The Evolving Smoking Jacket
In the midst of the 17th century Asia,
Europe and India were producing fine
silk garments to be worn at elegant
gatherings and parties to represent a
sort of status or upper class. The robes
would be lined with colorful silk and
embroidered with great detail. The silk
garments were that of a fashion statement
and not used for the purpose of repelling
smoke which hadn't become popular yet.
When tobacco was brought into Europe and gained popularity in the late 1700's men would
finish dinner and retreat to a den or smoking room, then change out of their dinner jackets and throw on one of the silk robes so their good jacket would not be filled with smoke. The cigar smoking or cigarette smoking became a great pass time for the men and hours would go by talking about business or the days events.
In the early to mid 1800's the robes evolved into a real Smoking Jacket. The need to still impress and to show status was a key concern so the jackets became more and more extravagant. The materials were lavish lining the inside with rare silks and the outer lining would have cottons, silks and velvet. Patterns and stitching became a competition for the seamstress or tailor. The thought was to line them with material that would absorb the smoke for long periods of time.
The jackets were to become a fashion statement when famous celebrities or actors like Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant, Dean Martin, Fred Astaire or the Playboy Mogul Hugh Hefner would be seen wearing the lavish coats.
Today in the 20th century the trend has faded. It was a couple of years ago when the Velvet Jacket became popular again with the younger generation. The jackets are worn primarily for their different look and still have a rich and elegant look to them.
Perhaps as all things do the great Smoking Jacket will once again be seen at parties and balls and maybe even at your local smoke shop celebrating the old tradition of relaxing with a pipe, cigarette or cigar. Here is some ideas if you want to fill a space in your closet....
