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Introduction
I recently wrote an article on FashionBeans detailing the resurgence of the Safari Jacket, and it got me thinking about other types of outerwear that are suitable for this transitional spring period. Further research on the key men’s outerwear trends for this year showed that the blouson jacket is making a huge comeback for the spring/summer 2012 season.
This was emphasised by the jacket’s appearance on all the major runways at recent fashion weeks, more and more SS12 lookbooks/campaigns featuring the style and of course, FashionBeans style icon Ryan Gosling rocking the now iconic white silk blouson in last year’s hit film, ‘Drive’.
The Blouson Jacket
The official definition of a blouson jacket is ‘a coat that is drawn tight at the waist causing it to blouse out and hang over the waistband. It should traditionally feature a prominent collar and a vented back.’ Historically, blouson jackets have been used in military and police uniforms, and the military influence is clearly visible in some of the blouson jackets being featured both on the high street and by designers for this coming season.
The blouson jacket also has a retro sports aesthetic, which fits in perfectly with the sports-luxe aesthetic that has been dominant at recent fashion shows and collections from designers worldwide.
On The Runways
On the runways, blouson jackets featured at all the major Fashion Weeks, in a variety of forms and fabrics. At Paris Fashion Week, Yves Saint Laurent displayed a crisp white blouson jacket with a funnel neck and multiple straps for a minimalist, unfussy look. YSL followed the all-white trend, which is expected to be popular this summer, pairing the jacket with white wide-leg shorts. Also in Paris, Dries Van Noten opted for blouson jackets with a sports-luxe influence, featuring them in slick navy and blue silk.
In Milan, Gucci opted for a more classic look, featuring leather blouson jackets in both quilted and smooth leather, channelling a feeling of James Dean in Rebel Without A Cause.
In New York, Patrick Ervell’s collection included a varsity-style blouson jacket in black leather with contrast synthetic white arms, providing a preppy American take on the trend. Ervell also featured a traditional beige Harrington-style blouson with popper fastenings, and my personal favourite – a simple blouson in distressed brown leather.
However, it was Versace in Milan who really bucked the trend, providing a wealth of contemporary and fashion forward blouson jackets. The collection included sports-influenced silk blouson’s in neon pink and blue; suede versions in blue and beige that were embellished with studs, intricate punch-hole detailing and buckle fastenings; and a bright red biker-style blouson with zip fastenings and buckle epaulette detailing.
Other designers to include the style within their collections were plentiful and included D&G, Louis Vuitton, Lanvin and Paul Smith. Kim Jones, menswear director at Louis Vuitton could not have put it better when he said:
“This is an essential wardrobe piece for SS12 because it’s the perfect lightweight summer jacket that everyone should have in their life.”
In The Press
In the fashion press, blouson jackets have appeared in many recent publications. Esquire magazine included blouson jackets in their ‘Top 10 Spring Trends’, whilst GQ Essentials included bomber jackets as one of their ‘Wardrobe Heroes’ to be championed this season. In their April issue, Esquire also included the suede blouson as one of their ‘Top 50 Things No Man Should Be Without This Spring’. In the same issue, there were fashion shoots with celebrities such as Amir Khan and Alfie Allen, both of whom were decked out in a plethora of blouson jackets – from suede and seersucker to leather and nylon – in a range of muted and bright colours.
Similarly, Shortlist magazine have recently featured an article containing a range of retro blouson jackets in different colours, cuts and fabrics. Interestingly, the Shortlist article includes several patterned blouson jackets, featuring stripes and polka dots, which demonstrates that the blouson jacket is versatile enough to support the dominant pattern trend this season.
Men’s Blouson Jacket Lookbook
Men’s Blouson Jacket Picks
- Cheap Monday Ultramarine Douglas Jacket
- Apc Madras Marine Twill Bomber Jacket
- Austin Reed Taupe Cotton Blouson Jacket
- Topman Light Grey Suede Bomber Jacket
- Asos Ma1 Bomber Jacket
- Asos Bomber Jacket
- Uniqlo Men Short Blouson
- Paul Smith – Jeans 725k-720 Khaki Shawl Jacket
- Ted Baker Nyhar – Bomber Jacket
- Reiss York Single Breasted Blouson Stone
- Ted Baker Otos – Quilted Jacket
- Marc By Marc Jacobs Summer Suede Bomber Jacket 57067
- Dockers Leather Harrington Jacket
- D&g Black Perforated Leather Zip Sleeve Bomber
- Between-seasons Jacket Jadon4 By Boss Green
- Aspesi Swing Bomber Jacket
- Lightweight Synthetic Bomber Jacket Bawo By Hugo
- Faconnable Lambskin Blouson
- Silent By Damir Doma Mens Jathi Leather Sleeved Blouson
- Jil Sander Mens Toronto Blouson
- Maison Martin Margiela Suede And Leather Bomber Jacket
Final Word
It is clear to see that blouson jackets have made a huge comeback this season and offer a fantastically suitable outerwear alternative for the transitional spring/summer months – lightweight enough to enable the torso to breathe, whilst offering some waterproof protection from those inevitable (and unpredictable) British April showers.
The versatility of the blouson jacket remains its biggest selling point, with the style easily adaptable to multiple trends and looks – including military, varsity and biker. With an increase in the range of fabrics, colours and patterns available this season, there is something for everybody.
Looking to the future, another positive feature is the longevity that the blouson jacket offers. Collection previews for autumn/winter 2012 have also featured a dominant blouson jacket trend, with premium designers such as Louis Vuitton, Michael Bastian and Viktor & Rolf including them in their end of year lines. It seems that the blouson jacket is here to stay, and isn’t a passing fad. Just another great reason to channel your inner Gosling, McQueen or Dean.
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Ethnic Inspired
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Denim
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Statement Tailoring
Men’s SS13 Key Colour: Pink
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Whilst they are quite retro, and can look cool from that p.o.v. they are definitely not for me. The elsaticated bottom gives them a really unflattering shape imo, and as I’m quite tall and thin, I find that they ride up a bit, making them too short.
I’ll pass on this one.
I concur, I have a tall slim and muscular frame, and these garmets just make me appear pudgy! Pass :)
What are the main differences between a Blouson and a Harrington? They kind of look the same to me…
Also, doesn’t ‘blouson’ mean jacket in French? So essentially you’re saying a ‘jacket jacket’. :P
I think it’s mainly the elastication on the cuffs and waist. Harringtons are un-cuffed. And they also tend to have a “straighter” fall, whereas blousons look quite puffy. They don’t contribute towards that clean silhouette that seems so sought after here on FB?!
Bought one a few days ago.
I like them a lot and mine has the elastic cuff and waist.
Only they are so much more comfortable and better looking when you leave the jacket open..
I love this trend – I must pick one up.
I also have to nitpick and point out your unknowing admission that you have never watched Rebel Without a Cause; the jacket in that is strikingly, memorably red, and it’s the Versace biker that most closely channels that look.
Lastly, I simply have to mention that if you’re quite taken with a certain suede Loro Piana jacket on Mr Porter, Topman have ripped it off quite alarmingly for about 5% of the price. Have a look for it.
where is the green jacket with the fur coller, where the model is wearing a grey hat from?
I avoid blouson jackets like the plague. You can make the rest of one as amazing as possible and the ribbed hem will still drive me away screaming.
As with some of the posters above, the main issue for me is the ‘blousing out’ that ruins any attempt at a slim silhouette. Granted, the effect is less obvious when you wear it unzipped, but I also like having the luxury of looking good with my jacket zipped up all the way.
Then again, I would grudgingly admit that coloured/patterned hems and cuffs are some of the best ways to spice up an otherwise plain and simple jacket.
i like the fit and the style of this jacket a lot cos it sits just above the trousers and you can show your belt, i wear my T shirt tucked into chinos with a belt underneath it ! I tried the Uniglo beige one and it fits perfectly & goes extremely well with a simple crew neck or Polo T shirt with shorts/chinos.
Harrington jackets have button fasten on the sleeves and are not elasticated whereas a ‘Blouson’ tends to have elasticated cuffs and waist. Both have venting at the back.
Its also nice to have a lighter coloured summer jacket as opposed to the fact for the last six months I have been wearing navy quilted & grey peacoat options along with my chocalate leather jacket.
ben,
any chance of providing some other brands on featured articles like this such as Norse Projects, Suit, Barbour, Fred Perry, Ben Sherman, Barracuta, Penguin, Ralph Lauren, Belstaff. Other more traditional Uk brands have been doing the harrington / bomber jackets for years . I like these two better than some of the expensive ones you featured, plus TOPMAN & ALLSAINTS clothes quality and longjevity is appalling, i dont know where they buy there cotton from !
http://www.asos.com/Ben-Sherman/Ben-Sherman-Classic-Harrington-Jacket/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2036610&cid=3606&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Olive+wood
http://www.asos.com/Fred-Perry/Fred-Perry-Sailing-Jacket/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2055189&cid=3606&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Black
I managed to get a lovely beige and light brown reversable jacket from Zara a couple of years ago now. Two jackets for the price of one! Its been on the rail and I’ve hardly worn it. Some great style tips here and I think it might have to come out for spring. It should look great with my new desert boots.