The 9 Best Women's Peacoats in 2023

(Image credit: Getty)

published 24 January 2022

Warm and dependable, the sturdy double-breasted peacoat isn't just the premier jacket choice for sailors taking to the high seas. Today, the silhouette is a classic, fashion-forward addition to a modern woman's wardrobe. You'll be impressed with its ability to flatter every frame. Here, we chatted with fashion historian Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell about the iconic menswear jacket style that's perfectly suited for your outerwear needs.

Marie Claire: What are the peacoat’s origins?

Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell: The peacoat was first worn by sailors in the 18th century; the name may come from pije, a Dutch word for a thick, coarse wool fabric that’s warm and water-resistant. The style was later adopted by the British, French, and American navies.

Shop Short Peacoats:

Tory Burch Wool Peacoat

Double Breasted Peacoat

L.L. Bean Classic Peacoat

MC: When was the style embraced by women?

KCC: Yves Saint Laurent, one of the biggest proponents of menswear-inspired style, showed a peacoat in his line’s first collection in 1962. Famous peacoat wearers include Jackie Onassis and Jane Birkin.

Shop Printed Peacoats:

Bash Checkered Coat

Stella McCartney Wool Coat

Avec Les Filles Plaid Coat

MC: What modernizes a peacoat?

KCC: Flap pockets instead of welt pockets, a longer silhouette with an hourglass shape, or the addition of a hood or belt. A traditional peacoat is fitted. However, boxy and oversize peacoats were popular in the 1980s and, more recently, in the late 2010s. The peacoat has enjoyed periods of heightened popularity without ever really going out of fashion.

Shop Long Peacoats:

Valentino Cashmere Blend Coat

See by Chloé Double Breasted Wool Peacoat

Totême Wool Cashmere Blend Coat

Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, covering runway trends and tracking down the latest finds to buy and wear. When she’s not writing about fashion, she pens about the best places to jet-off to. Over her six years with Marie Claire, Sara has reported on the ever-evolving world of fashion— covering both established and emerging designers within the industry. Sara has held fashion positions at Lucky and SELF Magazine and was a regular contributor to Equinox’s Furthermore website, where she wrote across their style, wellness, and travel verticals. She holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and currently resides in Manhattan. Follow her along at @sarajonewyork.