CAMPLIN
the story
Edgar Camplin established a trading company in 1850 that included draper's shops in London and Portsmouth. Edgar, together with his brother Henry and their respective sons, developed the family business by acquiring British military contracts to supply the Navy with sailcloth, which later extended to the provision of clothing.
In 1888, Edgar's son Charles presented the Royal Navy with the idea of producing a coat to distinguish Petty Officers from Ordinary & Able Seamen. By 1890, his proposal had been adopted, and the uniform of the Royal Navy become standardised. The Petty Officers were issued with the regulation Petty Officer Coat - abbreviated to P. Coat, then extended to the phonetically named "Peacoat".
collections
Navy "Rainwool" Peacoat
In 1888, Charles Camplin presented the Royal Navy with the idea of producing a coat for their Petty Officers. It was given the abbreviated reference “P. Coat”, then extended to the phonetically named "Peacoat”, thereby christening the iconic garment that has remained a wardrobe staple over 130 years.
ARTICLES
Camplin: The Original British Peacoat
A number of conflicting yarns have been spun regarding the origin of the Peacoat, however, the story we are most inclined to believe is that of the Camplin family.
Following 007 to the British Seaside
The White Cliffs of Dover are undoubtedly one of Britain’s most famous coastal landscapes, and a most appropriate location to test the performance of the nautical-style clothing produced by a number of the cherished heritage brands that Mason & Sons represent.