Estimated 1990s, a cotton safari jacket by Willis&Geiger.
Made in Hong Kong.
Willis&Geiger was an authentic outdoor brand founded in 1902 by arctic explorer Ben Willis.
When safari travel became fashionable among America's upper classes in the 1930s, the brand was among the first to offer safari clothing.
The company undertook OEM production for Abercrombie & Fitch, a hunting shop catering to the wealthy and also stocked by our shop, and produced pilot jackets for the U.S. military—their manufacturing prowess was of the highest caliber.
When Abercrombie & Fitch declared bankruptcy in 1977, Willis&Geiger was the largest unsecured creditor and ceased operations. The brand was later revived independently by former employee Bert Avédon.
In 1994, Willis&Geiger was sold to Lands' End, and due to tensions between Avédon and Lands' End management, the brand was discontinued by 1999.
This piece is a safari jacket distinguished by its cotton and leather patchwork.
This particular example bears the hallmarks of the "White Hunter Field Jacket," a piece selected as part of Willis&Geiger's legendary collection.
A rare find in today's market.
Shallow stand collar design, a small flap pocket on the left arm only, four asymmetrical exposed flap pockets, and a large game-pouch-inspired pocket at the back—it is a design rich with considered detail and understated adventure.
The front closure employs a double-layer construction of zipper and button fastening to enhance wind resistance.
Though constructed primarily of cotton, the genuine leather accents throughout—notably the elbow patches and trim—provide an excellent counterpoint.
The abundance of pockets is perhaps the finest detail, one that speaks to purposeful design.
Worn casually and unstudied, this jacket reveals its full character.
It suits refined, formally-inclined styling—tie and all—with particular grace.
Size marked as "M"
This uses American sizing, which translates roughly to Japanese "XL to XXL."
The actual measurements confirm a generous fit, suitable for larger frames without compromise.
With a longer cut, it functions as a jacket in form but reads as a half-coat in proportion—equally handsome either way.
There is wear visible—marks, scuffing, loose threads, missing buttons—
but no damage of consequence that would impede wear. The jacket remains very much wearable.
Willis&Geiger exists now only in memory.
While Japanese retailers occasionally produce special commissions, for the vintage enthusiast there remains something irreplaceable about owning an original of that era.
Should you be seeking one, this may be the opportunity.
