What is a straight jacket?

A straight jacket, also known as a straitjacket, is a restraining garment designed to immobilize a person by binding their arms against their body. It is typically made of heavy-duty canvas or strong fabric, reinforced with leather or metal buckles. Straight jackets have been used historically in psychiatric institutions and in some cases by law enforcement agencies to restrain individuals who are considered dangerous or violent.

The purpose of a straight jacket is to limit the movement of the wearer, preventing them from causing harm to themselves or others. It achieves this by tightly wrapping around the upper body, making it difficult for the wearer to move their arms freely, cross their arms, or reach any part of their upper body.

The design of a straight jacket usually consists of long sleeves that wrap around the arms and are secured at the back with straps or buckles. Some straight jackets may also have additional straps across the chest and waist to further restrict movement. The jacket is typically closed at the back with lacing or straps, making it challenging for the wearer to remove it without assistance.

While straight jackets have been used in the past as a method of restraining individuals with mental illnesses, they have been largely phased out in modern psychiatric practices. The use of restraints like straight jackets is now considered controversial due to ethical concerns and the potential for physical and psychological harm to the restrained individual.

However, straight jackets continue to be featured in popular culture, often depicted as symbols of madness, confinement, or restraint. They have been widely portrayed in films, books, and other forms of entertainment as a dramatic representation of mental instability or dangerous behavior.