Monkey jacket
As early as the end of the 18th century, more precisely in the 1790s, sailors began to wear a short, double-breasted jacket that tapered towards the front. This roundabout-style jacket with a wide collar, also known as a muster jacket, later became known as the ‘monkey jacket’.
An american sailor in his Monkey Jacket, mid - late 19th century
The jacket was worn on special days such as Sundays, but it also appeared in everyday life on board. Because it was so short, it did not hinder the sailors in their work and was a daily companion.
1830s American naval "Roundabout" or "Monkey" Jacket
It got its nickname ‘monkey jacket’ in the 1850s, after the monkeys that accompanied barrel organ players. You may be familiar with these little creatures in their short jackets (also called ‘sackapane coats’) who performed tricks and collected coins during the music. The name does not come from the fact that sailors climbed the rigging of sailing ships like monkeys, as might be obvious.
The close fit and cut led to the modern formal evening jacket being named after the original naval garment, especially in armies (mess jackets).
