It might be spring, but, clearly, no one’s told the weather, which is doing its level best to keep the outlook decidedly grey, cold and drizzly and drain all our conversational energy in the process (newsflash: it’s working). There is, however, one upshot to not-even-close-to-balmy weather: the arrival of a sartorial hero that will single-handedly save you from having to reach for your winter coat: the chore jacket.
The collared, single-breasted, loose-fitting blazer made of canvas that has its roots in durable workman’s clothing. Its origin story, according to menswear brand Oliver Spencer, is as follows: ‘From humble beginnings in Brittany, France, the chore jacket - once known as bleu de travail - was standard hardwearing garb for the proletariat.’ It’s come a long way since. In fact, seen on the front rows of multiple fashion weeks thanks to a designer version costing £2,600 at Miu Miu, it’s positively bourgeois.
Although it’s certainly very coveted - as is the chore jacket by Prada, an oversized canvas beauty with silver press studs which has already been worn by Tracee Ellis Ross - Carhartt WIP’s has still managed to pip it to the post with shoppers according to Q1's Lyst Index, the global search platform's quarterly rankings of the hottest brands and products. Its Detroit jacket, with its boxy fit and distinctive corduroy top collar, has entered the chart at number five - and, very much like its luxury counterparts, it’s got quite a fan club, including Austin Butler, Edie Campbell and Instagram's Eva Chen. As well as Carhartt WIP, other affordable chore jackets include options from & Other Stories, Barbour and Dickies, whose chore jacket is £105.
Brilliant with the no-fuss elegance of turn-up jeans, which was the exact combination worn by Eva, but equally dashing over a sheer pencil skirt and pointed satin pumps à la Tracee, the new chore jacket will truly be as hard-working as its forefather.
Shop: The Best Workwear-Inspired Chore Jackets
www.asos.com
The original, and the number five trending item on Q1's Lyst Index, Carhartt WIP's Detroit jacket is will be your companion this spring (and, honestly, probably this summer).
www.endclothing.com
Crafted from hardwearing duck canvas with the chore jacket's signature contrast corduroy collar, Dickies is the workwear brand to bank on this spring.
www.stories.com
Fitted with gold-toned fireman clasps, & Other Stories' cotton duffle is an update on the traditional chore jacket.
www.endclothing.com
Barbour's largely known for its superlative wax jackets, but its chore jacket, made of 100% cotton and with a more relaxed fit than usual, is a take that will stand the test of time.
www.drakes.com
Refined yet ready made with thrown-on-and-go attitude, this heavyweight cotton twill chore jacket could be the spring jacket your wardrobe's been missing.
www.arket.com
More of a shacket than a chore jacket, Arket's workwear-inspired take just needs a pair of wide-leg jeans and paisley-printed neck scarf to look 'gram-ready.
www.selfridges.com
The Swedish denim brand is most widely-known for its jeans but its chore jacket, with the signature boxy fit and cotton-canvas fabrication, is quickly becoming a house staple.
Natalie Hammond is Grazia’s Senior Fashion News Editor. She loves winter, hates summer and can often be found writing about the weather (and what on earth to wear).