How to Style the Buck Mason Felted Chore Coat for Any Occasion

by Muhammad khan on December 15, 2024

A chore coat is the perfect layer for a rugged fall or winter outfit. Look for one made from durable fabric and with considered details like dark horn buttons or a relaxed fit that works with your favorite faded Taylor Stitch jeans.

Buck Mason's new boiled wool chore coat perfectly balances rugged capability and blazer-like styling. Here's how to dress it up or down for any occasion.

1. Dress it Up

The best chore coats may have a knack for riding the workwear train, but they're just as capable of elevating any outfit on their own. Their signature design—oversized pockets, heavy fabric, relaxed fit, and plenty of rugged detailing like double stitching and a front storm flap—are all things that can stand up to fashion trends and continue to serve men well for generations to come.

That's what makes this particular version from Buck Mason so special. It's made from 340 GSM felted merino wool construction to offer comfort, durability, and warmth. Plus, the brand has added an extra layer of insulation and reinforced the pockets with red plaid lining to deliver maximum protection against whatever the fall weather brings.

While the merino wool gives this jacket a more modern feel, the brand has kept true to its roots with classic features like three sturdy front pockets, a relaxed fit, and authentic brass buttons that add textural and visual contrast. It also comes in colors like Charcoal, Black and Marled Santa Fe Dust for a look that's perfectly at home in the rugged outdoors or tucked into a professional suit.

As we move into the fall season, this is one of our favorite chore coats for a polished yet relaxed look. It pairs well with a solid button-up shirt, a pair of straight-legged khakis, and dress shoes or boots. This is the kind of coat that your dad or grandfather would have worn to get the job done.

When it comes to hard-wearing workwear, Patagonia is an expert. This is why we're not surprised to find their aptly named Tin Cloth Chore Coat at the top of our list of the best chore coats. The Ventura-based brand's abrasion-resistant and weather-ready fabric isn't just incredibly durable but also offers a bit of eco-friendly sustainability. And it's those simple details that make this one of the best chore coats you'll ever own.

While it's a bit heavier than other options we tested, this one from Legendary Whitetails still delivers the best blend of rugged capability and polished style. The cotton duck shell isn't just durable, but it feels soft to the touch and looks great with a pair of chinos or jeans. Plus, there are plenty of bells and whistles to keep you prepared for any type of weather, including a padded hood, a storm flap, and three sturdy front pockets.

2. Dress it Down

The utilitarian vibe of a chore coat can work well when it’s worn in more casual settings. You can easily dress it down by wearing it over a simple graphic tee and denim shorts, or you can go for an even more rugged look by pairing it with a pair of raw-cut jeans and hardy boots. It’s also a great option for dressing down a sequin gown or a fancy suit if you want to keep your outfit from looking too over-the-top.

This particular chore coat from Buck Mason is made out of warm boiled wool and is designed to be used outside, where it should stand up well against wind, rain, and cold. It has all the trappings of a proper winter coat, including a three-button front build, notch lapel,s and patch pockets. However, unlike most of its counterparts, it doesn’t come with a hood and instead opts for a collar that can be turned up to help keep the cold out.

If you want a chore coat that’s even more workwear-inspired, Carhartt offers a similarly durable version of the style in their Tin Cloth collection. It’s a bit shorter than the other options here and uses its weather-ready waxed cotton duck to ensure it can hold up to whatever you throw at it.

Another high-quality option comes from American workwear brand Orslow, who makes a hardcore coverall jacket that’s sure to stand up to any job you have lined up for the fall. It’s crafted out of custom-woven 9oz. Japanese selvage denim that was once woven on an old US industrial loom.

The other key thing to note about this jacket is that it features four large exterior pockets, as opposed to the typical two found on most chore coats. This gives you plenty of space for any EDC essentials you might need and will help the jacket look less like a classic barn coat and more like a practical everyday jacket.

For a more tailored take on the style, you could also try something like this denim chore coat from Alex Mill. It’s a little more expensive than the other options on this list, but it offers a more precise fit and includes all the bells and whistles you might expect from a quality work jacket. A front storm flap provides extra coverage in questionable weather, red plaid lining adds warmth and the fabric has been garment dyed so it holds its color longer.

3. Dress it Up Again

The chore coat is a sturdy, utilitarian workwear staple that's been around for decades and has staked out a place in the menswear world for good reason. But if you want to add a bit of modern flair to your fall outerwear wardrobe, consider this slick, tailored version from Buck Mason. The wool-lined jacket is designed to feel like a blazer, with dapper front patch pockets and a collar that flips up for protection against harsh winter winds. The fit is tailored but not too tight, driving home the ideal blend of refined yet casual style.

The best blazer-chore coats take the rugged functionality of this classic workwear jacket to the next level, balancing the two in a way that's suited for the office or the street. One such example comes from Todd Snyder, who's built a career on his considered takes on American classics. This one takes a traditional khaki suede chore coat and makes it dapper with the addition of an interior pocket for your wallet or phone, a locker loop on the back for tools, and a buttoned cuff that's ready to turn up when the temperature starts to drop.

Another excellent option is this jacket from Taylor Stitch, which also pays tribute to the workwear heritage of this timeless piece. The Ojai Jacket has a washed organic cotton construction that feels broken in right off the rack, and its dual-entry front patch pockets and dapper ring-back buttons are thoughtful touches that elevate this rugged coat into a true statement piece of menswear.

A denim chore coat is a pretty unique and special thing in and of itself, but this one from Alex Mill goes a step further with its use of garment dyeing to color the recycled cotton, giving it flecks of different colors that create a truly one-of-a-kind finish. The result is a jacket that's warm enough for colder temperatures but still carries the spirit of a chore coat with its casual style and twill weave.

And finally, there's this moleskin version from Huckberry, which does a fantastic job of mixing the rugged look of a chore coat with an elevated, designer-forward aesthetic. The rich blue hue is timeless, but the use of soft-yet-durable moleskin fabric and an impeccable fit make it a piece that can be worn well beyond this season.

4. Dress it Down Again

When you're ready to dress down your new chore coat, you can do so in a variety of ways. For instance, you could pair it with a flannel shirt or your favorite denim jacket for a more casual look. You can also wear it with your everyday uniform for a more professional take on workwear. The key is to find the right balance between rugged capability and blazer-like tailoring to suit your personal style.

A flannel shirt, denim jacket or even a lightweight bomber can easily do the trick when it comes to dressing down your chore coat. Just be sure to keep the fabric soft and casual, avoiding any twill or chambray fabrics that might feel too flannel-like or collegiate.

If you're looking for a more upscale take on the workwear staple, you might want to go with an Italian suede chore coat. This one from Todd Snyder elevates the silhouette with a bit of fashion flair, featuring a four-pocket design and a locker loop for tools. The best part is that the pockets aren't as deep as those found on other chore coats, which makes it easy to wear over a button-up shirt and jeans.

While most chore coats are made from cotton twill, you can also opt for a denim version. The Cahart WIP Michigan jacket is a great example, crafted from recycled denim that's blended with natural cotton and garment dyed to add color to the fabric. The result is a jacket that's as durable as it is stylish.

Le Mont St Michel is another brand that's mastered the art of the rugged chore coat, crafting its version from sturdy moleskin and tightly woven wool for a more weather-resistant finish. The three front pockets feature heavy cover-stitching to protect the outer layer from abrasions and rips, while touches like dark horn buttons add textural interest and visual contrast.

If you're in the market for a chore coat that combines the rugged capability of traditional workwear with the tailored silhouette of a blazer, check out this one from Buck Mason. It's crafted from wool that's been felted twice for added insulation, and the finished product feels incredibly soft and sturdy. The fit is tailored but not too tight, hitting the ideal balance between refined yet casual style. Pair it with your favorite pair of blue jeans and a Japanese selvedge oxford, and you'll have a jacket that's just as suitable for working hard as it is for getting dressed up for a night out on the town.

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