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Greatcoat

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 118.90.14.223 (talk) at 14:16, 4 March 2010 (Actually this goes to de:Mantel (which has a subsection on paletots). However, "greatcoats" as worn in USSR/Russian/UK armed forces are exactly paletots.). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

German greatcoats worn by post WW 2 military and naval officers
Russian greatcoat worn by soldiers being reviewed by President Putin at a military parade
Air Chief Marshal Sir Cyril Newall inspecting an aircraft in France (accompanied by Air Commodore Lord Londonderry and Air Vice-Marshal Patrick Playfair, the Commander of the Advanced Air Striking Force
Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin wearing greatcoats at Yalta, 1945

A greatcoat, also known as a watchcoat, is a large overcoat typically made of wool designed for warmth and protection against the weather. Its collar and cuffs can be turned out to protect the face and hands from cold and rain, and the short cape around the shoulders provides extra warmth and repels rainwater (if made of a waterproof material). It was popular in the 19th century as a military uniform and casual wear for the wealthy, and is still issued for inclement weather by many armed forces around the world. During the 17th and 18th centuries and the Industrial Revolution, greatcoats became available for all social classes.

The coat generally hangs down below the knees and the cape is kept short, normally just above or below the elbows. It also sports deep pockets for keeping letters and food dry. It is typically coloured grey, though other colours may be used (e.g. black, brown, navy blue). One type of greatcoat is the Petersham (after Petersham in Surrey).

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