The 1960s witnessed something of a cultural and philosophical awakening in the western world. This was the decade which saw the rising popularity of eastern and especially, Indian music, culture and mysticism. In 1964, the then prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, was featured in Vogue magazine wearing his customary attire which included what can best be described as an adapted sherwani. Vogue was (and is) an influential trendsetter and the Nehru Jacket became fashionable. The popularity of the Nehru Jacket sky-rocketed once The Beatles and The Monkees began regularly sporting the garment.
It is said that the Nehru Jacket was adapted from the traditional sherwani/Achkan in the 1940s and was referred to as the Bandh gale ka coat. It is still popular in India and is synonymous with the Jodhpuri coat. While its influence waned in the west in the late 60s, the jacket saw a resurgence in the 1990s and 2000s.