Luxury Safari Clothing: Best Quiet Luxury Outfits

Safari style is an aesthetic shaped by heritage brands, premium materials, and the spirit of African expeditions in the mid-20th century.

Safari style is no longer just about practical clothing for driving across the dusty savanna. It has become a fashion category in its own right. The look traces its roots to British and American family-run companies that supplied high-end expedition gear for African journeys in the mid-20th century. That legacy gave us the sandy color palette, field jackets with patch pockets, and waxed cotton fabrics that still define the style today.

In this guide, Altezza Travel explores how to put together a stylish yet comfortable wardrobe for a safari through Tanzania's national parks, with a closer look at some of the finest luxury brands in the category.

Westley Richards: British heritage safari clothing

Founded in 1812, Westley Richards began as a British gunmaker serving aristocrats, explorers, and members of African expeditions. Over time, the company grew into a broader lifestyle brand, adding travel clothing, leather goods, and premium expedition gear to its offerings.

The hallmark of Westley Richards clothing is its exceptional level of craftsmanship. Collections are produced in limited runs in England and Italy, using Japanese cotton, Italian linen, and natural materials for buttons and hardware. Signature details include oversized patch pockets and sturdy seams borrowed from traditional fieldwear. Yet the result feels far removed from technical outdoor clothing. Instead, the pieces evoke the understated elegance of classic British safari style.

Men's safari outfit

A classic safari look can be built around the Lightweight Safari Jacket, priced at around $790. Lightweight and practical, it follows the traditional expedition cut and features four patch pockets. Pair it with the Tusker Field Shirt for $260. Made from heavyweight cotton, the shirt is available in sand and olive tones.

The Series 1 Safari Boot, priced at around $880, was developed in collaboration with English shoemaker Tricker's. Its silhouette closely resembles the safari boots of the mid-twentieth century. The look can be finished with the 2 Inch Leather Belt, priced at $290 and crafted from thick, hand-finished leather.

The Bournbrook 48hr Bag, priced at $3,900, can provide the finishing touch. It is one of the brand's signature travel bags.

Women's safari outfit

The women's line takes a lighter, more versatile approach to safari style. The Ladies Kalahari Safari Jacket, priced at $730, is one of the key pieces. Made in England from top-quality Japanese cotton, it has a cleaner and lighter silhouette than traditional safari outerwear.

Another option is the Ladies Blixen Safari Jacket, priced at $720. This more classic design places greater emphasis on the waist. The name references Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa, highlighting the brand's ties to the history of safari style.

The Ladies Safari Shirt, priced at $195, makes an easy base layer. It pairs with the Ladies Safari Trousers, made from lightweight cotton and priced at $365. The look can be completed with the Yorkshire Fedora, priced at $435, a premium British take on the classic safari hat.

Filson: American safari clothing with expedition roots

Filson is an American brand with deep expedition roots. Founded in Seattle in 1897, the company originally supplied gear to gold prospectors, loggers, and hunters. Over time, Filson became known for exceptionally durable equipment that accompanied explorers on journeys around the world, from Alaska to Africa.

Filson's collections are built around heavy natural fabrics, double- and triple-stitched seams, copper rivets, and straightforward functional design. The clothes are highly practical, exceptionally durable, and develop a handsome worn-in look over time.

Men's safari outfit

The Safari Cloth Jacket serves as the foundation of the outfit. It retails for $245, although seasonal discounts often bring the price down to $120–180. Made from Filson's signature Safari Cloth, the tightly woven cotton fabric protects against wind and insects while remaining light enough for all-day wear. The jacket features a classic expedition silhouette with large patch pockets and a relaxed fit, making it a comfortable choice for chilly mornings in the savanna.

Underneath, the Field Jac-Shirt can add another layer of warmth. It usually costs $225, though it is currently available at half price for $112. One of its strengths is versatility. It works equally well as an outer layer or underneath a jacket.

The outfit is rounded out by the Safari Cloth Pants, priced at $175 and often available on sale for around $90. They feature a straight cut, practical pockets, and the same Safari Cloth fabric developed for hot, dry climates. It holds its shape well and provides protection from the wind. Their appearance is thoroughly classic, with little to suggest they were designed for travel in dusty savannas.

Women's safari outfit

The women's line follows the same expedition-inspired philosophy but adapts it to a more contemporary and versatile wardrobe. One of the standout pieces is the Women's Dry Wax Short Work Jacket, priced at $299. This lightweight cropped jacket takes inspiration from the workwear once worn on American ranches and expedition camps. It combines durable fabric, a textile collar, roomy pockets, and a practical length.

Another option is the Women's Canvas Barn Coat, also priced at $299. It has a longer, more relaxed shape reminiscent of traditional outerwear worn by American farmers and hunters.

The Women's Field Jac-Shirt makes an excellent base layer. It normally costs $225, although it is currently discounted to $135. The women's version retains the practicality of the men's model while offering a softer fit that works just as well in everyday life.

The Women's Canvas Straight-Leg Pants, priced at around $150, complete the outfit. Made from durable cotton, they feature a straight cut and a comfortable high waist.

Purdey: luxury British safari style

James Purdey & Sons is a British brand with aristocratic roots and a long association with safari and hunting culture. Founded in 1814 as a renowned London gunmaker, Purdey spent decades supplying British aristocrats, officers, hunters, and participants in colonial expeditions to East Africa and India. Over time, the company expanded beyond firearms and developed a separate line of premium clothing, footwear, and travel accessories.

Purdey uses Italian cotton, British tweed, Japanese fabrics, fine leather, and premium hardware. Many garments are produced in small batches in England and Italy and take inspiration from the elegant expedition clothing of the mid-twentieth century.

Men's safari outfit

For a classic safari look, the Men's Kalahari Jacket in Stone, priced at $1,700, is a natural choice. This modern interpretation of the traditional safari jacket features a soft construction, four patch pockets, and a relaxed silhouette. The pale sand shade fits perfectly within the world of luxury safari clothing.

Pair it with the Men's Button Down Collar Shirt in Fern, priced at $480. Made from premium cotton, this lightweight field shirt comes in a muted shade of green. The Fenne Trousers in Sand, priced at $150, complete the outfit. Their straight cut and breathable fabric help maintain a sharp silhouette, while remaining comfortable in warm weather.

Complete the look with a travel bag from the Purdey luggage collection and the Men's Rough Out Leather Boots, priced at $870. Featuring a quilted tweed collar, they strike a balance between elegance and practicality.

Women's safari outfit

Purdey's women's line takes a more refined approach to safari dressing, with an emphasis on British elegance and luxurious natural fabrics. One of the key pieces is the Women's Gallop Jacket in Sage, priced at $2,000. This lightweight field jacket has a soft, feminine silhouette, while the soft sage-green fabric adds to its understated elegance.

The jacket pairs well with the relaxed Sarah Trousers in Navy. Another option is the Women's Four Pocket Cotton Dress in Jute, priced at $1,500, for a more relaxed take on safari style. The fabric belt gently defines the waist, while the flowing midi-length skirt allows freedom of movement.

Ralph Lauren Purple Label: quiet luxury safari outfits

Ralph Lauren Purple Label is one of the most exclusive collections in the Ralph Lauren lineup. Inspired by luxury travel, classic African safaris, and British expeditions of the last century, it is defined by exceptional fabrics, soft Italian tailoring, aged leather, suede, and relaxed aristocratic silhouettes. Many garments are produced in small batches in Italy using silk, linen, cashmere, and premium suede.

Men's safari outfit

A safari wardrobe can begin with the Silk-Linen Field Jacket, priced at $4,050. It is one of the signature safari pieces in the Purple Label collection. Made from a blend of silk and linen, the jacket features large pockets and a relaxed fit.

Another option is the Calloway Suede Shirt Jacket, priced at $3,700. This light gray suede overshirt combines elements of a shirt and a jacket. It looks luxurious while remaining durable enough for regular wear.

The collection also includes more casual pieces that fit easily into an everyday wardrobe. One example is the Garment-Dyed Piqué Trucker Jacket Purple Label, a lightweight jacket made from heavyweight Italian fabric with a vintage finish.

No safari outfit is complete without trousers. For long drives across the savanna, the Hand-Tailored Silk-Linen Suit Trouser, priced at $770, is an excellent choice. These lightweight drawstring trousers have a relaxed cut and are particularly comfortable during travel.

For a more expedition-inspired look, the brand also offers the Ranger Poplin Cargo Trouser, priced at $350. Patch pockets and a utilitarian cut give it a distinctly safari feel.

Avedon & Colby: classic expedition safari clothing

Avedon & Colby is an American luxury safari brand founded by Bert Avedon, a professional hunter, pilot, and former owner of the legendary expedition outfitter Willis & Geiger, together with designer Susan Colby. The brand takes its cues from the travel clothing of the 1930s through the 1960s. The roomy shirts and pocket-heavy jackets worn by explorers in East Africa during that era are reflected throughout the collection.

Avedon & Colby uses premium fabrics such as Bush Poplin, a tightly woven long-staple cotton that remains breathable while protecting against wind and sun. It dries quickly and stands up well to heavy use. The collection is built for real field conditions rather than simply borrowing the look of expedition clothing. 

Men's safari outfit

The Signature Safari Bush Jacket, priced at $240, is a classic safari piece. Made from Bush Poplin, it resists moisture and provides reliable protection from the wind. Its traditional silhouette is inspired by twentieth-century expeditions, while numerous pockets, including hidden compartments, add to its practicality.

The Signature Field Shirt, priced at $190, works equally well on its own or under a jacket. Made from Bush Poplin and available in several colors, it features adjustable sleeve tabs, horn buttons, and chest pockets, including a hidden zippered compartment for documents.

The Updated Lightweight Signature Field Pant II, priced at $199, completes the outfit. Made from the same durable and breathable fabric, these safari trousers are designed for heavy use in hot climates. Button tabs at the calves allow the leg length to be adjusted.

If you're traveling on a Tanzanian safari during the rainy season, the Trooper Jacket, priced at $250, is worth bringing. It reinterprets a classic design inspired by the jackets worn by French paratroopers during the First Indochina War.

Its loose fit and abundance of pockets were originally intended to provide maximum freedom of movement during parachute jumps. Several original details remain, including snaps near the zipper that once secured parachute gear and prevented the jacket from riding up during jumps. 

Yves Salomon: modern French safari style

Yves Salomon is a French luxury brand that grew out of a historic fur house and has carved out a place in the premium safari segment. Unlike traditional expedition brands, Yves Salomon takes a more urban approach, favoring defined waists, clean lines, and luxurious materials. Suede, calfskin, cashmere, and water-repellent cotton are among the fabrics most commonly used.

Women's safari outfit

At the center of the collection is the Suede Calfskin Safari Jacket, priced at around $3,200. Featuring a belt and patch pockets, this model sets the tone for Yves Salomon's safari line and represents the brand's take on the classic jacket worn on journeys through the savanna.

The Belted Safari Jacket in Cotton Fabric, priced at around $1,800, offers a lighter alternative. Made from water-repellent cotton, it has a more structured shape. The belt and close fit create a sharper, more tailored silhouette.

Pair it with the Cotton Wide-Leg Trousers, priced at around $670. Their relaxed cut is typical of safari style, while the available shades of sand, khaki, and white are classic safari colors.

Loro Piana: understated luxury safari clothing

You won't find many overtly safari-inspired pieces in the Loro Piana collection, but the brand has developed its own approach to the style. Unlike labels with more utilitarian roots, Loro Piana does not treat safari dressing as expedition wear. Instead, it adapts the aesthetic for modern travel, favoring lightweight fabrics, natural colors, and soft silhouettes.

Linen, cotton, cashmere, and fine suede are the materials the house uses most often. Most fabrics have a dry, matte appearance, with little shine or visual noise. This makes the pieces easy to combine into a wardrobe suited to warm climates, where breathability and freedom of movement matter most.

Women's safari outfit

The Traveller Mini Field Jacket, priced at around $3,200, is made from lightweight linen with a water-repellent finish. Its slightly cropped cut, together with an internal drawstring and belt, gives the jacket a more feminine silhouette. Numerous pockets and functional hardware also make it a practical choice for travel in warm climates.

Another option is the Opal Bomber Jacket, priced at $2,250. With its relaxed fit, soft shoulders, and cropped length, this linen bomber represents a more urban, sportier version of safari style.

As a base layer, the Isoble Shirt, priced at $1,600, works particularly well. Made from lightweight fabric, its appeal lies in its clean cut and soft fit.

The Valerie Shirt, priced at $1,500, is a more elegant alternative. It follows the same minimalist approach, but its sharper lines and proportions give it a slightly more polished appearance.

Pair them with the Lodger Trousers, priced at $2,100. Their wide cut and high waist create a longer silhouette while allowing complete freedom of movement. The trousers feel exceptionally light and pair beautifully with more structured jackets.

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