The Safari Look

March 03, 2012

The Safari Look

With a cooler breeze in the air during this transitional time of year where winter woollens are providing too much insulation and short-sleeves are not quite enough for the UK tropics it's now time re-evalutate an appropriate outerwear - the safari jacket.

So here's a little history lession for you...

Historically, safari jackets represented the central item of the traditional British military tropical uniform, worn by soldiers in the African bush. The jackets inherently contained four or more expandable pockets, an attached waist belt and epaulettes. They were designed to be light-weight for easy mobility, but warm enough for when the African sun set. They were engineered for comfort and function and traditionally came in earthy tones, which enabled the wearer to blend into the African bush landscape.

The safari jacket grew in popularity following post-war periods when surplus vintage stock was sold to the general public. A very similar process occurred following World War II, when the MoD sold surplus stocks of duffel coats to Harold and Freda Morris – who together founded the brand Gloverall.

In fact, before it was acquired by GAP in 1983, the global brand Banana Republic started off as a catalogue company that specialised in the sale of vintage military surplus stock items from around the World – one of their specialities being the safari jacket.

The safari jacket became further popularised during the 1940s and 1950s by the American author and journalist Ernest Hemingway, and received another revival during the 1970s when Yves Saint Laurent himself regularly wore a safari suit. Following this, Roger Moore epitomised the ‘cool’ of safari when, as James Bond in ‘The Man With The Golden Gun’ and ‘Octopussy’, his wardrobe contained an army green safari jacket.

This safari look is one that is timeless with reliable designs that feature handy cargo pockets and sophisticated style of masculine neutrals making it the perfect outerwear for Spring - It's a jacket that can be casual enough to be worn by day but formal enough to be worn at night and with varients dominating almost all high street retailers there's no excuse not to get yourself one.

Here are two of my safari look jackets which have been hiding in my wardrobe for the past 8 years (perhaps longer). I'll be honest in saying I haven't worn either for a number of years but I plan to get more use out of both this season. I have also added a few finds on the high street as well as the safari influences that took to the runway this S/S.

The first coat was one that actually kicked off my charity shop hunting. I bought it in a Sue Ryder in St Andrews for around £10 many years ago. It is in prestine condition for such a vintage find. I especially love the copper buttons and arched pocket detailing...it's also tailored perfectly to my body shape.

The second is from Gap (I must have been about 15 or perhaps even younger when I bought this as I really don't go into Gap these days) and i'm certain it was a sale purchase. This khaki green is contrasted perfectly with a more vivid colour such as this pink cashmere jumper from the Collezione M&S collection - originally £65 but bought in sale for £19 three years back (not yet worn with the label still intact)