How to choose the perfect velvet jacket
The velvet jacket was once synonymous with Hugh Hefner and other schmoozers of his ilk, but times have changed since. Not only has velvet crept back into the fashion world thanks to new garments that have repurposed the fabric for an edgier crowd, the classic velvet jacket itself has seen something of a renaissance too.
We spoke to Austen Pickles, Managing Director of bespoke tailors Norton & Townsend, to get his run down on what you should look out for when choosing the jacket for you.
Whether you're after the lavish look of Casino Royale's Le Chiffre at the poker table, a wardrobe rejig ahead of a romantic meal for two or even a way to cleverly subvert the rules of black tie - Pickles has the answers.
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Choose the right colour
"Darker colours are the safest - from navy to moss, claret, chocolate and deep purple.
"My favourite is a slightly brighter blue. Not electric blue, because it still needs to look like you put some thought into it, but a tone lighter than navy that will catch the light and grab some attention, (subtly of course)."
Match the jacket to the occasion
"A velvet jacket is not black tie according to the rules, but it depends if you care about the rules. Worn with black dinner trousers, white shirt and a bow tie, it'll tick most boxes for almost any black tie occasion.
"But it also crosses over for more casual evening wear. A good pair of dark tailored trousers or even dark denim jeans, white open collar shirt and a sumptuous velvet jacket would be a good look for most restaurants or bars."
There are no rules... well, maybe there's one
"The majority of velvet blazers are with peak lapels, but a notch or shawl lapel will work. Some are covered in contrast fabrics such as silk satin and petersham, and some are self cloth.
"Look out for nice, velvet covered buttons, but anything goes. Single breasted with two buttons would suit me personally, but even a double breasted fit will look good. Jackets can come with jet pockets with or without flaps, and the vent can be in the centre or the side.
"There is one rule though: never wear a velvet jacket in the daytime!"
Austen Pickles' velvet jacket picks
Tom Ford Blue Shelton Slim-Fit Velvet Tuxedo Jacket - £2,200
"I love Tom Ford's blue 'Shelton' blazer. The shade of blue is perfect and the composition is viscose rayon so it catches the light beautifully. I think the 5 button cuffs with hand-finished holes look gorgeous and the turned back cuff is little nod to a flamboyant era long gone. If you want to nail a modern twist to formal dinnerwear: this is it."
Hugo Boss, Black Havit Slim-Fit Satin-Trimmed Velvet Blazer - £450
"I really like the shape of this and the way they have created a layered look with a detachable silk scarf panel. The only downside is that it's possibly a bit short."
Ted Baker Cadilla pashion embossed jacquard velvet blazer - £399
"Ted Baker is the master of reinventing tailoring for a younger modern guy. The teal 'Cadilla' velvet jacquard blazer will sit equally well with a formal trouser, shirt and bow tie as it does with a skinny jean."
More of the best velvet jackets
SuitSupply Blue plain dinner jacket - £259
Woven in Italy from Italian velvet, this blue dinner jacket boasts impressive peak lapels and makes for a subtly stylish wardrobe update for special occasions.
Velvet Shawl Collar Tailored Blazer - £175
A single breasted jacket with a shawl collar will help you look slimmer. This claret example from John Lewis is a particularly fine one.
