The Gloverall Duffle Coat I almost froze to death...

The Gloverall Duffle Coat

I almost froze to death last night watching the Bears’ inglorious stomping by the (much hated) Ducks. Having managed to teeter back from the brink of hypothermia by this morning, I thought it might be worth posting about one of my favorite and warmest winter jackets, the Gloverall Duffle Coat, which I wish I’d had the foresight to wear last night.

The Gloverall Duffle Coat is arguably the original duffle coat, and the label says as much. Much like the pea coat, the duffle was originally designed to keep military men warm at sea. Though the duffle coat has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity over the past couple of years, it is, like the pea coat, a timeless classic. And unlike the pea coat, the duffle coat is not as ubiquitous, and even has the added functionality of a hood to keep out cold winds and protect your delicately coiffured side part from the rain, hail, sleet, and snow. The longer length of a duffle coat relative to a pea coat also makes it, in my opinion, a better design for truly cold climes.

Jesse Thorn of PutThisOn! recently wrote an informative post about what to buy at Sierra Trading Post (STP), and I might add Gloverall duffle coats to that list. Although there are, oddly, none in stock right now, I have watched them in consistent and plentiful supply over the last decade or so and have little reason to doubt they’ll get more in stock. And while the Gloverall Duffle Coat retails for around $600, they can be purchased for $100-$150 at STP at least once or twice a year when clearance prices and discount codes align perfectly. I bought mine around 2005 for $85 via an extraordinarily serendipitous sale/coupon stacking moment, and I wouldn’t be surprised if that same price could be had if you’re patient and diligent in your stalking of the STP sales.

And, as always, if you don’t mind buying used and or vintage, Gloverall Duffle Coats are in plentiful supply for great prices on ebay and probably Etsy as well. If you live in a place that has harsh winters, there may even be a few in your local thrifts.