Smoking Jackets

[reetpleat]

so only the host of a get together would be able to wear a smoking jacket? Others wouldn't bring their own?

I was half thinking of eventually picking up a few so a few friends could come over and partake in the atmosphere.

Meanwhile, this is all somewhat tongue in cheek as I live in a cramped nothing special NYC apartment where virtually none of my friends come visit But in my head, it sounds fun

Well, since no one does it anymore, it would be quite appropriate to have a party where you provided the jackets, much as I have a rack of vintage seventies clothes by the door when I have a seventies party. I even sold a jacket to a guest once.

 

[reetpleat]

Also, don't forget that it wasn't only parties. This was what a person who typically dressed for dinner would wear in the evening to protect his othe clothes, weather he was alone or with people I imagine.

 

[dnjan]

Mike, it's all a question of attitude. Create a little corner of civilization for yourself. Politely request your imaginary valet to bring you your smoking jacket and drink. Then momentarily assuming your valet alter ego identity, perform those tasks. Bring yourself your jacket and drink. Thank yourself, and ensconce yourself for you evening's relaxation. Maybe a book , and a little WQXR would be nice. Send us a picture.

However, tell too many people that is what you do, or actually let somebody see you do it, and you might find yourself in a white jacket - one of those special ones where the sleeves tie behind you ...

 

[Edward]

Also, don't forget that it wasn't only parties. This was what a person who typically dressed for dinner would wear in the evening to protect his othe clothes, weather he was alone or with people I imagine.

True... certainly, when I can afford my own tailored smoknig jacket, I'll virtually live in the think at home.

 

[carter]

While very nice, this is not a garment that one would wear to host a party in their home or wear in lieu of a DJ. For that use think velvet, braiding, frogging, etc.....

My dad had a velvet smoking jacket in burgundy. As I remember, the lapels were a dark or navy blue. I believe there was braided trim on the lapels. I don't recall having seen him wearing it but he must have occasionally.

Providing smoking jackets for guests would be interesting. Would this be an after-dinner alternative to the ubiquitous pajama party?

 

[scotrace]

Would this be an after-dinner alternative to the ubiquitous pajama party?

Ubiquitous? I am moving to Texas!

 

[carter]

Pillow Fight!

Ubiquitous? I am moving to Texas!

lol lol lol

C'mon Down! Please remember, however, that the aforementioned pajama party is [generally] ubiquitous only as practiced by members of the fairer sex.

 

[Highlander]

I must admit the smoking jackets @ www.smokingjackets.co.uk are what I thought smoking jackets were supposed to be.

I may see if a friend of mine who is a seamstress (well, she does quilting) might consider making me one...

 

[Edward]

Cordaround Reversible "Smoking Jacket"

Has anyone ever seen one of these in person (or have one?)

http://www.cordarounds.com/catalog/designlab.html

Made by the same people who produce the "bike to work" cords. It looks like it might make an interesting garment for use as a traditional smoking jacket (the odd gimmick aside - specifcally the "autohankie" take on a paocket Square). Despite their boast of offering infinitely more photos than any other catalogue, however, none of them offer a decent shot of the jacket itself IMO. Is this just another wannabe blazer (so many so-called smoking jackets really are nothing more than a tarted up blazer), or a real contender?

 

[Tomasso]

A corduroy smoking jacket? :eusa_doh:

 

[Edward]

Not the traditional velvet, no, though I've seen a lot of older smoking jackets selling that are made from that fabric - mostly 60s, and typically the 'lounge around the house' style rather than blacktie-with-friends.

 

[Tomasso]

I can't picture a corduroy smoking jacket. Any pix?

 

[Belegnole]

Edward, I'm not sure how vintagesque the jacket is, but as one who likes corduroy I like that jacket. It looks as if it would be comfy and sort of rural sheik....

 

[Feraud]

I sort of like it but think it looks more like work wear than a smoking jacket. The reversible side is god awful.

 

[Slim Portly]

Gads, what a mind bendingly annoying website.

 

[Feraud]

or as Chazz Michael Michaels would say, "mindbottling".

 

[Edward]

Gads, what a mind bendingly annoying website.

Isn't it just! They seem to have grasped that "more pictures = good," while failing entirely to provide any picutres that are actually useful!!!

I think I'm going to pass on this one - I actually rather like the lining on them, but I'm not convinced by the overall cut, I think (what I can make out from the photos anyhow...). I may just keep an eye out for one of those traditional Chinese jackets as an affordable alternative to a real smoking jacket for now...

 

[Dinerman]

A corduroy smoking jacket? :eusa_doh:

I have a burgundy National brand corduroy smoking jacket from the late '30s. Double breasted, belted, no buttons, burgundy satin lapels. It was done, just not like that.

 

[celtic]

I almost bought one of those a year or two ago when I was still smoking cigars and pipes. (one of these days I should sell the cigars in my humi[huh] )

Pros:
Reversible (I actually LIKE the reverse pattern)
Corduroy (I really like corduroy)
Skull Button (LOVE it!)

Cons:
Price
Cord going in an unflattering direction
Price

 

[Tomasso]

I have a burgundy National brand corduroy smoking jacket from the late '30s. It was done, just not like that.

Who knew?!?![huh]