Why we love velvet jackets
Recently, we wrote about the dual histories of the smoking jacket and the dinner jacket, and so thought it only proper that we explore the hows, whys and don'ts of the amalgam of the two: the velvet dinner jacket. Velvet was of course the choice fabric for the smoking jacket, primarily because the short but dense pile was very handy at absorbing the smell of after-dinner cigars and cigarettes. During the Crimean War, cheap but good quality Turkish tobacco made its way to English shores where it was great with open arms and plentiful pursed lips. Smoking jackets back then were certainly less ceremonial than they are now, and were more likely to be longer in order to keep the wearer warm, should the lady of the house require his to get his puff on outside. As smoking proliferated however, a heavy velvet coat became somewhat surplus to requirements, and so the smoking jacket eventually evolved to become the garment that we know today, replete with ceremonial frogging and such other details.
FAWN VELVET COTTON |
BLACK VELVET COTTON |
BURGUNDY VELVET |
The dinner jacket reputedly came into being because Edward VII was tired of wearing tails to dinner and wanted something altogether more comfortable while no less smart to sit in. Today's velvet jackets then, while sharing the fabric of their tobacco-scented godfathers, bear much closer resemblance to the modern dinner jacket. Indeed, they are for all intents and purposes, dinner jackets cut from velvet and should be worn as such. You could certainly argue that the velvet jacket is less formal than the classic black dinner jacket and you wouldn't be wrong. We would never suggest wearing a velvet jacket to the most formal of black tie events, but for everything else, velvet is an excellent option.
At Favourbrook this season, we have a number of fantastic velvet jacket styles that will elevate your occasionwear no end. Foremost among them is our double-breasted jacket with satin lapels. Available in a rich burgundy, this elegant slim fitting evening jacket has matching burgundy Duchesse satin peak lapels, and closes with the traditional button two/show two. The jacket features a welted breast pocket and two slanting flapped pockets also piped with burgundy satin.
BURGUNDY VELVET COTTON |
NAVY VELVET COTTON |
BURGUNDY VELVET COTTON |
While the double-breasted style is undoubtedly one of the smarter versions, our single-breasted Chaucer jackets have a touch of modernity to them, being a single-button style and cut to a slim block. Available in navy, black and burgundy, the gauntlet cuffs are a nod to its smoking jacket heritage, making the Chaucer a very elegant option for a smart dinner and dancing invitation. Similarly, our classic velvet dinner jackets are an excellent option. While navy and black are always great options, this season we have reimagined the style in a beautiful fawn colour that will certainly turn heads.
RACING GREEN VELVET |
NAVY VELVET COTTON |
Our single-breasted Grosvenor jacket is the Chaucer's older brother, appearing ever so slightly more mature thanks to the addition of frogging at the front and the lapel edged with braid. Available once again in burgundy and navy, it would suit a slightly older gentleman who enjoys a refined appearance without looking stuffy. The more formal version of this is a double-breasted style with twice the frogging details at the front. Finally, we also have the Nehru jacket, a much loved but criminally underused velvet jacket. It's an extremely versatile piece of classic sartorial menswear and if you're attending a day-to-night event and don't have the option to change, it can be the perfect solution.