Known as bleu de travail, the traditional French chore coat was designed in the late 19th century for laborers—from railway workers to farmers and artisans—out of a thick cotton twill, with durability and practicality in mind. But in recent years it has been reinterpreted in countless ways, from street-style to a chic layering piece (vis: The Row’s $3K+ version) worn by everyone from chic older French men to Harry Styles.
When I was in Bordeaux this summer and browsing end of season sales, I came across a great St. James chore coat in a cornflower blue, a cheerful twist on the typical deep indigo, which was designed to hide dirt and grease. I’ve hardly taken it off since, and I’ve been overjoyed with not only how it looks, but also its pragmatism—easy to fold without creasing, perfect for layering under and over and dressing up and down, as well as being a great transitional piece for the season. The pockets also make it the perfect travel jacket. And so I’ve pulled together some other great French workwear options in different colors and styles, alongside my St James tried and tested.
This chore coat by St James—the one that inspired this roundup—is pretty perfect. The fabric is soft so you don’t have to break it in, and the color is bright and feminine, plus it’s on sale!
Reformation Callum Denim Chore Jacket – The deep cobalt, almost Yves Klein blue version by Reformation is very chic and minimalistic. Definitely the sort of outerwear you could throw on over a chunky sweater, or even an LBD.
Family-run and produced in France since the 1950s, Le Laboureur has a great selection of colors in their original-style chore coat. Originally produced as work and gardenwear, these garments are designed to last a lifetime and also incredibly chic!
For a more utilitarian version, Finisterre has a great flannel-lined version in black, and another which is a bit more stylish in a washed denim that feels perfectly vintage.
Toast Cotton Canvas Workwear Jacket – This version has a great drapey quality perfect for layering, and lots of pockets.
Vetra has been making French workwear in Le Mans since 1927, and still feels incredibly modern. They have some great classic versions as well as a lovely option in a heavy linen for summer.
This Todd Snyder Japanese Selvedge Denim Chore Coat is lightweight and great in white, and being selvedge denim will probably last you a lifetime.
Denim Forum 90s Denim Chore Coat – While it strays from the OG in a lighter, almost acid-wash denim, the androgynous shape is easy to layer and translates across various dress codes.
French Blue Moleskin Chore Jacket – Great for a more oversized look and this time with red buttons!
Merz b. Schwanen French Chore Coat – The simplicity of this version is what makes it shine, with minimal pockets and a sharp collar.
While this version in white by Arts and Science may be on the posher side of this list, it offers an elevated version of the chore coat we all know in love, but collarless and in a boxier shape.
If you’re looking for a vintage option and don’t have the bandwidth to dig through eBay or thrift stores, The French Workwear Company has an amazing selection of vintage French workwear in a variety of sizes that will save you the trouble.
NN.07 Workwear Overshirt – This workwear-inspired denim overshirt comes in the classic blue and a fresh ivory, both with contrast buttons.
Buck Mason Chore Coat – We love that this classic chore coat feels dressy enough to wear when you’re not doing chores, and that they made it in a delightfully soft twice-boiled merino wool with a roomier torso, so you can layer a sweater under it when it gets cooler.
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