No trip to the savannah would be complete without a safari jacket. Famously a go-to of writer Ernest Hemingway, and seen on screen sported by Douglas Fairbanks Jr in the aptly named Safari, Clark Gable in Mogambo and the ultimate stylish spy, James Bond, in multiple adventures, it is the quintessential blend of fashion and function.

Hemingway, of course, was a keen huntsman. His short stories The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber and The Snows of Kilimanjaro take place on African safaris, and the non-fiction Green Hills of Africa is an account of Hemingway’s personal month-long 1933 safari.

All this to say, when you don a safari jacket – even if you are staying closer to home than the Serengeti and the most exotic creature you are likely to see is the neighbour’s dachshund – you are in stylish company dating back almost a century. The safari jacket first emerged in the early 20th century, and Westley Richards’ version stays true to the classic design, while bringing in all the attention to detail and fine craftsmanship you would expect from a company with a long history of safari excellence.

The Selous safari jacket’s label indicates the long history of Westley Richards in catering to the needs of adventurers and marksmen

Westley Richards began life in 1812 as a gunmaker – Hemingway was also the owner of one of the gunmaker’s double rifles – and has long been known for its dedication to hand craft and exacting standards. It works alongside its clients to understand their wishes and gain their input, to produce finished pieces that exceed expectations. Over the years, it has expanded its offer from bespoke firearms to everything an intrepid adventurer could need – from rifle slips to hip flasks and even dog collars. And, of course, the essential jacket.

Westley Richards’ Selous safari jacket stays true to the form, but adds refinements and high-quality details that make it exceptional. Made by a small family-owned manufacturer from a linen and cotton fabric – comfortable, cool and easy to pack – its buttons and buckle are real horn. With four bellows pockets and an additional sleeve pocket, you will never be short on room for essentials, no matter where your travels take you. Its vented action back grants ease of movement and the padded shoulders provide extra comfort. The women’s style, the Blixen, is similarly refined, and cut to ensure it is flattering to wear.

Westley Richards creative director Stephen Humphries says: ‘The Selous is Westley Richards’ lightweight take on the heritage safari jacket – a signature jacket that is crafted from a modern Italian linen blend by specialist artisans, for its cool comfort and easy packability. Regarded as one of the quintessential pieces to take on safari, with its classic belted waist and checked shoulder, the Selous safari jacket stays true to the late 1930s original with a few improvements of Westley Richards’ own for the modern adventurer.’

The classic belted waist of the Selous safari jacket by Westley Richards

It is details and improvements such as these that define a Westley Richards product. Classic pieces and traditional designs, but with modern twists, high quality and an inimitable spin that make them covetable, reliable and wearable again and again.

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