The Making of the Peacoat
The peacoat is more than just an outer garment. It is the embodiment of exceptional craftsmanship and timeless tradition, perpetuated for centuries. At SAINT JAMES, we are proud to offer a range of peacoats that are 100% made in France, pieces designed with passion and expertise in rigorously selected workshops.
The quality of the peacoat lies first and foremost in the quality of its yarn, carefully crafted in France. The production process begins with selecting the finest wool fibers, which are then spun using rigorous methods to ensure a texture that is both strong and soft. The twisting and fineness control of the fibers are crucial steps that guarantee the yarn's durability while preserving the lightness essential to such an iconic garment.
Selecting the right wool fibers is vital: we prioritize wool from Australia and New Zealand, renowned for its softness and insulating properties. The spinning process uses traditional techniques passed down through generations, ensuring unmatched quality. This step is essential to creating a yarn that gives the peacoat its robust and durable character.
Weaving: The Birth of Wool Panels
Once the yarn is ready, we move on to the weaving stage, carried out at our partner workshop, Jules Tournier, located in Mazamet. This is where wool panels are brought to life on historical looms that combine precision with tradition. Weaving is a fundamental step in ensuring the wool fabric’s resistance, density, and natural water repellency.
From Wool Panel to Wool Fabric
Weaving is just one part of the process. After weaving, the wool panels are washed with a specific product that softens the material while enhancing its durability. This washing is a crucial step, as it reveals the final texture of the wool fabric—a dense material, soft to the touch, yet incredibly resistant to the elements. The Jules Tournier workshop, a true guardian of ancestral know-how, is at the heart of this transformation.
Once the wool fabric is ready, it arrives at our partner workshops in rolls. This is where the peacoat-making process begins. Each piece is meticulously cut to respect the iconic shape of the peacoat while ensuring a perfect fit.
Our seamstresses and artisans, experts in crafting marine garments, follow precise steps to assemble the different parts of the peacoat: the body, sleeves, pockets, and collar.
Cutting the Wool Fabric : Each peacoat is cut from a roll of wool fabric using patterns that guarantee a clean, precise cut.
Assembling the Body : The individual pieces are sewn together with attention to detail, ensuring a solid and durable structure.
Adding Sleeves and Pockets : These elements are carefully attached, allowing the peacoat to offer both great freedom of movement and optimal functionality.
Throughout the production process, we adhere to artisanal traditions while incorporating modern techniques to create a peacoat that is both timeless and contemporary.
Dive into the history of the peacoat ! From its maritime origins to its iconic role in fashion, let yourself be taken on a journey through the centuries. Click below to learn more !
