Nehru Jacket 'is Political Fashion Statement' [SLIDESHOW]

The Nehru jacket made popular by independent India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, has been listed as one of the biggest global political statements, according to Time magazine.

The jacket, also worn by the Beatles and Sammy Davis Jr as well as politicians across India, was included in the lit of "top 10 global political fashion statements".

Kim Jong-il's khaki safari suits and sunglasses and Cuban leader Fidel Castro's tracksuits also made the list, along with Sarah Palin's glasses and most attire worn by Muammer Gaddafi.

The list was compiled following a sudden focus on the sweater vests chosen by US presidential hopeful Rick Santorum throughout the Republican election campaign.

"The Nehru jacket is a descendant of the northern Indian achkan, a closed-neck, coat-like garment usually considered court dress for Indian nobility," said Time.

When the jacket was marketed to Western audiences it was renamed the "Nehru" jacket, the magazine said.

View the slideshow for a full rundown of the political fashion statements that made the list.