The return of the safari jacket

From its military origins during the Second Boer War at the turn of the 20th century – when the British Army were stationed in South Africa – to its latest resurgence on the catwalks, the safari jacket is steeped in rich history and countless revivals and redesigns.

Its original purpose was to provide soldiers with a lightweight, breathable jacket. But, in its more recent appearances, it has graduated into an affectation, a stylish gentleman’s staple. Crafted from distinctive khaki cotton drill and boasting four distinctive bellow pockets on the waist and chest, the design has changed little over the centuries – with this season seeing many designers returning to the drawing boards and reinterpreting the quintessentially sophisticated gentleman’s jacket.

Chief among the many men who have worn the safari jacket was ‘The King of Hollywood’, Clark Gable, pictured here playing Victor Marswell – a big-game hunter in the Kenya-set Mogambo. And, whilst the safari jacket originally earned its stripes on the African savannah, it has gone on to impress in the urban jungle as well.

With its handsomely spread notch-lapel collar, single-breasted closure and option belt, designers have always sought to interpret and modernise the classic jacket, as we’ve seen in 2017’s spring summer collections. For 2017, Louis Vuitton’s creative director Nicolas Ghesquière interpreted the safari jacket with a zip-closure and belt, in earthy beige that was a nod to a gentleman’s adventure to Africa’s savannah.

Whilst the safari jacket originally earned its stripes on the African savannah, it has gone on to impress in the urban jungle as well...

But others opted for more daring reinterpretations – ones which sought to appeal to the modern, fashion-forward gent. Pier Paolo Piccioli at Valentino, for example, saw a boxy-cut safari jacket were embroidered with hints of camouflage.

So why is now the time to invest in a safari jacket, gents? Today, more than ever, we must be ready for anything – and the safari jacket has proven itself as a wear-with-everything, can-deal-with-anything jacket, just like its simpler and more conservative sibling, the trench coat. Davide Marello at Boglioli reimagined the safari jacket this season by opting for a grey-blue, minimalist style. The result? Arguably the coolest version of the safari jacket, which can be smarted up with a suit, or dressed down with a t-shirt – the choice is yours.

HRH Prince Charles‘ tailor of choice, Anderson & Sheppard offer exquisite off-the-peg heavy drill cotton safari jackets. And the Prince himself has shown the key to wearing this piece of iconic outerwear in recent years – forego heavy layering, keep colours simple and use the jacket to smarten a casual outfit worn, perhaps, while travelling.

From the Royals to Hollywood’s most iconic gentlemen, there’s a rich lineage of style-conscious men who have made the safari jacket their own. So, with some of the biggest fashion houses now echoing their appreciation for the safari jacket, what’s stopping you from adopting one of these adventurous jackets too? Here’s our pick of the best safari jackets to buy now:

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