Though they’d never believe it, early 1900s blue collar workers have emerged as the unlikely style heroes of our time. Much like hard-wearing pants, chunky boots, and beanies, the chore coat is an inherently practical item, created with the intention of keeping workers and manual labourers warm and protecting them against the elements. Until now, the French-inspired workwear jacket has been largely co-opted by the contemporary gent, however, we propose that the humble chore coat is an underrated womenswear item. Functional, durable, and replete with pockets, the chore coat is a timeless style staple, transcending ephemeral trends and working as the ideal between seasons transitional dressing piece.
Despite its humble origins, a chore coat gives off a more polished appearance compared to casual alternatives like moto or bomber jackers. Depending on the fabric, it can come off casual (cotton, denim, canvas) or more elevated (tweed, brushed wool).
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What is a chore coat?
As the name implies, the chore coat was originally designed as a workwear item, originating in France during the late 19th century and rapidly adopted by American workers in the early 20th century. One of the first jackets specifically created for manual labourers, chore coats were crafted from hard-wearing, durable fabrics like denim, heavy twill, and canvas. Chore coats are cut in a boxy silhouette – designed to be worn loose-fitting – and typically feature two oversized breast pockets, two hip pockets, exposed button closure, and an extended collar that can be worn down or flipped up to protect workers from the elements.
A notable adopter of the classic blue French chore coat was the late street style photographer Bill Cunnigham, who acquired the indigo garment from a French hardware store at the bargain price of $20. The workwear staple served as a uniform for Cunningham for decades, with the photographer favouring the chore coat for its outsized pockets which were the perfect size for storing film as he rode around town on his signature mode of transport; the bicycle.
How to style a chore coat for women






There are two main approaches to take when styling a chore coat for women. Traditionally a menswear garment, its structured silhouette makes the chore coat a natural fit for a workwear-inspired look, easily pairing with items like jeans and a denim shirt. However, you can also opt to counteract the boxy silhouette of the chore jacket by juxtaposing it with tailored items; think pleated shorts or pants, a silk shirt, perhaps a turtleneck skivvy. Alternatively, try pairing it with more feminine pieces like a miniskirt, sheer blouse, or printed dress. Regardless of the route you choose, the chore coat is set to become a failsafe womenswear piece in years to come.
The best chore coats for women
From colourful iterations to pieces stolen straight from menswear wardrobes, these are our favourite chore coats for women.
1. Drake’s Cotton Duck Canvas Five-Pocket Chore Jacket


Cut from heavyweight cotton duck (a durable, tightly woven cotton fabric), the Drake’s Cotton Duck Canvas Five-Pocket Chore Jacket comes in an enduring hue of olive green (it’s also available in ercu, navy, and brown), fitting neatly across the shoulders but maintaining a boxy silhouette throughout. Sparse in its construction, the devil is in the details. It features an inner pocket and three outer pockets, plus a ticket pocket on the left side; a signature of the menswear brand. Its hardy construction and timeless style make it an investment piece that will last a lifetime.
Price: $1050AUD
2. Alex Mill Britt Work Jacket


Inspired by vintage styles, the Alex Mill Britt Work Jacket is crafted from mid-weight recycled denim and has garnered acclaim for its soft, worn-in feel. Available in five shades—this Blush iteration is our favourite of the bunch, but a softer take on the signature bright French blue is also a standout— across classic denim and herringbone weave fabrications it features three outer pockets and an internal chest pocket, and is secured with corozo buttons.
Price: $410AUD
3. Still Here Two-Tone Paneled Cotton Twill Jacket


A fresh take on the utilitarian style, the Still Here Two-Tone Paneled Cotton Twill Jacket employs a two tone effect that injects a sense of fun into the traditionally utilitarian style. Cut from sturdy cotton twill, it’s able to take a beating; while its white and beige colour palette lend it to effortless styling. Pair it with neutral-toned trousers in a similarly hardwearing fabric like twill or denim.
Price: $217AUD
4. Carhartt Michigan Chore Coat


Lean into the garment’s origins with this piece from quintessential workwear brand Carhartt. Save for the colour swap from blue to black, this iteration is the archetypal chore coat; crafted from study cotton canvas, it’s cut in a traditional loose fit with four outer pockets and features contrast rivet details and snap button closure, as well as Carhartt branding on the left chest pocket.
Price: $184.95AUD
5. Bode Twill Standard Workwear Jacket


Combining menswear influences with contemporary touches, the Bode Twill Standard Workwear Jacket is cut to a slightly less boxy, elongated silhouette than the traditional chore coat. Its clean lines and smart aesthetic provide it with an intellectual flair — team it with glasses (prescription or otherwise) and a light air of superiority.
Price: approx. $1465AUD ($980USD)
6. Quince Organic Comfort Stretch Chore Jacket


If you’re after something less oversized, the Quince Organic Comfort Stretch Chore Jacket is the way to go. Retaining some of the boxiness of a traditional chore coat without the oversized fit, it’s cut from lightweight cotton twill and has a little spandex to ensure stretch and comfort. Unlike the hardier chore coats on this list, the Quince Organic Comfort Stretch Chore Jacket doesn’t need to be broken in and is comfortable from the get-go. Its lightweight nature makes it the ultimate transitional jacket for springtime.
Price: $59.90USD (United States shipping only)
7. Sézane Will Jacket


Although this iteration doesn’t technically fit the dictionary definition of a chore coat, it still exudes practical energy — albeit with a welcome dose of French girl style. Eschewing the signature chest pockets in favour of two ludicrously capacious wide pockets, it features a wide collar and two-toned button detailing. As well as denim and neutral tones (think camel, khaki, and black), it’s also available in vibrant checks and jacquard.
Price: $215AUD
8. Nudie Jeans Lovis Herringbone Jacket


Throwing it back to ye good old days, the Nudie Jeans Lovis Herringbone Jacket takes its stylistic cues from the original French chore coats and adapts them for the modern day. The simple, pared-back design gives off a streamlined appearance that’s easy to style, while the French blue hue and herringbone weave cotton twill exude vintage flair.
Price: $300AUD
9. Paul Smith Pink Corduroy Chore Jacket


For those ready to dispense with any pretension of ever having engaged in manual labour, we see you. The Paul Smith Pink Corduroy Chore Jacket retains the vague appearance of a chore coat with its duo of front pockets, collar detail, and hardy corduroy construction, but eschews all other hallmarks. Its cropped, slim-fit nature means it teams well with high-waisted jeans and lends a tougher edge to slip skirts and pleated minis.
Price: $655AUD
10. Sunspel Double Faced Twin Pocket Jacket


A cosy, elevated take on the humble workwear staple. Crafted from recycled Italian wool, the Sunspel Double Faced Twin Pocket Jacket is ideally suited to cooler transitional weather. Its luxurious fabrication and minimalist detailing mean its an apt way to top off a smart casual ‘fit.
Price: approx. $928AUD (£475)
11. Toast Dogtooth Wool Chore Jacket


Welsh brand Toast knows how to make a good chore coat and the Dogtooth Wool Chore Jacket is no exception. While the brand has several classic chore coats in denim, corduroy, and canvas across both its men’s and women’s collections, we’re partial to the unassuming refinement of this tweed iteration. Borrowed from the men’s collection, its straight cut and twill half-lining ensure a good fit to the body, while its front pockets are capacious enough to carry all your daily essentials.
Price: approx. $635AUD (£325)
Words by Arabella Johnson