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Whether you're a casual weekend warrior or a nine-to-five office worker, this jack-of-all-trades layer will fit seamlessly into your wardrobe. Made from durable fabrics like cotton duck and moleskin, these classic pieces are a workwear staple with a style-forward twist.
Roll up the sleeves and cuffs on a warm day, or leave them down when it's colder. Pair with raw denim jeans and boots to channel that classic workwear aesthetic.
Fashion trends come and go, but workwear styles like the chore coat are long-lasting and versatile. A well-crafted one will be tough enough to withstand wear and tear while blending seamlessly into your professional outfits. Whether you’re looking for a coat to dress up a pair of jeans and sneakers or want to keep your look rugged with boots and casual tees, there are many brands that offer a variety of options to choose from.
The key to a great chore coat is a tailored fit. It should not be too boxy, which could overwhelm the frame, but it shouldn’t be too tight either, as this would defeat its purpose as functional outerwear. A fitted silhouette will hang cleanly from the shoulders and maintain a straight line down the body.
If you’re into the modern look of a slim-fit, this cotton twill chore coat from Everlane is an excellent choice. It stays true to the classic four pocket style but has a more minimalist design that pairs well with slim black jeans and a white crew neck shirt.
It has a sturdy construction and is tightly woven, which makes it naturally water-resistant. It’s also fairly warm for a chore coat, so you can wear it in most seasons. However, be warned that the moleskin fabric can be itchy if you’re not used to the material.
Another option is this linen chore coat from Alex Crane, which has a cool weather-ready natural airy texture that gets softer with each wash. It has the same function as the other two, but it’s less warm than the cotton twill version above.
While a few designers have reinterpreted the chore coat for more elevated looks, most stick to the basic aesthetic. One notable exception is this organic cotton option from Taylor Stitch, which features dapper ring-back buttons and dual-entry front patch pockets to add a more stylish touch. It’s still faithful to the basics, but its washed organic cotton feel and subtle additions make it a standout among other chore coats.
While chore coats are often thought of as a workwear style, they can also be worn casually. Whether you're looking for a way to dress up your jeans and t-shirt or want a casual outerwear option for colder weather, a wool chore coat can be a great choice. However, it's important to remember that wool is a lot thicker than denim and it's likely going to be pretty itchy. That said, if you're willing to put up with the itchy feel of a wool chore coat, it can look amazing and be extremely versatile.
A wool chore coat works well with most classic menswear pieces. For example, a dark blue chore coat made from denim or a traditional twill can be worn with a white t-shirt or henley and jeans or khaki pants. You can also pair a neutral chore coat with tailoring if you're willing to go with a heavier fabric like drill.
If you're looking for a more modern take on the chore coat, consider one in lightweight cotton or linen. These jackets tend to have a more relaxed fit and a less boxy shape than traditional versions. Many also feature exposed buttons down the front and on the welt pockets for added flair. They are available in a variety of colors and fabrics so you're sure to find one that fits your personal style.
You can even try a denim chore coat with modern workwear pieces for an urban casual look. Look for a dark wash that will hide dirt and wear, or try a raw hem for an even more rugged look. This style is perfect for pairing with tapered jeans and low profile boots, such as Thursday's Captain boot.
If you're interested in a casual chore coat for fall, consider PS by Paul Smith's version. This jacket takes the traditional four pocket design and boxy cut and updates it with a lighter blue color and button cuffs. You can pair it with a white crew neck t-shirt, olive green chinos and brown brogues or leather sneakers for a smart casual look.
A chore coat works a lot like an outerwear piece, so you can pair it with rugged jeans and boots to create a workwear-inspired look. It can also be worn casually, as well. In fact, it looks pretty great when paired with simple tees or cotton crew neck sweaters and chinos. It’s a versatile piece that’s also suitable for work environments, including restaurant and coffee shop uniforms.
For an authentic workwear-inspired look, select a coat that’s made of durable fabric like canvas or denim and comes in a rich blue color. It should have a roomy fit to enable unrestricted movement, and the pockets should be large enough to hold essentials. The best options include dual-entry front patch pockets and dapper ring back buttons that add an extra touch of style. If you’re looking for a coat that’s more shirt-like in fit and design, consider Taylor Stitch’s Ojai Jacket, which is faithful to classic chore coats with its washed organic cotton construction and broken in feel right out of the box.
Another option is a linen chore coat, such as Alex Crane’s Kite Coat. It’s temperature-regulating, and the soft texture gets softer with each wash. It’s a little more formal than a traditional workwear coat, but it still has that tough-guy workwear edge and looks great when matched with raw denim jeans and boots.
Providing chore coats that are resistant to wear and tear will help you ensure that your staff’s uniforms last. This helps reduce expenses, as you won’t have to replace damaged garments frequently. It’s also important to provide a range of sizes so that each member of your team can wear the coat comfortably. A larger size might be necessary for jobs that require physical activity, while a smaller size may work better for indoor work.
A good wool chore coat should fit a bit looser than fitted jackets, but it shouldn’t swamp the frame. The ideal fit suggests intentional ease rather than sloppy, and it should hang cleanly from the shoulders. It should also have a relatively straight line down the body, with the sleeves extending just past the elbows.
While the work shirt’s renaissance has had an outsized impact on menswear this season, a similar movement is occurring in another humble piece of utilitarian clothing: the chore coat. Whether you’re a rugged outdoorsman, nine-to-five professional or spontaneous adventurer, the chore coat is a sartorial Swiss Army knife that can be worn with just about anything.
While traditional working models made from cotton twill are great (and relatively inexpensive if you go down the vintage/second-hand route), we’ve been seeing a slew of tailored chore jackets that take this wardrobe staple in a whole new direction. Some follow the basic design template – straight edges, triple patch pockets – but with thoughtful points that elevate them into a legitimate alternative to your everyday blazer.
For example, PS by Paul Smith’s version takes the classic four pocket, boxy fit and straight hemline of the original chore coat and updates it for the modern worker with a blue denim composition and button cuffs. For a more casual look, team it with a dark wash denim shirt and khaki chinos or for something slightly dressier, opt for olive green chinos, a striped crew neck t-shirt and leather sneakers.
Another option is to try one in a more exotic fabric, such as moleskin. This densely woven, tightly brushed cotton has a suede-like feel that gives it the durability of workwear but also an elegant, designer-forward aesthetic. French brand Le Mont St Michel has been making this durable cloth since 1913 and you can pick up a genuine working coat from them for less than £100.
A number of contemporary brands – from high-end designers to high street favorites – are creating wool chore coats in moleskin, corduroy and denim, including Acne Studios, Folk and Studio Nicholson. On the higher end, Loewe’s version is hard to beat, while a more accessible option is APC’s corduroy style or COS’ chore jacket in blue wool.
If you’re looking for a new pair of boots to wear with your chore coat, you should check out our guide on the best shoes for men. Similarly, you’ll find some excellent accessories to wear with your new jacket, including belts, scarves and socks. You can also buy a range of other clothing from our online store, including chinos and trousers, T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, bags and more.
