It’s time to trade in your bulky winter parka for something lighter, comfier and more versatile by adding a stylish, utilitarian chore coat to your spring rotation.
The chore coat’s origins are rooted in workwear, specifically jackets made in France from either cotton or linen blends. Sturdy, durable and with plenty of pockets, the once-humble coat favored by painters has become a style essential that can replace a blazer or be layered over a t-shirt for a night on the town.
Get ready to ring in a new season with your new favorite piece of outerwear, with plenty of options from big-name retailers and luxury designers alike.
Wallace & Barnes Duck Canvas Utility Jacket
J. Crew turns back the clock with its workwear-influenced Wallace and Barnes line, nodding to French workwear styles with this vivid blue chore coat. The duck canvas will age nicely over time, just like selvedge denim or fine French wine. $198
Wellen Blanket Chore Coat
Not every chore coat has to be made from cotton: This one in particular from Huckberry uses recycled nylon and wool for a soft, supple and layering-friendly take on the chore coat. The Deep Sea Plaid pattern is also breezy and eye-catching. $198
Le Mont St Michel French Work Jacket
If you’re going to pick up a spring chore coat, you might as well do it the right way. This authentically French work jacket harkens back to the brand’s roots dressing French farmers all the way back in 1913, and your wardrobe is all the better for it. $238
Corridor Cotton Linen Military Jacket
The chore coat and the trucker jacket are close enough on the style spectrum that you can find one with elements of both in the final design. They’re both functionally minded, packed with pockets and made with cotton (and linen, in the case of this jacket), and the Natural fabric colorway is a welcome return to lighter shades for spring. $238
Todd Snyder French Blue Chore Coat
Todd Snyder has a deep appreciation for heritage styles, from his gym-inspired crewneck sweatshirts to expertly cut jackets modeled after throwback workwear pieces. The use of Japanese indigo elevates this chore coat, which is certainly cool enough to wear as a blazer. $468
KINGSMAN Suede Chore Jacket
MR. PORTER brings the big screen to life with its Kingsman Collection, boasting the sort of elevated pieces worn ever-so-well by Colin Firth’s Harry Hart & co. The black suede fabric offers a dressier feel, and the Italian-made design is a surefire sign of quality. $1,575
Knickerbocker Wool Chore Shirt
Not quite ready to give up winter’s best layers when you need a bit more warmth on a blustery spring day? This wool chore shirt hits on the right chore coat details (note the oversized chest patch pockets), and it comes in a handsome herringbone design. $280
La Paz Cotton Canvas Chore Jacket
Portugal is one of the best places in the world to craft any item that’s serious about quality and soft hand-feel, like this reliable, pleasingly faded chore jacket. The deep green color is an appealing change of pace as far as spring shades are concerned, too. $235
ALTEA Cashmere and Wool-Blend Chore Jacket
The chore coat gets a luxe upgrade via an ultra-soft blend of cashmere and wool. This coat will drape elegantly when worn over a grey T-shirt alongside off-white jeans and loafers, and the camel hue is a handsome, timeless shade. $590
Banana Republic Denim Chore Coat
Banana Republic has a whole new look and feel, one that leans into seriously cool heritage styles. The chore coat, done up in a deep blue denim, makes a fine addition to a spring outerwear rotation, and pairs especially well with Oxford shirting for high-low style. $150