What is a smoking jacket?
A smoking jacket is exactly what it seems to be — a jacket that is worn by men while smoking a cigar, cigarette or pipe. It was very popular during the 1950s and, before that, in the 17th century, when it first started to be worn. It slowly lost its popularity after the 1950s and is very rarely seen today. There are, however, some authentic jackets from the 17th century that still exist and fetch a very high price if sold.
What does a smoking jacket look like?
Typically, a smoking jacket is made of silk or velvet and feels extremely luxurious when worn. It has long fold-up sleeves and a shawl collar. It can be buttoned up in front. It was designed to protect clothing from getting spoiled by falling ash and absorbing the smell of tobacco smoke. But it soon became a sign of luxury.
Is it a status symbol?
It became synonymous with Turkish tobacco when it initially became popular. Also, it was supposed to keep your clothes from stinking of smoke. The other reason behind using these jackets was to protect women from the smell of tobacco as they were considered to be very sensitive to strong smells. Because of this, men wearing smoking jackets were considered to be true gentlemen.
Are smoking jackets still popular?
Now, however, these jackets are no longer popular for a number of reasons. One reason is that they are now considered to be too garish and gaudy to be worn. Another and more important reason is that smoking is now looked down upon as being a vice. So the jacket is frowned upon for its name and purpose, and does not enjoy the same popularity as it used to earlier.
The smoking jacket is now a thing of the past. But it sometimes makes an appearance at theme parties and events where guests are expected to dress up over-the-top or wish to stand out in the crowd. Other than these rare appearances, smoking jackets are now part of fashion history.
