Menswear has a long history of military-inspired fashions, with both the fashions of the moment – camouflage, olive and utility jackets as well as more classic pieces like flight jacketsand trousers, or aviator glasses. When you consider these roots the return of the safari jacket as a more modern elegant staple seems like an inevitable, and the most logical progression.
History of the Safari Jacket. History of the Safari Jacket
If you’re not familiar with its background The safari jacket’s roots are also rooted in the military. More specifically, it was the British Army’s Khaki Drill uniforms, appearing in the early 20th century in the Boer War. The style combines both the functionality of the military items and the requirement for something light and sturdy enough to stand up to the heat. Khaki cotton drills, featuring four pockets on the waist and chest and a collar that is large, an elastic waistband made of leather and the epaulets.
A few years later, as safaris began to become well-known among those of the European as well as the American elite The jacket was redesigned with a shorter collar with a more pointed tip, the epaulets are often removed and, for the belt, a switch to cotton was made to let the wearer breathe. Like military uniforms, every pocket came in handy for holding guns binoculars, knives, or even a map.
The mid-20th century and the history of pop culture transformed the jacket as a status symbol sort of, one that was simultaneously of of leisure and adventure. Photographs from Ernest Hemingway and Teddy Roosevelt depict these two prominent figures wearing the jacket while they were on their respective African explorations.
In the 40s and on through the ’80s, the leading actors typically in stories that involved exotic, even dangersome adventures, wore its iconic silhouette: Gregory Peck in The Snows of Kilimanjaro, Clark Gable in Mogambo, Roger Moore through several James Bond flicks, and Clint Eastwood in White Hunter Black Heart.
Safari Jacket in Style
The fashion industry embraced and revamped the practical pieces for the upscale urban buyer at this period. Yves Saint Laurent had perhaps the most impactful with his African-influenced collectionthat debuted in 1968, following a sketch that was created for an Vogue article in the previous year. In the early days, this piece for women was what was considered to be a strictly male-oriented item. However, Laurent’s first designs were slimmed down and belted , much like a trench coat.
The jacket has been an iconic piece from the famous fashion house, and has undergone numerous changes over the years. From slim and flared to lightweight and relaxed to a boxy, utilitarian form. For menswear, Tom Ford and Ralph Lauren brought back the jacket over the last few years: Elegant and sophisticated and a hint of suede in the case of the former and tough but lightweight to the later.
If you decide to test this style yourself, what are the things you should be thinking about?
1. Pick The Best Fabric For Your Jacket Season
There’s no need to venture out in the wild and you’re not packing your pockets with ammunition. So, the current jacket’s fabric is much more comfortable than its more practical predecessor’s. In particular as a piece of clothing that can be used as a transitional piece safari jackets function as a light, military-inspired jacket with a few pockets. In this regard keep it in mind as you would any other spring or fall outfit: Woven linen or cotton for the essential airflow.
However leather and suede as seen in a handful of recent pieces, make a perfect fusion of length and practicality, while retaining the mystery of a classic motorcycle jacket. For this, you should take it in the same way as with any leather garment. Perfect for the fall’s last days and the early spring’s cold daytime dreary weather.
2. Look for a Safari jacket that has the proper fit and structure
Modern silhouettes are less of a retro revival but rather an effective reworking and reuse. In terms of materials the silhouette must be well-constructed, yet still feel lightweight. In the event that it’s too loose, it’s basically a utilitarian jacket. If your belt is to tight it creates 70s-inspired vibes that are so strong that you could combine them with bell bottoms.
If you think that it could be a fashion blazer to wear in the city or for travel, begin with a straight, streamlined form, with perhaps an angular shoulder or epaulets to add the perfect accent. The collar should be kept as simple as you can and pointed or the mandarin-style. If you wear it unbuttoned, it gives the most casual appearance while straight and buttoned emphasises the jacket’s straight silhouette. If you wear a belt, make sure you don’t tighten it too tight – otherwise the jacket will appear to be the style of women.
3. Wear Safari Jackets with Casual Neutrals (Avoiding military themes)
Due to its past It is best to avoid wearing the safari jacket with anything that is military-themed: No olive green or camouflage. Also and stay clear of combat boots. Even Aviator shades appear forced.
Instead, look at it as or through an updated casual lens or as a stylish and functional travel bag. So, make sure you keep your appearance comfortable however, not overly loose. Think slim-fit trousers or casual chinos. A t-shirt or button-down t-shirt with a bit of space and shoes or lace-ups and all in basic neutral shades. Because of its shape, it’s an eye-catching, statement piece It’s not the right time to test the loudest design or neon hue.
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