For years, we have sworn loyalty to the perfecto to give nerve to the slightest outfit. But in street looks, another jacket is slowly taking its place: a military relic from the 18th century, all metal buttons and defined shoulders. It ticks all the boxes of current cool. And it may well shake up your habits.
This new star is the officer jacket, also called hussar jacket or military jacket with frogs. Born in the Hungarian cavalry of the 18th century, she left the ceremonial uniforms to join the rock wardrobe and then that of the catwalks. In 2025 2026, it is coming back everywhere, from the Alexander McQueen or Ann Demeulemeester fashion shows to bargain-priced finds on Vinted.
Why the officer jacket makes you forget the perfecto
For a long time, the perfecto alone embodied the rock attitude: leather, zips, asymmetrical closure. After years of shooting the same models, many want something else, without giving up the rebellious side. The officer jacket brings the same dose of confidence, but with a more polished and chic look. It structures the silhouette, straightens the shoulders and immediately gives the impression of being dressed.
This piece is also part of the return of the indie sleaze aesthetic, which brings back to the forefront the chic chaos of the 2000s. Worn open over a faded t-shirt and loose jeans, it recalls the energy of London nights like Kate Moss, but in a 2026 version. We keep the rock spirit while really changing our silhouette.
From 18th century hussars to the podiums of 2026
Originally, the officer jacket comes from the Hungarian hussars, light cavalry of the 18th century. Their uniform is distinguished by a short, fitted cut, gold braid and a double row of aligned buttons. Little by little, this spectacular silhouette was taken up by numerous European armies, then stored in the reserves of museums and theaters before re-emerging in fashion.
Pop culture has reawakened this military look. In the 1960s, Jimi Hendrix bought officer jackets from thrift stores and made them into his stage uniform. In the 2000s, Kate Moss brought the hussar jacket back into fashion with faded jeans and boots, before Balmain then Dior, McQueen or Ann Demeulemeester put it back at the center of the fashion shows.
How to adopt the officer jacket and find the right piece
To avoid the costume effect, the rule is simple: the more elaborate the jacket, the more casual the rest of the outfit should remain. Faded jeans, a white t-shirt and rock ankle boots are enough to recreate the Kate Moss spirit. At the office, you can wear it with flowing tailored pants and a minimal black top, which calms down the stripes without erasing the character.
When it comes to shopping, the signature of a good officer jacket remains the double row of metal buttons, the braids or frogs and the straight officer collar. On second-hand platforms, you search with keywords like officer jacket, hussar jacket or uniform. Old pieces are often small: it’s better to check the measurements and anticipate a touch-up rather than feeling stuck.
Wear the officer jacket?
With basics: simple jeans and a neutral t-shirt.
Officer jacket at work?
Yes, if the cut remains sober and well adjusted.
Choosing a vintage officer jacket?
Check buttons, braids, lining and measure shoulder width.
Sources
- Grazia
“Goodbye perfecto, here is the jacket trend straight from the 18th century which is all the rage this fall and we can find it on vinted at a bargain price”
