounds like you are trying to make it work.

I fear it will end up in the orphan pile after a short while as you feel much more fab in other pieces.

You don't sound terribly excited about it: how long is the return window? The layerable fleece & jacket might be more flexible and see more use, if it keeps you as warm.

Jules

It's not worthy of your fabness. That is my gut reaction. I don't know what the gear requirement is however.
As a Canadian - sure layers are useful in some ways, but my winter coat needs to work on its own for all but the coldest days. I'd never go with a layered solution. Too fussy for me, what if I forget/lose my under layer, etc. I even prefer a hood, so that my hat is optional. But I'm wearing it everyday for months. Not sure if you are just talking about an occasional requirement.

dustt

I way partial to the Burberry!! - can you get the liner for it?? - I love mine!!

ETA - I think mine is probably older than you!!!

Jjsloane

I'm not loving it for you. I don't think of it as a pea coat (the collar, the length?) As gear it seems to have the functions necessary, but as fashion I don't think so for this one.

rae

(website)

Dustt, I didn't know one could get liners separately, that is very interesting and might be a good solution.

Thanks for the honesty, ladies. I had high hopes for fashion and fabric technologies to mesh, but Maybe someday. I wondered if I was being too picky/snobby for something so functional.

Call Burberry with your model # and name - it should be in the interior pocket and they should be able to tell you if you can have it retrofitted with a liner.

Sarah A

I think the single row of buttons is what takes the pea coat feel away from the merino coat. Neither here nor there b/c I think you are much better off with your other coats. In the interior light the icebreaker doesnt look bad but the outside shots you can really see the lack of drape...

Wow, thanks! I don't think my model had the liner option, but who knows what they will do if they can retrofit.

If nothing else, maybe I could DIY a polar fleece liner in the mean time.

Diana

Yeah, I'm not loving it. It looks ... Puffy, somehow, especially the arms.

My mom has a lovely cashmere liner for her Burberry! I'd definitely look into it.

That's it Rae - I'm thinking good thoughts on a liner - Burberry or DIY!!

K. Period.

I want to like it, but the wrinkling that you noticed would drive me batty too. I feel like something felted with a good woven liner would serve you better. How windproof does it have to be? Have you considered the JCrew thinsulated versions of the pea coats? I vote for return and buy a good light but windproof sleek fleece or windproof hoodie (so you can have the intentional layer feel) to go under your trench or another coat for now. Then seriously investigate the liner for your trench.

ETA: maybe? http://www.patagonia.com/us/pr.....8;pcc=1128

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