Modeling the Completed Safari Jacket!

Friends, the jacket is done and here I am wearing it!

As you may already know, I sewed this safari jacket from vintage Folkwear pattern 130, which makes what they call an "Australian Bush Outfit."  I don't think I'd dare wear my version in the Australian Bush, needless to say.

This is a very well-drafted pattern and the instructions are excellent.  I made only minor changes to the pattern.  The back is designed to have darts that release below the waistline.  With my fabric, this created a bit of an hourglass silhouette I wasn't wild about, so I just stitched the darts down all the way to the hem. The style line isn't changed, just the fullness at the hip.  I guess if you have wider hips you'd want the extra room.  The jacket has darts in front as well: it's not a simple rectangle like many of the safari jacket patterns put out by the big pattern companies around this time (the 1970's, probably due to the popularity of Yves Saint Laurent's safari-inspired styles).

I also added two interior pockets so I wouldn't have to weigh down the outer pockets and I could keep my wallet and phone more secure.  I really like that the lower outer pockets don't have buttons so they're easy to slip my hands into.  

 

You  may notice that I didn't make the belt.  The jacket looks retro enough as-is; with the belt, it would look old-fashioned, imo.  Maybe if I made this in a classic khaki, I'd want the belt.  Not much more to say about the pattern: you can still find copies for sale on eBay and Etsy and I think Folkwear still sells it on their website too.  There aren't many in-print safari jacket patterns out there.  Maybe none.

The pattern includes epaulets, which add a nice military touch.

The fabric is a Chelsea Flea Market find from last month.  It's medium weight cotton canvas.  Originally I didn't envision this as anything more than a wearable muslin but in the end, I love the jacket in this pattern.  Styling it takes a little more effort given how colorful it is, but you know, this blog is called Male Pattern Boldness for a reason!

Here I'm wearing it with a me-made white cotton shirt, blue twill pants, a vintage Shetland wool mustard V-neck sweater I found on eBay last week, mustard checkerboard Vans slip-ons (a recent purchase), and a winter white Irish tweed cap I bought at the Chelsea Flea Market last weekend.  I think it would also look nice with a blue gingham shirt (or solid) and mustard or khaki pants: I have both so I'll have to give them a try.

And that's it!  It's always great when a pattern you've never tried before turns out to be a winner.  Next time I make it, maybe I'll aspire to something more luxurious, like the suede version below.  It's basically the same pattern, only with a cinched waistline instead of a belt.  Elegant!

Have a great day everybody and enjoy your safari and dress appropriately!

You can see me work this outfit in a little Instagram video here.