Men’s Safari Jacket: From the Battlefield to the Men’s Wardrobe
The saharienne, known in the English-speaking world as the safari jacket, is far more than a garment. It is a piece of history, which moved from military use into the timeless men’s wardrobe. At Coulange 1918, we carry this heritage with pride and make every safari jacket in France, in our workshop, with the care that has distinguished our Maison for more than a century.
The Military Origins of the Safari Jacket
The roots of the safari jacket go back to the late nineteenth century, when the British and French armies introduced light, functional field jackets for hot climates. The iconic French army M47, designed for the Indochina War, set the standard: four patch pockets, a belted waist, shoulder straps and a light yet sturdy cotton canvas. These features still define the safari jacket today.
The French name, “saharienne”, refers to its use in North Africa, where officers wore it as a practical alternative to heavy wool uniforms. It is no surprise that it is also known in English as the “bush jacket”: a jacket for wide-open spaces, combining freedom of movement and function.
From Uniform to Style Classic
In the 1960s and 1970s, the fashion world took hold of the safari jacket. Designers such as Yves Saint Laurent made it the symbol of a relaxed, cosmopolitan way of life. Actors and adventurers adopted it in turn, and the field jacket, no longer reserved for soldiers, became a global style phenomenon.
Today, the men’s safari jacket is a pillar of the refined men’s wardrobe. It embodies a masculine elegance without excessive formality, precisely the balance that defines the modern man.
What Makes a True Safari Jacket?
An authentic safari jacket can be recognised by these features:
- Four patch pockets: two at chest height, two at hip height, with flaps and buttons
- An integrated belt: it shapes the silhouette and accentuates the masculine build
- Shoulder straps: a legacy of military design
- A light, hard-wearing fabric: cotton twill or linen, ideal in warm weather
At Coulange 1918, we use only natural materials, Italian cotton and Normandy linen, and make every men’s safari jacket in France. No mass production, no compromise.
How to Wear the Safari Jacket Today
The safari jacket is remarkably versatile. For a relaxed summer look, pair it with a white linen shirt and chinos or pleated trousers. In autumn, wear it open over a light roll-neck sweater, a look that evokes the Riviera.
For dressier occasions, choose a cotton twill safari jacket in sober shades, olive green, sand or navy, and pair it with tailored trousers and fine leather shoes. The belt is always worn fastened to define the waist.
Coulange 1918: French Expertise for More Than a Century
Since 1918, Coulange has made high-quality menswear in France. Our safari jacket collection honours the military heritage of this piece while reinterpreting it for today’s discerning man. Every seam, every button and every pocket is inspected by experienced tailors in our workshop in France.
Discover the full collection, from the classic Safari Jacket M47 to modern interpretations such as the linen safari jacket B27. Each piece carries the heritage of a century of French tailoring expertise.
A safari jacket is not a passing trend. It is an investment in timeless style, and that is exactly how we design it.