The Smoking Jacket

[JohnS]

The Smoking Jacket - do you own one? If not, would you like to? The following article appeared this week on Cigar Aficionado. Read on...

The Smoking Jacket

By Jack Bettridge - From Arnold On The Future Of America, November/December 2023

Next time you bridle at stuffing yourself into a tuxedo to meet a formal dress code, remember that that monkey suit you’re dreading is the spawn of the smoking jacket. Yes, back in the day—before 1865—when Downton-Abbey-caliber people changed their clothes for dinner, there were no tuxedos. Gentlemen supped in really formalwear: tailcoats. At meal’s end, men went off for cigars, but not before ditching their tailcoats for a smoking jacket. After all, you needed a garment to absorb smoke and other detritus before you rejoined the gentler sex in your tails. Such jackets were more like short robes made of colorful velvet, silk and satin. England’s then Prince of Wales—the guy who announced “gentlemen, you may smoke” upon the death of his cigar unfriendly mother—appreciated their comfort and ordered a similar jacket in black wool to wear at dinner. In America, that “dinner jacket” became so well associated with tony Tuxedo Park in New York State, that it borrowed the name.

All of which is to say that smoking jackets are an acceptable alternative when the invitation reads “black tie.” They come in two basic formats. The first is the buttonless robe type that ties with a sash, the kind that Hugh Hefner wore over pajamas. It’s for home use. Don’t wear one out to dinner. The second is more structured, with soft shoulders and buttons or braided frog closures. The shawl lapels are faced with solid-colored satin. The contrasting body may be solid or whimsically patterned and is usually single-breasted. However, the clothes horse Fred Astaire wore a double-breasted one in the movie Three Little Words that would sell at Bonhams for almost $7,000. He’s also said to have been buried in a smoking jacket. Known for dancing in a white tie and tails, Astaire must be happy to have gotten out of that monkey suit.

Source: https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/the-smoking-jacket

You can read more about smoking jackets in our forum thread entitled, "The Rise of the Smoking Jacket":

Finally, feel free to check out our poll, attached to this thread, on Smoking Jackets!

[MrBirdman]

I have a smoking jacket - a hoodie! 

[BrightonCorgi]

My wife is sewing a new smoking jacket for me. Found a great pattern from the 1920's. Took a while to find the right fabric. Asian pattern in a prosperous red.

[Lt4-396]

I found an old smoking jacket from the 50s/60s that belonged to my grandfather. My grandmother was a dress designer and seamstress so everything was perfectly fitted and I'm assuming the best materials were used for the time based off how she was with clothing/materials. Its a shiny red silk exterior with satin stitched patterns and a black velvet/velour inside. Astonishing workmanship and honestly is just too nice to wear.

I stick to a heated hoodie for cool weather and a very light fly fishing jacket in the warmer months.

[bmac]

If Fabrica 5 created one - I would definitely consider it…

[Jimmy2]

Not never...😀

[JohnS]

1 hour ago, bmac said:

If Fabrica 5 created one - I would definitely consider it…

There you go @El Presidente. Something to consider (for the future)?

[cnov]

I have an old work fleece that fits the bill, it's also my BBQ, gardening and fire fleece, safe to say it stinks more than a grumpy teenagers attitude.

[RichUK]

I have a lovely red velvet one that my tailor made for me. Last worn for the Cigar smoker of the year awards in Dec.

 

[LordAnubis]

What exactly is the purpose of a smoking jacket? To catch the smell so your shirt doesn’t stink? 

[Edicion]

13 hours ago, RichUK said:

I have a lovely red velvet one that my tailor made for me. Last worn for the Cigar smoker of the year awards in Dec.

Watched some recent video on IG where it was said the smoking jacket is what evolved into the tuxedo. I didn't look into it but can see from this fine jacket, there might actually be some truth to it. Happy to learn more.

[BrightonCorgi]

2 hours ago, LordAnubis said:

What exactly is the purpose of a smoking jacket? To catch the smell so your shirt doesn’t stink? 

Keep the smell off you and your clothes.