Nehru Jacket

A 1960s Nehru jacket is a hip-length tailored coat with a distinctive stand-up collar and no lapels that became popular Western menswear during the decade's fascination with Eastern culture and mod fashion movements.

Quick Facts

• Era: 1960s (peak popularity 1964-1968)
• Origin: India/England (Eastern influence adapted for Western fashion)
• Garment Type: Hip-length tailored jacket with stand-up collar
• Key Identifiers: Stand-up collar, no lapels, button-front closure, tailored fit
• Typical Resale Price: $60-$250 (authentic vintage pieces)
• Best For: Mod enthusiasts, 1960s formal wear, and Beatles-inspired styling

History & Evolution

The Nehru jacket gained Western popularity in the mid-1960s during the cultural fascination with Eastern philosophy, music, and fashion that characterized the decade's countercultural movements. Named after Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the style was adopted by mod fashion designers who appreciated its clean lines and departure from traditional Western formal wear conventions.

The jacket exploded in mainstream popularity through celebrity adoption, most notably by The Beatles during their Indian cultural exploration period and other musicians embracing the era's psychedelic and Eastern-influenced aesthetics. Fashion designers like Pierre Cardin created luxury versions that combined traditional Indian tailoring with Western construction techniques and modern fabrics.

By 1967-1968, the Nehru jacket had become essential formal wear for fashion-forward men attending parties, premieres, and social events where traditional suits seemed outdated. Quality vintage pieces featured superior tailoring, attention to collar construction, and fabrics ranging from silk brocades to wool crepes. Today, authentic 1960s Nehru jackets are prized for their cultural significance and representation of the decade's embrace of global fashion influences.

Authentication Tips

Authentic 1960s Features:

• Quality tailoring with proper stand-up collar construction and interfacing
• Period-appropriate fabrics like silk, wool, or high-quality cotton blends
• Mod-era proportions with fitted silhouette and hip-length cut
• Designer labels from 1960s fashion houses or quality menswear manufacturers
• Hand-finished details and construction methods typical of 1960s formal wear

Common Reproductions/Modern Pieces:

• Poor collar construction that doesn't maintain proper stand-up shape
• Modern synthetic fabrics or contemporary fabric treatments
• Contemporary fitted cuts that alter authentic 1960s proportions
• Cheap construction with machine finishing instead of hand-tailored details
• Modern costume-quality pieces designed for temporary wear rather than authentic vintage

Styling & Use Cases

• Best for mod enthusiasts: Pair with slim trousers, turtlenecks, and pointed-toe boots for authentic 1960s London styling
• Ideal for formal occasions: Style with dress pants and quality shirts for sophisticated vintage-inspired evening wear
• Perfect for music culture styling: Combine with Beatles-inspired accessories and mod haircuts for authentic 1960s rock culture looks

Modern styling tips:

• Wear over fitted contemporary shirts for updated formal looks that honor the jacket's Eastern-inspired heritage
• Pair with modern slim pants and dress shoes for sophisticated vintage-inspired professional styling
• Style with turtlenecks and contemporary accessories for subtle mod-influenced casual formal wear

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if a Nehru jacket is authentic 1960s vintage?

A: Look for quality tailoring with proper stand-up collar construction, period-appropriate fabrics, mod-era proportions, designer labels, and hand-finished details. Authentic pieces show superior tailoring typical of 1960s formal menswear.

Q: What's the typical price range for vintage 1960s Nehru jackets?

A: Authentic vintage Nehru jackets range from $60-$250 depending on designer, fabric quality, and condition. Pieces by famous 1960s designers or with exceptional tailoring command premium prices among mod fashion collectors.

Q: How should I care for a vintage 1960s Nehru jacket?

A: Professional dry cleaning is recommended to preserve the tailoring and fabric quality. Store hanging with proper shoulder support to maintain the jacket's structure and collar shape.

Q: What makes 1960s Nehru jackets valuable to collectors?

A: Their representation of 1960s cultural exchange and Eastern influence, association with mod fashion and Beatles-era style, superior tailoring and construction quality, and embodiment of the decade's embrace of global fashion and countercultural aesthetics.

📷: Viva Vintage Clothing