The traditional style gentleman's smoking jacket is a mid length jacket made from velvet, silk or sometimes both and is sometimes called a smokers jacket. Many classic smoking jackets have a shawl collar and turn-up cuffs with frogging or button fastenings and some may simply be closed with a tie belt. For a more modern and less fussy approach to the smoking jacket many gents choose a simpler good quality velvet jacket or a classic smoking dressing gown.
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Smoking jackets were originally designed to be worn by gentlemen smokers whilst smoking pipes, cigars, or cigarettes. The smoking jackets purpose was to protect the gents clothing underneath, to catch any falling ash and to absorb the smell.
The popularity of the gentleman's smoking jacket has been having a revival recently and are also worn often for fancy dress (Hugh Hefner outfit), special gatherings, balls, celebrity events or to make a unique fashion statement.
A lighter weight / less formal alternative to the smoking jacket is a smoking gown, similar to a dressing gown but often more flamboyant and sometimes quilted.
One very famous man seems to live his life in the smoking jacket is Hugh Hefner, famous Playboy tycoon.
Hugh Hefner has encouraged men's to wear the smoking jacket as an alternative to formal wear, which some men do.
The history of the smoking jacket originates in the 17th century, when men were often portrayed wearing long dressing gowns.
This style eventually evolved into shorter jackets as smoking was gaining popularity and more men were wearing them.
Shorter style silk smoking jackets quickly became synonymous with the smoking of imported Turkish tobacco.
The smoking jackets were often be worn by men after dinner, or whilst socialising with friends.
Smoking continued to gain popularity so after dinner many gents would put on a smoking jacket and retreat to their snug or smoking room to relax and unwind.
It was also often a social event, after cocktails or a dinner party the men would go off and socialise whilst smoking a cigar, cigarette or pipe.
The classic smoking jacket continued to be a very popular garment into the 20th century.
In 1902 the Washington Post gave said that the smoking jacket was "synonymous with comfort" and in 1908 a Pennsylvania newspaper said that it would be "putting it mildly to say that a new house coat or smoking jacket will give any man reason for elation" .
In the 1950's there were many style icons famed for wearing their smoking jackets. Just a few famous wearers were : Fred Astaire (who was buried in his smoking jacket), Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant and Dean Martin.
The smoking jacket is a timeless classic, now often worn for leisure and a hankering after " good old fashion leisure time"
The smoking jacket has undergone a bit of a resurgence in recent years, as a younger generation of gentleman are looking for a touch of old-fashioned elegance. The classic look of the smoking gown with cravat is currently being used by the Meerkat advert on TV.
A modern, more versatile, affordable and accepted version of the smoking jacket is a good quality velvet jacket which allows the wearer to look elegant and stylish without looking too fussy.
At Tweedmans we often have a superb selection of vintage men's smoking jackets, smoking dressing gowns and men's velvet evening jackets available to buy online and all the accessories to go with them, cravats, bow ties & pocket squares.
Top quality men's velvet smoking jackets and smoking gowns offered for sale in our online shop, do browse our store as new stock is added daily!
Buy Men's Smoking Jackets Online At Tweedmans - Best UK Vintage, Retro & Second Hand Clothing Shop For Men.