reefing jacket: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2)Specialized/Fashion
Quick answer
What does “reefing jacket” mean?
A short, close-fitting, double-breasted jacket made of a thick fabric, originally worn by sailors.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short, close-fitting, double-breasted jacket made of a thick fabric, originally worn by sailors.
A style of jacket, now often used in fashion, characterized by its double-breasted front, boxy cut, and durable material, reminiscent of traditional nautical wear.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is known in both varieties but is highly specialized. In the UK, it may have stronger historical/maritime connotations. In the US, it is more likely to be encountered as a fashion term.
Connotations
UK: Nautical heritage, traditional workwear. US: Retro fashion, vintage style.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday language in both regions. Higher frequency in niche contexts like historical costume, sailing circles, or fashion journalism.
Grammar
How to Use “reefing jacket” in a Sentence
wear a ~dressed in a ~a ~ made of...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reefing jacket” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The sailor was reefing the mainsail in the gale.
American English
- He spent the afternoon reefing the jib as the wind picked up.
adjective
British English
- The reefing points on the sail were well secured.
American English
- They checked the reefing gear before the storm.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except perhaps in the context of fashion retail.
Academic
Used in historical or fashion studies texts discussing 19th-century maritime clothing.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Used in historical reenactment, costume design, and specialized fashion writing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reefing jacket”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reefing jacket”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reefing jacket”
- Confusing it with a 'pea coat' (which is longer) or a 'blazer' (which is less structured and made of lighter fabric).
- Using 'reefing' as an adjective for other items incorrectly.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both are double-breasted nautical jackets, a pea coat is generally longer (thigh-length) and made of a heavier melton wool. A reefing jacket is shorter (hip-length) and was designed for greater mobility while working on deck.
Absolutely. While historically a male garment, the style has been widely adapted in modern fashion for all genders.
You are most likely to find them from retailers specializing in heritage workwear, historical reproduction clothing, or high-street fashion brands with a nautical or vintage-inspired line.
It is named for the activity of 'reefing'—reducing the area of a sail in strong winds by folding or rolling it. The jacket was worn by sailors performing this task, suggesting it was practical for active deck work.
A short, close-fitting, double-breasted jacket made of a thick fabric, originally worn by sailors.
Reefing jacket is usually specialized/fashion in register.
Reefing jacket: in British English it is pronounced /ˈriːfɪŋ ˈdʒækɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrifɪŋ ˈdʒækɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a sailor REEFING (folding) the sails on a ship while wearing a sturdy, short JACKET.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS ARMOR (for work) / HERITAGE IS A GARMENT.
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining feature of a traditional reefing jacket?