Men’s Smoking Jacket: Story of a Grand Old Attire

Glimpses of Men’s smoking jacket can only be found in old movies or in old oil painting hanging over a fireplace. There are chances that one might not come across a classic men’s smoking jacket very often. But, like many other old things, these jackets own a very interesting history. People would hardly believe that they were very popular in the past, almost popular as jeans jacket in 1980s . Originally, this attire was developed for wearing at the time when men used to smoke cigar, pipe and occasionally pipes. Such jackets were considered as luxury wear which was made out of very expensive material such as velvet or silk.

The beginning

It all began way back in sixteenth century when trade with East was flourishing and it bought luxury items into Northern Europe. During that time long robes very much similar to the long dressing gowns were immensely popular. They were considered as a vanity item and were held in such high esteem that owners of these jackets wanted themselves to have paintings wearing such attire.

The popularity of men’s smoking jackets increased dramatically during the Victorian age when cigarettes were first introduced by the soldiers. These soldiers bought cigarettes along with them while returning back from the Crimean war of 1854-6. This was the time when Englishmen got the opportunity to taste some good tobacco. Increase in the consumption of cigarettes resulted in making special rooms where men can smoke. But soon they realized that the smoke and ash generating from cigarettes are spoiling their valuable dresses. So, the creation of men’s smoking jacket happened out of this concern only. Dedicated jackets and caps were tailored to protect their clothes and hair from the billows of the smoke that lingered inside the smoking room.

During that era smoking jackets were strictly considered as an informal dress and for that reason it was designed purely for relaxing at home. Typically made of silk, fine wool or velvet, it used to be a highly decorative piece of clothing. Smoking jackets were teamed up with frogging, a shawl collar, and turned-up cuffs.

Endorsements by Celebrities

Men’s smoking jacket became very popular with the English royalty in mid 19^th century. This was the time when English gentlemen were struggling with uncomfortable attires. The waist coats worn by men were highly troublesome. The arrival of smoking jacket was refreshing. The popularity of the smoking jackets was taken to the level by Prince of Wales, latter King Edward VII. King Edward VII asked his tailor to make a coat that can be replaced by the waist coat. From that occasion the mid-thigh length coat was crafted, which was declared officially as smoking jacket. Another celeb that added an extra mile to the popularity of Men’s smoking jacket was Fred Astaire. Fred Astaire can be remembered with his smoking jacket in the old Chesterfield Cigarette television ads. He was loyal to his love for smoking jacket throughout his life and even after that, as he went inside coffin with one of his favorite smoking jackets.

Men’s smoking jacket lost their popularity in the coming years with the arrival of newer trends like tuxedos. The outfit which once symbolized the status of gentlemen finds no place in the closet. But recently, some designer houses are putting their efforts to reposition smoking jacket. New fabrics are now used to make these jackets which have been bringing the old flavor back in men’s life.

Old men’s smoking jacket is revamping itself and is all geared to be back in gentlemen’s wardrobe. With a new look and texture smoking jackets are all set to regain their lost fame!