As we move into Fall, we can start talking about one of my favorite things: layering. Here in Atlanta, the weather will be tricky through Thanksgiving. It will be downright cold in the mornings and warm in the afternoon. We’re taking 30 degree+ temperature swings. I’ve talked about how I’m going to handle the wardrobe this Fall, but in terms of layers, it’s hard to be a good chore coat.
Chore coats go by different names, but I’m referring to a lightweight outer layer that features front pockets and a collar. They usually have button cuffs, so they are a hybrid between a work shirt and a field coat. I have three and wear them quite a bit. They work really well as a sport coat replacement. Albeit more casual, it is a cool look. Pair with dressier jeans and double monks, or with five pockets and boots, and the chore coat adds a dressy, workwear look. I love mine. Here is a roundup of some great options:
From top left:
1. Epaulet Doyle Jacket: I have the green version of this and absolutely love it. I wear it all the time. It fits great and the fabric is top shelf.
2. Huckberry Stretch Chore Coat: A GREAT (and on sale!) starter option in the chore coat arena.
3. Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket: Taylor Stitch doesn’t get enough credit – their gear is really nice. Their Ojai jackets have been around for a while, and are offered in a bunch of different colors (including camo).
4. Sid Mashburn Military Jacket: Sid is brave enough to offer ‘Persimmon’. I’ve seen it in person and it looks fantastic. I would use this as a daily driver, as well as on a quail hunt. Imagine the patina on this guy…
5. Drake’s Navy Blue Chore Coat: Does Drake’s do anything wrong? Quick answer: no.
6. J. Crew Wallace & Barnes Chore Coat: Another great (and on sale!) option. The W&B stuff from J. Crew has a cool look and feel, and this chore coat is a great example. Offered in a bunch of different colors.
7. Lands’ End Canvas Shirt Jacket: An inexpensive option and the green is just right.
8. Vintage Camo Field Jacket: You can find a bunch of these second hand…this option from Camoretro is a fantastic example. I found one, cut out all the innards, and washed it about 20 times, now it’s just as soft as any of my chore coats. Make sure it is unlined and majority cotton/canvas and you are good to go.
Got any others that I missed?
Topo Designs Field Jacket
https://topodesigns.com/products/field-jacket?variant=29500510830645
LL Bean’s is a classic. And the old woolrich ones with the southwest blanket liners rock
LL Bean Hurricane Shirt is my go-to. It’s flannel lined and perfect to throw over a t-shirt for dog walks or running errands around town. Just gets softer over time.
LC King Pointer Brand. Prices have sky rocketed but still a nice coat and sometimes have long/tall sizes.
Orvis Barn Coat is an old standard.
Carhartt (granddaddy of chore coats – when they offered “fitted” size) or Pointer Brand are my suggestion for made in the USA at reasonable price.
Man, how do you leave out LC King made is Bristol TN when looking at chore coats?
I have the indigo Apolis chore coat from Huckberry a few years back and love it. Raglan sleeve, rounded collar, but that indigo fade with wear is what I like most.