13 January 2012 Last updated at 03:46 ET

Nehru jacket on Time list of 'global fashion statement'

The Nehru jacket has gained worldwide popularity

The stylish Nehru jacket, made popular by India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, has been listed among the "top 10 global political fashion statements" by Time magazine.

The high collar jacket, favoured by politicians across India, took its name after it was marketed around the world.

The Beatles and entertainer Sammy Davis Junior also wore the jacket.

Cuban leader Fidel Castro's track suit and former Chinese leader Mao Zedong's safari suit also made it to the list.

The list includes US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's pantsuits and American politician Sarah Palin's glasses.

The Nehru jacket comes from "the northern Indian achkan, a closed-neck, coat like garment usually considered court dress for Indian nobility", Time magazine says.

"It was when the jacket was marketed to Western audiences that it took the 'Nehru' title, the charismatic prime minister having popularised its style in public appearances during his tenure in government."

The magazine said Mr Nehru was not the only prominent figure associated with it.

"The minimalist aesthetic of the jacket inspired the likes of the Beatles (who wore the style at their Shea Stadium performance) as well as Sammy Davis Jr, who claimed to own more than 200 of the jackets."