You know that guy who walks into the room and somehow, without saying a word, everyone notices? He’s not the loudest. He’s not trying to be the most fashionable. But there’s something about the way he’s put together. Elegant. Assured. Effortlessly composed. He’s not chasing trends but he figured out what works for him, and he wears it well. Some call it the “rich guy’s jacket.” We call it the jacket for men who’ve come into their own. Understated, versatile, and surprisingly powerful for something so simple. We’re talking about the Nehru jacket.
Once seen as a cultural classic, the Nehru is now enjoying a quiet style renaissance. Worn by men who prefer timeless over trendy and presence over pretense, it’s the jacket you reach for when you’ve got nothing to prove but still want to be remembered.
Where It All Began
Let’s rewind for a second.
The Nehru jacket might look sleek and minimal today, but its roots run deep. Inspired by the Indian sherwani, it was popularised in the 1960s by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who turned it into his signature. For him, it wasn’t just about style, it was a way to express modern Indian identity with subtle power. No lapels. No fuss. Just a clean, commanding silhouette.
Image credit: The Indian Saree Journal, @brownhistory, Luxury Facts and The Telegraph
And it wasn’t long before the rest of the world took notice. The Beatles wore it with a twist (collarless style). Sammy Davis Jr. wore it. Even James Bond had a moment in one. These were men known for style but more importantly, for intention. They didn’t just dress up. They dressed with purpose.
Image credit: Repro Magazine Ad, Medium and Bond Suits
At Q MENSWEAR, we see the Nehru not as a historic piece, but in fact as a refined alternative for men who know themselves. Polished, a little unexpected and always tasteful.
How the Nehru Still Turns Heads in 2025
Fast forward to today. In a world where the traditional suit-and-tie is slowly being replaced by vague “smart casual” rules, the Nehru jacket can potentially stand out as a clear, intentional choice. It’s sharp without being stiff. Distinctive without being loud. Think of it as the tailored middle ground especially in Singapore’s climate, where layering has to be light and breathable. No lapels mean less bulk. Its clean frame works well over a tee, a band collar shirt, or even a crisp kurta (collarless shirt/tunic).
Image credit: Kartik Aaryan, Heron Ghyll, Westwood Hart
It’s the kind of piece that earns compliments not because it screams for attention, but because it looks like it belongs on you.
Here’s how to make the Nehru jacket your own:
- Quiet Luxury: Go for charcoal or navy with pleated wool trousers and sleek Chelsea boots. Add a subtle pocket square for flair.
- Modern Minimalist: Try a tonal look. Think taupe-on-taupe or slate grey with a clean band collar shirt. Calm, architectural, and very 2025.
- Effortless Elegance: Throw it over a T-shirt and tailored chinos for weekend brunch or gallery visits. Roll the sleeves for a little lived-in charm.
- East Meets West: Mix it up with drawstring trousers and loafers. Try mixing in textures like raw silk, soft bouclé, or matte denim to give your look more personality.
And if we can offer one piece of advice? Fit is everything. This isn’t a piece you pull off the rack. The Nehru should follow your form: not clingy, not baggy, just composed. Let it move with you.
One of our clients came to us looking for something different to spruce up his wardrobe. No suit. No tie. Just something that felt more him. We tailored him a Glen Check Nehru jacket with natural shoulders and a slight curve at the waist. The final result? Understated and thoughtful design.
If the Nehru jacket feels like the next move in your style journey, come by Q MENSWEAR. Our designers will be sure to guide you through the process, from fabric to fit, and help shape a piece that feels like you.