Safari jackets or bush jackets were garments originally designed only for the purpose of going on safari in the African bush. Nowadays the style has been adapted for many other activities.

Characteristics and functions of a good bush jacket……

• Comfortable for many hours of wear.
• Non-synthetic material to be sweat absorbent and quiet.
• Cooling features possibly – vents and mesh.
• Long sleeves or zip-off sleeves to convert to a waistcoat/vest.
• Pockets - better to be buttoned rather than velcro which can be noisy.
• Other optional features - cartridge loops, shoulder padding for shooting.
• Khaki, green, brown colours rather than white or any bright colour

Popularized by turn-of-the-20th-century Anglo African adventurers, safari-style jackets were engineered for comfort and function.

A traditional bush jacket is commonly a lightweight cotton drill or poplin jacket, usually khaki in color, with a self-belt and often with epaulettes, with four or more expandable bellows pockets. Safari jackets have been worn as mainstream casual clothing since the 1950s. They are particularly popular with photographers, as their many pockets allow a convenient way to carry film, lenses, flashes, and other photographic equipment.

This long-established jacket style has been largely superseded by fleeces for cold weather wear, the hunter (or his tracker) carrying a day bag for all his immediate requirements in the field.

Safari waistcoats or vests are essentially jackets minus sleeves with a myriad of pockets & loops adapted to various outdoor pursuits.

Related topics:

• Safari Hats
- What makes an ideal hunting safari hat.
• Safari Shirts
- What to look for in a good safari shirt.
• Safari Trousers/Pants
- The long and the short of it.
• Underwear For Hunting
- Not a small consideration.
• Socks
- Functions of a good sock.
• Safari Boots/Shoes
- Characteristics of good hunting boots.
• Safari Accessories
- Scarves, sunglasses, belts etc.