If you’d told a weather-beaten, American scaffolder from the 1920s that in 100 years time he’d be a style icon to men of the future, he’d probably have spat his chewing tobacco out at you in disbelief. Yet here we are, writing about his coat.

The chore coat (also referred to as a chore jacket) perfectly encapsulates everything that makes workwear great: it’s functional, comfortable and rugged. Plus, like denim jeans or the best men’s boots, the people who designed it weren’t concerned about whether it became the next runway phenomenon or not, so you’ll still be able to pull it out of the wardrobe in 20 years without cringing so hard you give yourself a hernia.

As a heritage workwear staple, this utilitarian classic ticks all the boxes. But what makes it different from any old grease-stained coat hanging up in the workshop?

What Is A Chore Coat?

If its name hadn’t already given the game away, the chore jacket was designed to be worn while carrying out, well, chores.

A thick construction and large patch pockets made it a firm favourite among labourers, mechanics, farmers and basically anyone whose job meant their clothes needed to withstand a hammering – no doubt literally, in some cases.

“For functionality purposes, the chore coat usually comes with two large front pockets located at the bottom of the jacket and also two large breast pockets,” explains Rudy Budhdeo, owner of renowned London workwear and denim shop Son Of A Stag. “It normally had a large collar that could be flipped up to protect the wearer from the elements.”

Traditionally, chore jackets were deliberately oversized to allow for freedom of movement and also for alterations to be made. However, these days they tend to be made more fitted, as the manufacturers are well aware that men are more likely to be using them to nip to Starbucks for a triple, venti, soy, no foam latte than for doing sheet metal work in the pouring rain.