Smoking jackets – An overview

Synonymous with the comfort of gentleman at home, smoking jackets for long has been a popular garment. It is a traditional coat which is reserved mostly for evening wear in the comforts of home where you can read your paper, sip fine port and enjoy the pleasantries of cigar or pipe. Over the years, this traditional coat changed the course of style quotient of men and what was previously reserved for home now emerged as a style staple of evening wear and black tie for a party or night in town.

The popularity of these jackets grew with time. As the years passed by, the dressing gown became more popular and was reserved for private wear. Usually, it was worn once the person changed from evening clothes into his nightwear or pajamas. Given that most houses, at that time, lack proper insulation and heating, such gowns provided much required warmth during cold nights. No doubt it was practical clothing, though remarkable in sophistication as well as beauty. However, the beauty of this garment was mostly enjoyed by the children and wife of a gentleman.

 

The fact that trend grew in popularity at fast pace paved way for better jackets. Smoking jackets evolved with time. From a silk robe de chambre into mid-thigh and short length jacket which is designed for absorbing smoke and protecting the clothing beneath from ashes.

 

Within a short span of time, smoking jacket became synonymous with elegance as well as comfort. In fact, it was one of the first items to be ever viewed as both. Time passed by and it was in 1950s that such jackets became more casual attire in what was previously restricted to formal atmosphere and gathering. Soon these jackets became popular within house as well as in gatherings and parties. Many gentlemen wore this jacket both in private as well as public. However, popularity of such jackets somewhat got fade away in 1990s.

Coming to the present times, smoking jackets have ceased in terms of popularity. Possibly, the world of fashion and casual clothing has changed dramatically over the last many years. Jeans and T-shirts are worn commonly across the globe. Fashion industry and designers in particular, it seems, have just forgot about the existence of such an amazing garment.Nevertheless, things have changed over the last few years, and such jackets have made a comeback speaking volumes about its popularity.

Contemporary designers and manufacturers of such jackets very well know the importance of stylising jackets according to the taste and preference of modern day man. Keeping into mind style needs of contemporary men in mind, they have given these jackets a new lease of life. Today, you can find these jackets in several styles and patterns from which you can choose the one as per your budget and preference.  However, the classic smoking jacket continues to be a mid-length garment made of velvet with turn up cuffs, a tie belt and quilted satin shawl collar that is festooned with tassels at the end. Most designs of these jackets comprise of three pockets on the outside and a pocket reserved for pipes and cigars and possibly yet another pocket on inside the chest. It is, most of the times, ventless in the sides and the back featuring little rigidity when compared to a dinner jacket.

 

When it comes to color and patterns of smoking jackets, there is no dearth of options either. Long gone are the times when these jackets were available only colors such as navy blue, black, olive or dark green and burgundy or wine. In the recent years, there has come a notable change in the trend of colors too and now you can find such jackets in purple, mustard yellow, brown, royal blue, red, grey and bronze.

If you are looking for an exclusive range of smoking jackets then Duke and Digham is the right online shop for you. We have an exclusive collection of smoking jackets which are designed for comfort and elegance.  You can also place an order for customized jackets right at our website.