6 TRENDY MEN'S CHORE COATS FOR EFFORTLESS STYLE

Fashion's obsession with all things vintage shows no signs of slowing down. One of the pieces that’s helped bring that message to the masses is the time-honored men’s chore coat. Trendy though it may be, the conventional blue-collar work jacket has a long history. Classic chore coats have been a streetwear archetype for years, but they’ve now hit the mainstream. And menswear's newfound fixation with rugged workwear has all eyes turned toward A.P.C. and other brands keen on paying homage to the style. 

WHAT IS A CHORE COAT?

Vintage chore coats are versatile, interseasonal staples that are now as fundamental to contemporary menswear as denim trucker jackets and military-inspired bombers. But where did they originate? 

Some of the earliest iterations are believed to have first surfaced in late 19th-century France. Known initially as bleu de travail (“work blue”) for its rich blue hue, the French worker jacket differed from its American counterpart in that it had only one chest pocket. American variations featured a boxy silhouette with double chest and hip pockets, an exposed button-down closure, and an extended collar that could flip up to shade workers from the sun’s harsh rays. 

TYPES OF CHORE COATS

Before men's chore coats rose to sartorial supremacy, they were lauded for their functionality. Typically fashioned from sturdy materials that provided enough warmth for colder weather, they were still light enough to be worn throughout the spring and summer. From denim chore coats and wool chore jackets to chore coats fashioned from canvas and cotton, there are many textile variations to explore.

Some fashion brands opt for cotton or wool to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality, breathability and versatility. Jackets woven from such materials assimilate well into different outfits, allowing the style to make an effortless transition between fashion genres.

But earlier versions were commonly made from cotton twill and denim for their warmth, protection, and ability to withstand physical work. When the early ’20s rolled around, heritage brands introduced duck canvas chore coats with reinforced corduroy collars, keeping the needs of railroad workers in mind. 

6 TRENDY MEN'S CHORE COATS

Today’s chore coats are designed with an eye toward the future while giving a nod to the traditions of the past. Each has distinct nuances, which appeal to different style sensibilities. Here are some of today’s best chore coats:

Kenzo

It’s no surprise that Kenzo released its own iteration of the modern chore coat, albeit under Japanese design maverick Nigo's creative direction. Nigo has an open fascination with old-school workwear Americana, often drawing creative influence from this classic menswear genre. The label's Logo Embroidered Workwear Jacket differs from traditional silhouettes with its open revere-style collar and features multicolor logo embroidery, a button-front closure, and patch pockets. Its blazer-like sensibility allows it to team with button-up shirts, pleated trousers, leather loafers, and other sensible separates. The jacket is also versatile enough to pair with casual classics like T-shirts and denim jeans.

Berluti

Berluti's design language caters to sophisticated style palettes. The label is adept at pushing luxury forward by elevating common classics to new heights. Its Virgin Wool Chore Coat represents the best of its vast archive. The jacket is made from premium virgin wool and has a stand collar, throat latch, button-front closure, and three patch pockets. Consider teaming it with a button-down shirt, V-neck pullover sweater, and dress slacks to create a worthy work ensemble.

Brioni

Brioni's Suede Work Jacket is a great outerwear option for a night out on the town. It spotlights a clean, structured fit perfect for impressing, but its pale blue hue distinguishes it from pieces aimed solely at polished professionals. The jacket is constructed from high-quality suede, featuring a spread collar, chest-patch pocket, hip-flap pockets, and a button front closure. 

Zegna

Meticulous craftsmanship and impeccable fabric construction are the foundational pillars on which Zegna stands. The luxury label's Linen Blend Chore Jacket perfectly encapsulates what the house is about. Its distinct linen/silk/wool blend contributes to its formal silhouette and relaxed wearability. Zegna structures its chore jacket without interior lining to promote a loose fit along the shoulders and back. Other standout features include a Cuban collar, two front-patch pockets, a double-vented rear, and single-button cuffs.

Loewe

Jonathan Anderson is at his best when applying imaginative tweaks that disrupt traditional design codes—he’s a master at recontextualizing established archetypes for today's contemporary tastes. Loewe's Anagram Reversible Workwear Jacket can easily make a statement wherever it appears. The jacket would juxtapose nicely against a pair of wide-leg trousers, creating a contrast in proportions, an aesthetic Loewe is more than comfortable playing with. This fully reversible jacket is crafted from a wool/cashmere/calf leather blend with a branded Anagram motif, spread collar, button-front closure, and patch pockets.

Onia

Onia's Denim Utility Jacket is arguably the most pared-back chore coat of the bunch, and it’s most faithful to the style that originated decades ago. The worker jacket boasts a heavyweight denim construction that would pair well with other rugged basics, such as a hoodie, chino trousers, and sneakers or combat boots. Other features include a point collar, button-placket closure, three front-patch pockets, and single-button cuffs.

The beauty of the trendy men’s chore coat lies in its ability to straddle the line between streetwear and luxury. For assistance choosing and styling a chore coat that suits your unique aesthetic, book a one-on-one in-store or virtual appointment with a Neiman Marcus style advisor to get outfit recommendations and styling tips.