Safari Jacket in Fashion

Menswear has a long history of military-inspired style, and this is true for both recent trends like camouflage, olive green and utility jackets as well as more classic pieces such as flight jackets, the trench coat, as well as aviator glasses. In light of these historical roots the return of the safari jacket as a more modern classic, genteel style appears to be an inevitable, even an obvious, trend.

History of the Safari Jacket. History of the Safari Jacket

If you’re not aware of its background the safari jacket’s origins can be traced back to the military. More specifically, it was the British Army’s Khaki Drill uniforms, appearing at the beginning of the 20th century in the Boer War. The design combines both the functionality of the military gear with the necessity for something light and sturdy enough to stand up to the heat. Khaki cotton drill, which has four pockets at the waist and chest and a collar that is large, the waist is belted with leather and the epaulets.

A few decades later, as safaris began to become very popular with people of both the European as well as the American elite the jacket was modified with a shorter and more pointed collar. the epaulets are often removed as well as the belt, the switch to cotton allowed the wearer to breathe. Like military uniforms, the pockets were handy for holding guns binoculars, knives, or even a map.

The mid-20th century and the history of pop culture turned the jacket into an emblem of status, in a sense, a symbol of of leisure as well as of adventure. Images from Ernest Hemingway and Teddy Roosevelt illustrate these prominent individuals sporting the jacket while they were on their respective African explorations.

From the 1940s and on through the 1980s, actors who were leading 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 numerous James Bond flicks, and Clint Eastwood in White Hunter Black Heart.

Safari Jacket in Style

The fashion industry embraced and modified the strictly practical piece designed for the high-end urban consumer at the period. Yves Saint Laurent had perhaps the most impactful with his African-influenced collectionthat debuted in 1968 following a concept that was created for an Vogue piece in the preceding year. In the early days, the womenswear item was a reinterpretation of what was considered to be a strictly male-oriented item. However, Laurent’s early designs had it cut down and belted – similar to a cropped trench coat.

The jacket is now an iconic piece from the famous fashion house, and has seen numerous changes over the years. From slim and flared to loose and light to a boxy, utilitarian form. On the males’ side, Tom Ford and Ralph Lauren brought back the jacket over the past few years. Modern and elegant with a touch of suede in the case of the former and tough but lightweight to the later.

If you decide to test this style for yourself, what do you need to be thinking about?

1. Pick The Best Fabric For Your Jacket Season

There’s no need to venture out into the wilderness and you’re not carrying your pockets with ammunition. Therefore, the contemporary jacket’s fabric is much more comfortable than its more practical predecessor’s. In particular as a piece for transitional purposes safari jackets function as a light, military-inspired jacket with a few pockets. In this regard take it in the same way you would any other spring or fall piece: woven linen or cotton for the essential airflow.

However leather and suede as evident from a handful of recent pieces, blend length and practicality, while retaining the mysterious look of a traditional motorcycle jacket. When you wear it, take it in the same way as with any leather garment. It is perfect for autumn’s late nights 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 more of an intense reworking and repurposing. The material aside the silhouette should appear structured, but also feel comfortable and light. In the event that it’s too loose, it’s basically a utilitarian jacket. If your belt is excessively tight, the garment emits 70s-inspired vibes that are so strong it’s a good idea to wear bell-bottoms with them.

In thinking about it being a casual jacket to wear in the city or for travel, begin with a clean, well-structured form, with perhaps the shoulders being angular or with epaulets as an added glam. The collar should be kept it as minimalist as is possible and pointed or the mandarin-style. When wearing it, unbuttoned is the most casual look with a straight, buttoned collar. A straight and straight look emphasises the jacket’s straight form. If you are wearing a belt, be careful not to tighten it too tightly – else it will look like the style of women.

3. Wear Safari Jackets with casual Neutrals (Avoiding military themes)

Due to its past it is advised to not wear the safari jacket with anything related to military: no olive green or camouflage. Also and stay clear of combat boots. Even Aviator shades appear forced.

Instead, think of it as the lens of a modern casual or as a stylish and useful travel coat. So, ensure that you keep your style comfortable, and not excessively tight. 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 moment to experiment with an eye-catching design or neon hue.