Bruce Springsteen Just Made the Eternal Case for the Peacoat
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There aren't many things you could conceivably wear to work the deck of some hardscrabble merchant vessel and to perform at a concert for the president and vice president of the United States—but the peacoat is one of them. Case in point, Bruce Springsteen wearing one to sing "Land of Hope and Dreams" on Celebrating America, the Inauguration Day special devoted to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
The Boss has had a firm grasp on the power of great outerwear since way back in the early days, so it makes sense that he'd reach for something worthy of the evening. The peacoat doesn't fall too far from Springsteen's scuffed-boots-and-denim aesthetic of choice, but it's proper enough to show that he's got a sense of occasion. Sure, he could have worn a suit and topcoat a la our new president, but ask yourself: Is that really how you want to see Springsteen perform?
We've sung the praises of the peacoat before. Luckily, it's the kind of coat that calls for repeat performances. Last week, it was popping up on newly minted Spy Guy, Chris Pine. In context, it looks like the sort of thing a hunted operative would wear to fend off potential attackers—and the elements—while staying relatively anonymous (and failing, at least if there are any menswear-y guys on the other side).
On Springsteen, though, the peacoat a supremely good-looking piece of outerwear that balances its utilitarian roots—thank the Navy for that, and for the tough-as-nails, standard-issue versions at thrift stores or on eBay—with exactly the right amount of formality. Just the thing a hardworking guy from Asbury Park would wear to bring us all a much-needed moment of optimism.
Plus, it's really warm. And it's really damn cold out there.
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