The safari jacket is an outerwear that combines masculinity and elegance, not unlike a military jacket. With its roots in the military uniforms of the tropics, it has been sublimated into an urban outerwear through the safari looks of Yves Saint Laurent, movie stars, the British Royal Family, and other famous people. In this issue, we will unravel the history of the safari jacket and introduce men’s coordinates and recommended items!
Sponsored by
What is a safari jacket?Originating from hunting trips, the lightweight outerwear is characterized by specifications such as four flap pockets, waist belt, epaulettes, and shirt collar.
A safari jacket is a lightweight outerwear with its origins in military wear for tropical regions. Its main features are four flap pockets on the chest and waist, waist belt, epaulettes, and shirt collar. The word “safari” comes from the Swahili word for journey or expedition, and in English it used to refer to hunting trips to Africa. The name “safari jacket” was also popularized in the context of jackets worn on hunting trips to Africa, which were popular among the upper class in the West in the 1920s.
Origin of the safari jacketThe prototype is the khaki drill uniform worn by the British Army around 1900
The prototype of the safari jacket is believed to be the khaki drill uniform worn in South Africa by the British Army during the Second Boer War from 1899 to 1902. It is believed to be the khaki drill uniform worn by the British Army in South Africa during the Second Boer War of 1899-1902. The lightweight cotton drill and khaki color were practical specifications for operations in hot regions. At this point, elements common to later safari jackets can be seen, such as the four flap pockets on the chest and waist, epaulettes, shirt collar, and waist cinched with a belt. In addition, while today’s safari jackets generally have a belt made of the same material as the outer garment, at that time an external leather belt was the most common style.
The Birth of the Safari JacketHemingway and Abercrombie laid the foundation in the 1930s and gained attention when movie stars wore them
In the 1930s, the term “safari jacket” appeared, strengthening its presence as a symbolic garment for hunting trips in Africa. An indispensable figure in this trend is novelist Ernest Hemingway, who wore a safari jacket on a hunting trip to Africa in 1933. His jacket was made by Abercrombie & Fitch. Unlike today’s casual brands, Abercrombie & Fitch at that time was a manufacturer of sportswear and travel clothes. In a 1939 advertisement, Abercrombie & Fitch described the safari jacket as “a lightweight summer garment made of cotton drill material imported from England and treated with a waterproof finish. The color is sand khaki. It is described as “durable and tear-resistant, soft and supple, with a suede-like smooth finish.
Then, in the 1940s and 1950s, the safari jacket was worn by stars in movies and gained public recognition. Gregory Peck wore one in the movie ‘ The Snows of Kilimanjaro,’ based on Hemingway’s work. Clark Gable also wore a similar style in the film ‘ Mogambo,’ and the safari jacket moved from being a practical garment in Africa to being a man’s on-screen attire.
Turning point for the safari jacketLaunched by Yves Saint Laurent in the context of mode in the late 1960s and worn by icons since then, it has spread to the general population.
In the late 1960s, the safari jacket was pushed into the context of mode by Y Yves Saint Laurent. Yves Saint Laurent introduced the safari jacket on the runway in 1967, and the following year, 1968, the safari look created for a photo essay in ‘ Vogue Paris’ garnered much attention. Yves Saint Laurent was born in 1936 in Oran, Algeria, which was then a French territory, and it is thought that he was not unaffected by the African atmosphere. The safari jacket, which was popularized as an outfit for hunting trips in Africa and in movies, came to be recognized as a fashion item to be worn in the city after this period.
Later, the wearing of the safari jacket by celebrities such as Roger Moore and King Charles also played an important role in expanding the image of the jacket. Roger Moore wore a cream-colored safari jacket with a shirt and tie in the movie ‘ The Man with the Golden Gun. On the other hand, in ‘ Moonraker’, he also shows a rough safari style with open chest and rolled up sleeves.
Here’s how to wear a safari jacket!
Examples of Safari Jacket Codes 1Dress Mix Style for Spring/Summer without Elbowroom
The first one is a dress mix style with a safari jacket at its core. This is recommended for those who want to practice elegant dress with jackets in the spring and summer season. Safari jackets have details such as shirt collars and waist belts, and go well with dressier outfits compared to ordinary military or work jackets. Safari jackets are also suitable for formal occasions unless there is a strict dress code, and can be worn without being as formal as a tailored jacket. As with the men in the snapshot, simply add a shirt, dress pants, and loafers to complete the look. For a light and airy spring and summer look, why not wear it with white pants like the man in the first photo?
Safari Jacket Cordage Examples 2Casual without feeling stuffy style
Next, we will introduce a casual style that incorporates the safari jacket. If you want to enjoy the safari jacket as a daily wear, including off-duty days, a light and casual style with a T-shirt and sneakers is the way to go. The flap pockets and epaulettes of a safari jacket can be worn over a T-shirt to complete the look without making the wearer feel out of place. For a more urban look, wear it with lightweight slacks and sneakers, as shown in the first gallery, or with military-inspired chinos, as shown in the fourth gallery, for a more rugged look.
Safari Jacket Cordage Examples 3Tied-up style with a difference from the standard
To add a change to the typical tied-up style, why not change the outerwear to a safari jacket? This outfit, which was shown by Roger Moore in the movie ‘ 007’, allows you to practice a dress style that is not seen by others. For a more elegant look, try one of the dress brands as shown in the second and third pictures.
Here are some recommendations for safari jackets!
Recommended Safari Jackets 1BRITISH MADE 'Southampton'
British Made’s “Southampton” has royal details such as patch pockets and waist belt, while the A-line silhouette and The action pleats at the back and hem make it a piece that blends effortlessly with dress items. When the belt is wrapped around the hem, a natural bulge is created, combining ease of movement with an elegant atmosphere. It is a strong choice for those who want to combine the rugged mood of a safari jacket with the lightness of a spring/summer jacket.
Click here for details and purchase.
Recommended safari jacket 2
A special order by Brilla per il gusto for Auberge, Brilla per il gusto’s special order safari jacket made of cotton typewriter cloth. While it is a lightweight, single-piece jacket, it has all the elements typical of a safari jacket, such as a pocket layout with excellent storage capacity, waist belt, and action pleats on the back. The belt buckle has been changed from brass to lightweight leather. It is a comfortable and modern way to enjoy the universal appeal of military wear.
Click here for details and purchase.
Recommended Safari Jacket 3KAPTAIN SUNSHINE 'Safari Shirt Jacket'
This piece from Captain Sunshine is made of a cool linen and silk material. The fine linen and silk are woven in a classic irregular mesh structure, and while maintaining the structure of a safari jacket, it has a light texture that can be easily incorporated into hot weather. The color is INK BLACK, recommended for those who are looking for a more urban look that is different from the royal beige and khaki.
Click here for details and purchase.
Recommended Safari Jacket 4m's braque 'Mesh Safari Jacket'
“Real Clothing between Mode and Classic” is the brand concept of m’s braque. The large collar, reminiscent of the 70’s, is designed to change its appearance to a rolled collar or tab collar depending on the way it is folded in. The belt features antique buckle parts.
Click here for details and purchase.
Recommended Safari Jackets 5
Massimo d’Augusto’s classic ” This linen safari jacket has been specially ordered by Brilla per il gusto. The body, sleeve length, sleeve attachment, and belt loop positions have been adjusted to fit the Japanese body shape. The material used is 100% linen with excellent breathability. It is versatile enough to be worn with everything from a tied-up dress style to a casual style with cut and sewn clothing, and has a light-hearted sexiness that is typical of the Italian brand.
![The basics of denim shirt coordination [ how to choose fabric, design and silhouette, examples of men’s outfits ].](https://otokomaeken.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/9cc2abf34f057abaa0387dadf90651ae4803bd66eff9affd349515f8a958bec3-630x331.jpg)
![Black Cargo Pants Cordage [ How to Wear Them to Their Full Potential and Recommendations ].](https://otokomaeken.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/688f923e61b678f9ee5da330722ad3c7-630x331.jpg)
![Black Shirt Codes [ 5 Notable Styles & Recommended Models ].](https://otokomaeken.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4538d1a3d0b016d27f699193d3e6b566-630x331.jpg)
