Bush Jackets

[Matt Deckard]

Nothing says I'm on safari like a bush jacket. Some can be dressed up and some can be dressed down though they all say I've got some extreme work/lounging to do.

Any of you guys go for the safari look?

 

[BellyTank]

Yes of course!

WWII British Khaki Cotton Aertex.

Matching Strides too, of course-

B
T

 

[Slate Shannon]

I'm rather fond of the safari look, myself. I have a old Willis & Geiger bush jacket that I've had for awhile, and a light-weight bush jacket from the original Banana Republic, before they went yuppie. And, of course, a couple of wide-brim safari hats.

 

[Baggers]

WWII British Khaki Cotton Aertex.

Matching Strides too, of course-

B
T

And don't forget your brothel creepers!

During the warmer months, my daily wardrobe looks like something out of Mogambo. I'm still searching for the perfect bush jacket and I'm thinking I may have to go custom to get what I want: British style epaulets (wide base with no "x box" stitching and tapering up toward the button); large pleated chest pockets with maybe chest darts above; and large flapped bellows pockets that are mounted slightly back and on the sides more like a suit jacket, not directly under the chest pockets; and a belt with a removeable leather buckle for washing. Of course, it needs to be made of a decent weight of pre shrunk cotton twill and built with a flattering fit, not some oversized SML sack like styling.

Cheers!
:cheers1:

 

[Prof. Ed]

I love "bush" clothing and wear it often.

 

[Baggers]

I'm rather fond of the safari look, myself. I have a old Willis & Geiger bush jacket that I've had for awhile, and a light-weight bush jacket from the original Banana Republic, before they went yuppie. And, of course, a couple of wide-brim safari hats.

I've got a W&G bush jacket that I got fifteen years ago when I worked in one the retail stores they had briefly when owned by Laura Ashley. It no longer fits, but I still have it in hopes of someone being able to copy it. I haven't been able to find one as well made since.

Cheers!

 

[Nick Charles]

I've got a Van Husen Safari Jacket I like to wear with my brushed cotton Bill's khakis and cap toe boots. And either pith helmut or safari hat.

 

[green papaya]

I like to wear foreign surplus fatigue jackets like this FRENCH jkt

 

[The Mad Hatter]

I have one from Orvis.

 

[Phog Allen]

How about this?

Filson makes good quality stuff albeit a bit high priced. Hope this link works. I do like the style of that jacket. Funny, when I was younger I thought I'd never be caught dead in one of those. After watching my DVD of Hatari, I realized Bruce Cabot looked quite dapper in one.

Todd

http://www.filson.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2092514&cp=2065674.2065685.2065690&view=all&parentPage=family

 

[SHARPETOYS]

US Wings is mine. I like !!

http://www.uswings.com/khakis.asp $50.00

 

[Matt Deckard]

Too bad Willis and Geiger went the way of the Dodo.

 

[BellyTank]

I like to wear foreign surplus fatigue jackets like this FRENCH jkt

A lot of European military surplus is actually really kool. Some of the gear I see in the Surplus shops over here is really old and obscure- not necessary military-like in appearance. Some of the stuff in my local shop dates back to the 1910s...
...I must go and rescue all that stuff.

B
T

 

[Hemingway Jones]

Too bad Willis and Geiger went the way of the Dodo.

Here, here! W&G had a safari jacket that was their "Hemingway Jacket." It was very stylish. It shows up on eBay from time to time and commands a decent price.

I still laugh when I read in Hemingway biographies that he took his son to Abercrombia and Fitch in NYC to buy a spear gun for a trip to Bimini.

 

[BellyTank]

Your DREAM Bush Jacket...

So, we've had a little bit of discussion- but what would YOUR ideal Bush Jacket LOOK like?
What features would it have?- keeping in mind it might/should be a '30s style.

Fabric type, collar style, pockets, pleats, length, belt, ..other features/details...?

I'm interested to hear-

B
T

 

[Mojave Jack]

Do I like the safari look?! I gotta be honest; I like nothing better! My bush jacket is an Orvis, which I wear continuously. It's no longer made, but looks very similar to the Baretta jacket offered at Cabela's. Mine has a patch on the right shoulder, though, in matching material with a croshatch stich pattern. It is a bit heavy, but as soon as I need a jacket, out it comes. The things I love about is that it has useful pockets, including on the sleeve, it has coconut buttons, and it absolutley never wrinkles. It also has an interior drawcord, rather than a belt. I've found the belts to be a pain, so though the drawstring may not be strictly accurate, I prefer it. It also has action pleats with a short strip of elastic inside. I thought that I would feel that, but I never do, and it keeps the back pleat closed. Other details I like are the ammo pockets above the left pocket, and the small coconut D-ring under the left pocket. Here's a pic of me looking rather serious, in my Orvis and pith helmet

If I could, I'd dress like anyone of these folks (with the exception of Osa, hiding third from the left) every day. I originally got into the safari look because my dad was in the Air Force in the early 1960s. He came in just about the time they issued a full-on safari uniform, including shorts, bush jacket, and pith helmet. The uniform was really unpopular eek: ), so it was abolished within a year or two, but I inherited all my dad's uniforms, and wore that bush jacket to death.

I've really considered getting one of Cabela's bush jackets, because it incoporates all the things I like about my Orvis jacket, but of a lighter material. I'd be interested in a review of anyone has this jacket. My wife keeps telling me "No more khaki!"

How about this for a theme for the next gathering of the FL? Safari Dinner Life in the Bush Bush Picnic

 

[Nick Charles]

wonderful

Great stuff Jack, where did you get those boots? they are tip top. Very Denys Finch Hadden.( or Rick Oconnel)

I'd love to attend a Safari weekend. I'll be there with bells oin next time.

 

[Mojave Jack]

Great stuff Jack, where did you get those boots? they are tip top. Very Denys Finch Hadden.( or Rick Oconnel)

I'd love to attend a Safari weekend. I'll be there with bells oin next time.

Thanks, Nick! Rick O'Connell, I can live with that! Denys Finch Hadden, too, for that matter!

I think those are the one time I got a great deal on e-Bay; actually, that's not true, because my bush jacket is also an e-Bay steal. I had my boots at the QM summit, which was probably the first time I wore them for a long period of time, and they were just awesome. They do need a bit of conditioning and polish, but I haven't been brave enough to start applying stuff to them yet. I to bring my pith helmet and my bush hat to the QM, but forgot them both in the rush.

 

[Jokerswild7]

I love that outfit Jack!

and whats this about a gathering in Fl?????




Glenn

 

[Mojave Jack]

I love that outfit Jack!

and whats this about a gathering in Fl?????

Glenn

Thanks, Glenn! Now I just have to learn to smile for pictures.

Actually, though, that was a gathering of F(edora) L(ounge), rather than in FL(orida). Like the Queen Mary summit of a couple weeks ago. Sorry! Though a gathering in Florida doesn't sound too bad, now that the cold is starting to set in (even here in the Mojave; down to a high of 53 today)...