Smoking Jackets and Caps

[vonwotan]

From time to time I see smoking jackets and caps advertised on ebay, but most are robes and not true smoking jackets or, like most men's clothing, tend to be too larger for me. Has anyone found a source for traditional (heavy, embroidered, with frog and olive fasteners) smoking jackets and caps? I know Turnbull & Asser of 57th Street still makes them, but I hope to find somehing a bit less expensive, with more interesting embroidery, etc.

 

[scotrace]

Brooks Bros. offers one at $998, but I don't think it's very interesting.

Your best bet may be eBay. Be patient - they're out there.

 

[Senator Jack]

Yeah, unless you have about a grand to spend, you can forget about anything new. I can't understand why they're so expensive, but here in NY, anything that catches my eye has been in that price range. As Scotrace wrote, just get on Ebay and find one for $50. I've had a half-dozen or so vintage models over the years - one that's lasted for fifteen already (Roytex robes/smoking jackets seem to hold up the best).

Regards,

Senator Jack

 

[hilleso]

I have a line of silk smoking jackets that are in standard US men's sizing. I have heard from a number of my customers that they finally found me after searching ebay and other vintage sources for smoking jackets. I have new ones sized from small to 2X. I can also do custom orders to meet someone's particular design ideas. My website is www.hillesodesigns.com. I recently had a new photo shoot with an additional jacket in black velvet lined in red silk. The new photos will be on the site in a week or so. I do accessories such as ascots and matching pocket handkerchiefs as well. I am just a small shop, so if you have a question or comment, you will get me. I love seeing the comments posted. I do cater to the romance of lounge and formal wear.

 

[scotrace]

Welcome to The Fedora Lounge, hilleso!

You'll find a lot to like here. Let me encourage you to explore and have a look around. There are several threads on smoking jackets, dressing gowns, and evening house attire.

 

[Dinerman]

I have a vintage red corderoy and satin smoking jacked handed down to me by my dad. It's made by national, and I'd guess '30's or '40's on it.

 

[Absinthe_1900]

Lock & Co. had smoking caps, but their website is down.

http://www.lockhatters.co.uk

 

[vonwotan]

Lock & Co. do carry some nice smoking caps, but the colors are somwhat limited. I keep hoping to find one of the elaborately embroidered and colorful hats from the late 19th or early 20th century. I just haven't found one in my size. The largest selection of colors and styles for both smoking jackets and caps I have found is at Turnbull & Asser.

Since I need a bespoke jacket I may just need to set aside the extra money over time and go nuts with fabrics, style, etc. for my 40th...

 

[PADDY]

Any reference pics?

For golden era smoking caps please..?

 

[avedwards]

I found a dressing gown sort of resembling a smoking jacket in Marks and Spencer. It's not silk but cotton, however the cut and colour looks like a smoking jacket to me.
http://www.marksandspencer.com/gp/p...h=n:43584030,n:64125031&page=1#productDetails

 

[Feraud]

I found a dressing gown sort of resembling a smoking jacket in Marks and Spencer. It's not silk but cotton, however the cut and colour looks like a smoking jacket to me.
http://www.marksandspencer.com/gp/p...h=n:43584030,n:64125031&page=1#productDetails

That is a bathrobe/dressing gown and not a smoking jacket at all.

 

[Carlisle Blues]

^
^
Yes robe. No more no less

 

[avedwards]

That is a bathrobe/dressing gown and not a smoking jacket at all.

I realise that, but slightly classic in the way it looks isn't it (ignoring what it's made of)?

 

[Feraud]

I don't see it. It looks stricly robe to me. It is not cut nor decorated in a style to say "golden era smoking jacket". Nor is it fancy enough in it's design to suggest a Victorian smoking gown.

Take this as one of many opinions you will get on the topic.

 

[Carlisle Blues]

I realise that, but slightly classic in the way it looks isn't it (ignoring what it's made of)?

This is your robe. Classic ???

How about this little jewel??

Both robes




Smoking jacket

 

[Feraud]

Another thread on the topic.

 

[avedwards]

I was referring to the styling, not the way that moron wears it. :eusa_doh: I'll have to get a picture of me in that (wearing decent clothes underneath unlike the person in the picture) and hope that I can improve the look of it.

I definitely like that picture of Rathbone as Holmes (as his Holmes is my favourite fictional character), however I haven't found a suitable dressing gown like that yet.

 

[Carlisle Blues]

Well here is some reading on the issue of smoking jackets.

"A kind of short robe de chambre, of velvet, cashmere, plush, merino, or printed flannel; lined with bright colors, ornamented with brandenbourgs, olives, or large buttons." --The Gentleman's Magazine.

More extensive from The Cigar Aficionado

http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar/CA_Features/CA_Feature_Basic_Template/0,2344,598,00.html

Brooks Brothers charges $998.00

 

[Feraud]

If you want that Sherlock Holmes style start researching Victorian dressing gowns. It should not be hard to collect the details to enable you to have one made from scratch or modified from an existing base.

 

[Carlisle Blues]

^
^

I agree further it would most likely be less expensive than a retail store would sell.