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The Best Men’s Chore Coats: Sturdy, Stylish Work Jackets
By Beau Hayhoe | Updated October 4, 2022
Courtesy of Faherty
When a certain menswear style proves itself truly timeless, reliable and durable over and over again – like the chore coat – it’s worth giving that style a good, long look. Chore coats deserve a rightful place in your fall wardrobe, alongside rugged staples like your new favorite henley, and there’s a laundry list of reasons why you need one.
When should you wear a chore coat?
For crossing over into brisk fall days, it’s best to level things up in your layering rotation without overdoing it. So, while it’s not quite cold enough to throw on a down-filled parka or bomber jacket, you very well might want a jacket with a bit more substance to it.
Most chore coats are made from hard-wearing materials like canvas or sturdy cotton denim, the better to take on autumn breezes from day to night when worn atop a fall flannel or thermal shirt.
How is a chore coat styled?
Chore coats stay true to their original roots even in modern times, with a variety of chest and hip pockets, some secured by buttons and others featuring rivets. The design also often features a front button-up build, with oversized buttons for easy access.
The chore coat also often hits below the hip, giving you valuable coverage when you need it the most. Yes indeed, the best chore coats really are made for taking on tough chores (or just making your way across town in rugged fall fashion).
Where did the chore coat originate?
The style was valued by tradesmen and workers, originally in places like France and eventually, in places like the Wild West, as items made of denim found their way into dusty workwear wardrobes, but today’s chore coats use stretch fabric and modern designs.
History lesson aside, let’s get one thing straight: You definitely can use a rugged, dependable chore coat in your autumn style rotation.
For more workwear options, view our list of the Best Men’s Work Pants
Alex Mill Garment-Dyed Work Jacket
$195
Chore coats can be worn in situations beyond just tackling yard work – Alex Mill proves that the design can look classy, cool and highly versatile, especially in a pleasingly faded garment dye.
The use of recycled denim and natural cotton gives it a touch of sustainability, while the details are all right on the money, including a useful button chest pocket and three front patch pockets for your EDC. Alex Mill suggests wearing this jacket casually or using it as a blazer substitute, and we agree.
Carhartt Chore Jacket
$100
If you really need to get the most out of your chore coat – particularly on cold fall and early winter mornings – then a tried-and-true workwear brand should be your go-to shopping move.
Take Carhartt, for instance: The company’s hard-working gear is the stuff of legend, and this duck canvas chore coat is overbuilt in all the right ways, from the insulated blanket lining to exceptionally tough hardware. It’s also cut with room to move, so you can layer up to your heart’s content.
Faherty Stretch Blanket-Lined CPO
$198
Faherty puts incredible fabric at the forefront of its designs, from shirting to sweaters, and they’ve taken some of that same care and translated it into a warm, blanket-lined coat that certainly ranks among the best chore coats for men.
The CPO style was worn by Chief Petty Officers in blustery, brisk conditions, and the cotton exterior and useful hip pockets should prove mighty useful in navigating treacherous fall weather.
Orvis Bedford Cord Chore Jacket
$129
Recall what we said about the best men’s chore coats bridging the gap from one season to the next – Orvis has managed to do that quite handsomely with this Bedford Cord chore jacket.
The garment-dyed cotton is comfortable enough to wear over a merino henley or readily able to layer atop a flannel shirt, while double-needle stitching reinforces this coat at key stress points.
Oversized patch pockets deliver crucial EDC storage space for demanding chores, and the Washed Red color especially is a clutch style move for off-duty layering.
Buck Mason Felted Wool Chore Coat
$228
Buck Mason brings you this take on the chore coat, which bridges the gap between a patch-pocket blazer and an old workwear-style coat, complete with plenty of room for your everyday carry essentials.
Wear this heavy-yet-soft wool coat to the office or wear it out and about with the collar gently upturned–or bring it on a camping trip for brisk fall mornings. It’s one piece that can do a bit of everything.
Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket
$198
Looking for a chore coat well-suited for more temperate weather – like that of San Francisco, perhaps? California’s own Taylor Stitch looked to its own backyard for style inspiration, using breezy, durable cotton hemp in a rich Espresso shade to build this hybrid fall jacket.
Touches like dark horn buttons – secured with a back ring – make it exceptionally durable, while the style once again hits the mark between that of a rugged fall jacket and a cool-as-can-be blazer replacement.
Pair it with faded Taylor Stitch jeans and a sturdy henley for high-low autumn style. Seven additional styles available.
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