FRENCH WORKWEAR

FRENCH WORKWEAR

The chore jacket originated in France in the late 1800's as workwear for farmers and labourers. Also known as "working blues", a translation of the french "bleu de travail", the french chore fits slightly loose and boxy and features plenty of pockets. The striking colours come from indigo dyes once reserved for upperclass and only becoming assessable to the general public in the wake of industrialization. As the dyes fade naturally from wear they leave a gorgeous patina making each jacket unique to its owner. Made from 100% cotton, traditional thick cotton drill and herringbone twill weaving patterns, the French chore is a hardwearing durable garment that truly stand the test of time. 

Worn by workers of all kinds from coal miners and factory workers to merchants and farmers, the vintage French Workwear chore jacket has become to France what vintage denim Levi’s jackets are to Canada and the US. Originally made using French cotton moleskin, used for its robustness and the accessibility of the fabric, the jackets were available in white, black and the rich blues that began to thrive in the 1940s and 1950s, which are most well known today. Considered to be the chore coat that inspired a century of copy cats, the vintage French Workwear chore jacket is truly an easy add to anyone’s wardrobe.

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