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Jacket

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A jacket is a garment designed for the upper body. Most jackets typically extend just below the hips of the wearer. These items usually feature sleeves and a fastening mechanism in the front or slightly to the side. While they are often categorized as outerwear, jackets differ from coats in specific ways. A jacket is generally lighter and fits more tightly to the body than a coat. It is also usually less insulating than a heavier coat.

Jacket2-1
Jacket2-1

Some people wear jackets for fashion, while others use them as protective clothing.

Many different types of jackets exist based on their construction and purpose. A vest, or gilet, is a sleeveless version of a jacket. For warmth, a down jacket uses quilted material filled with down feathers. Puffer jackets, which became popular in the 1990s, also use padding for insulation. For weather protection, a hardshell jacket uses breathable synthetic materials to block wind and water. It lacks the softness or insulation found in other styles. A rain jacket serves as a shorter version of a raincoat.

Jacket MET CI60.26.8 F
Jacket MET CI60.26.8 F

Even modern technology plays a role with smart jackets. These include heating elements in the chest, hands, and back. They use special sensors to allow the wearer to adjust the heat output.

Jackets are often categorized by their specific style or the activity they support. Casual options include the hoodie, which is a sweatshirt with a hood. A denim jacket, or jean jacket, often features buttoned cuffs and an adjustable waistband. For formal events, a dinner jacket is part of the black-tie dress code. This is also known as a tuxedo or a dinner suit. The blazer is a similar but more casual version of a suit jacket. It is often made of sturdy material and may feature metal buttons.

Jacket2-1
Jacket2-1

Military history has shaped many common jacket designs. The bomber jacket was originally designed for US aircrews using leather or nylon. The Eisenhower jacket is a waist-length, fitted style inspired by the British Army's Battle Dress from World War II. Field jackets are specifically used by soldiers on battlefields or in cold weather. During World War II, the US Army introduced the M-1941 and M-1943 field jackets. A very popular military style is the M-1965, or M-65, which entered US military service in 1965. Other specialized military styles include the blouson, which is a waist-length jacket, and the flak jacket, an armored vest used in the 20th century.

Clothing for specific professions and cultures also provides many examples. A chef wears a specialized chef's jacket. A chore jacket is made of robust cloth like denim and features large front pockets for work. Traditional Scottish dress includes several kilt jacket styles, such as the Argyll or the Prince Charlie. In the Regency period, people wore the high-waisted Spencer jacket. Even school uniforms have used specific styles, like the mess jacket. This was formerly worn by boys under 5'4" at Eton College until 1976.

The history of the word jacket reveals many linguistic connections. The term comes from the French word jaquette. This word is derived from the Middle French noun jaquet, meaning a small or lightweight tunic. In Modern French, jaquette is a synonym for jacket. The word is also cognate with the Spanish jaco and the Italian giacca. These terms were first recorded around the 1350s. Ultimately, the word is loaned from the Arabic shakk. This Arabic term traces back to Aramaic and Hebrew roots.

Jacket MET CI60.26.8 F
Jacket MET CI60.26.8 F

Jackets connect to many different aspects of human life and industry. They relate to fashion through styles like the bolero, a very short jacket. They relate to sports through the baseball jacket, which features knitted cuffs and a waistband. They also connect to specialized hobbies, such as the leather motorcycle jacket used by riders. From the silk and wool garments of the 1600s to modern synthetic fleece, jackets continue to evolve. They serve as essential tools for protection, social status, and personal expression.

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