Smoking Suit, England, ca. 1880.
Silk velvet with silk cord trim.
In the 1880s, a smoking suit was a luxurious, informal garment worn by men after formal dinner to protect their formal clothes from smoke and provide comfort. These suits, often featuring smoking jackets were made from velvet or silk, and featured a collar, cuffs, and a button closure. They were often decorated with intricate embroideries and came in a variety of colours, including deep reds, greens, and blues. They were designed for relaxation in private settings like a smoking room or gentlemen's club. They were frequently associated with rich and exotic fabrics. Smoking suits, jackets, and caps were designed to keep the smell of tobacco, said to be offensive, particularly to the ladies, off the gentleman’s person. As smoking became more widespread, so did the popularity of the smoking suit. It was soon adopted by men of all classes and became a symbol of luxury and sophistication.
