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The Best Chore Coats for Everyday Wear

Go beyond utility with these takes on a traditional workwear staple.

collage of three chore coats
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The resurgence of workwear pervading global menswear has inspired no shortage of familiar, utility-driven garments — Red Wing boots, selvedge chinos and in recent years, the chore coat.

This trusty style emerged in the early 20th century, worn by the blue-collar classes of American farmers and factory workers, yet like pieces once prized by workers, it’s become a bona fide style move that still retains its functional roots.

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          Best Overall Chore Coat: Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket
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          Best Upgrade Chore Coat: Carhartt Work In Progress Michigan Corduroy Coat
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          Best Affordable Chore Coat: Rhythm Classic Chore Coat
          Best Canvas Chore Coat: Patagonia Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Chore Coat
          Best Chore Blazer: J.Crew Wallace & Barnes Three-Button Chore Blazer
          Best Reproduction Chore Coat: Todd Snyder Blue French Chore Coat
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          Best Waxed Chore Coat: Rogue Territory Supply Jacket
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          Best Blanket Chore Coat: Wellen Blanket Chore Coat
          Best Corduroy Chore Jacket: Alex Mill Work Jacket in Fine Wale Corduroy
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          Best Wrinkle-Free Chore Coat: Wills Wrinkle Free Chore Coat
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          Best Chore Coat for Summer: Alex Crane Kite Jacket
          Best Stretch Chore Coat: Faherty Wool Chore Jacket
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          Best Upgrade Denim Chore Coat: Iron Heart 105J-IND Chore Jacket
          Best Innovative Chore Coat: Ministry of Supply Fusion Chore Coat
          Ministry of Supply
          Best Modern Chore Coat: Banana Republic Chore Jacket
          Banana Republic
          Best Wool Chore Coat: Todd Snyder Brushed Wool Chore Coat
          Best Value Chore Coat: Imperfects The Cunningham Coat
          Most Stylish Chore Coat: Portugese Flannel Labura Chore Jacket
          Best Workwear Chore Coat: Dickies Denim Chore Coat
          Best American-Made Chore Coat: American Giant Roughneck Chore Jacket
          What Is a Chore Coat?
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          The archetype, with a boxy, loose-fitting silhouette, is adorned with three pockets (one on the breast, two near the hip); an extended collar, sometimes flipped up to protect the neck from sunburn; and a front-buttoned enclosure. Occasionally, chore coats will feature a second chest pocket on the opposite side, sometimes with a slot for a pen or another EDC tool.

          The sum of these parts falls somewhere under the “anti-style” category of stylish. But today, manufacturers old and new are bringing this iconic template forward, making chore coats slimmer, sleeker and more distinct, producing them in a variety of different fabrics, from denim to canvas to wool. Layer one through the colder season, or drape it over a white T-shirt during cool summer nights. Wear it with matching pants to a relaxed casual wedding.

          “The great thing about a chore coat is that is the Swiss Army Knife of any guy’s closet,” says Nick Kemp, design manager at Huckberry.

          Why Wear a Chore Coat?
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          You might call the chore coat the ideal blazer replacer. The style lends itself to casual and classier settings alike while giving you true function in the form of a bunch of pockets and solid range of motion. You shouldn't fuss much over getting dirty, because it is a chore coat after all. Use it to your advantage.

          Tow tools in the pockets near your hips. Or, free up your pant pockets and put your phone, wallet and keys in there. Place sunglasses and other valuables — a joint, maybe? — in the chest pocket, and trust that they won't fall out. That's the true perk of a chore coat over an oxford or an overshirt: the whole thing has a bit more rigidity, meaning the pockets are sturdier and stiffer, the shoulders more defined and the collar easier to pop — but for sun protection only.

          The chore coat is also an easy garment to transition from work to dinner or evening drinks in. It can live unbuttoned during the day with a T-shirt underneath and be buttoned up by day's end, producing an entire silhouette — you'll barely recognize the thing.

          The chore coat can pull double-duty, and then some, says Huckberry’s Kemp.

          “A great fitting chore can be worn casually over a tee, layered with a sweater, or even worn with a nice button down out on date night,” Kemp tells Gear Patrol.

          How to Style a Chore Coat

          Chore coats are versatile garments. If yours has a workwear slant, pair it with tough chinos and boots. In the case of our tester, they tried to keep the outfit tonal: a Wallace & Barnes chore coat, J.Crew Giant-Fit Chinos and off-white Chuck Taylor All-Stars.

          In most cases, the right chore coat has a sort of can’t-miss appeal that blurs the lines between a purely utilitarian piece and a rugged style move, Huckberry’s Kemp noted.

          “You really can’t mess up styling with a chore coat, and this is one of the big reasons it has become such a must-have item,” Kemp said.

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          Explore the following guides to find more of our top jacket recommendations.

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