Illustration by Chandler Bondurant
Ah, the safari jacket. Just the sight of its four front pockets, epaulets, and khaki cloth is enough to conjure a lost world of Land Rovers and sundowners, Hemingwayesque heroes and endless savannahs.
What we call the safari jacket today owes its origins to the military uniforms worn by European soldiers in tropical climates from the 19th century to WWII. Designed for a minimal weight with practical features like oversized pockets for storing gear, it soon became popular among sportsmen, with Abercrombie & Fitch placing an ad for “safari jackets” in 1939.
Whether worn on its own or with matching trousers as a “safari suit,” the style went on to transcend its utilitarian origins, become a statement piece among American and British hipsters in the 1970s, with designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Ted Lapidus trying their hands at the style. Its status as a genuine icon would be solidified by Roger Moore, who often sported safari jackets as 007, and King Charles, who famously donned one while visiting Australia in 1983.
Whether you’re planning a visit to the bush or simply beating around it, we’ve assembled a winning team of examples from Rubinacci, Kaptain Sunshine, Campbell’s of Beauly, and more below.
J. Press Made-in-England Cotton Safari Jacket
Image Credit: J. Press 
The 124-year-old retailer J. Press is known for sticking to Ivy style essentials, but the American brand has broadened its scope to include this cotton safari jacket. Manufactured in England and left unlined, it features traditional details such as bellows pockets and an adjustable drawcord waist.
Kaptain Sunshine Safari Cotton and Silk-Blend Overshirt
Image Credit: Kaptain Sunshine Tokyo’s Kaptain Sunshine approaches the safari jacket with a lighter touch, reinterpreting it as an overshirt made from a lightweight cotton-silk blend. Its shorter length and wider cut are in keeping with its intended role as an easy layering piece.
Rubinacci Safari Linen Jacket
Image Credit: Rubinacci Legendary Neapolitan tailoring house Rubinacci has given itself a free hand to rework the safari jacket. Made from 100 percent linen, its iteration is cleaner and more contemporary with a Nehru collar and three button-through patch pockets.
J. Mueser Safari Linen Jacket
Image Credit: J. Mueser More downtown and less Sub-Saharan, J. Mueser’s safari jacket is made from black linen and sports a more stripped-down look. Left unlined with four flapped patch pockets, it makes for a worthy sport coat alternative.
N. Peal Men’s Safari Linen Jacket
Image Credit: N. Peal With its classic details, including bellows pockets secured by faux horn buttons and a sandy beige coloration, N. Peal’s safari jacket certainly looks the part. But it is made from pure linen, imbuing it with the naturally breathable and moisture-wicking qualities the fabric is famed for.
Fortela Clint Cotton Herringbone Safari Jacket
Image Credit: Fortela Milan-based Fortela is known for its exacting reproductions of vintage garments. In this case, the label used a U.S. Army uniform from the 1930s as the basis for its safari jacket, which is made from herringbone cotton drill and secured with a self-belt closure at the waist.
Campbell’s of Beauly Linen Safari Jacket
Image Credit: Campbell’s of Beauly Traditional Highland outfitter Campell’s of Beauly may be best known for its tweeds, but in fairer weather turns its attention to alternatives like the safari jacket. Made from lightweight linen, its version is chock full of traditional details like an action back pleat, half belt, and pleated breast pockets.
View the original article here
