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The Chore Coat Is the Essential Layering Piece for Fall: Here Are 5 to Buy Right Now
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Fall is a weird time of year if you’re trying to dress for the weather. On any given day, you could be lounging in a T-shirt, only to have to reach for a sweater or scarf 24 hours later. In parts of the country. the temperature can wildly fluctuate within the same day (we’re looking at you California). But there’s a new essential item for fall that can take you from warm temps to chilly weather with ease, all without sacrificing style or utility. Consider this the year of the chore coat comeback.
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Also known as a barn jacket, field coat, utility coat or worker’s jacket, the chore coat is a longtime workwear staple that has made its way into men’s fashion. Originally worn by farm hands and laborers to stay warm in the field, the utilitarian jacket has now become an easy piece to throw on for everyday wear as well, thanks to its durable construction and simple styling. Stars like Ryan Gosling and Pharrell are often seen sporting a chore jacket, while musicians like Joe Jonas and Niall Horan have also gravitated towards the do-it-all coat.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Nike Chore Coat
$150
One of the best chore coats you can pick up this fall is from Nike. Yes, the athleticwear brand makes more than just sneakers and this minimalist twill coat is a great example of that.
Made from a durable and rugged cotton material, the coat offers the classic styling of a shirt jacket, with a button up closure, relaxed collar and two deep front pockets to stash your stuff.
Nike’s version offers triple-needle stitched seams for durability, with a subtle embroidered swoosh logo on the front. This is a great layering piece for fall, working well as a lightweight jacket or to keep you warm over a sweater and thicker pieces underneath. Available in sizes XS to 3XL, we like to size up for a roomier fit, though it looks great as a more structured jacket if you select your normal size.
BESTSELLER
Taylor Stitch Ojai Chore Coat
$188
Another great chore coat option is this one from Taylor Stitch. Available now at Huckberry, this jacket is made from an organic cotton material that’s been washed to give it a “lived in” look and feel. In fact, the more you wear this jacket, the better it’ll look, with the fabric softening over time.
Taylor Stitch says the chore coat was inspired by vintage military jackets, while updating the fit to be a little more tailored. It looks great over a sweater or flannel shirt in the fall, and you can break this out in spring or summer too, to layer over a tee. Choose from four colors online — we’re partial to the “smoked olive” colorway seen here. Huckberry has this available in sizes XS to XXL.
THE CLASSIC
Montana Rugged Flex Duck Insulated Jacket
$129+
When it comes to chore coats or barn jackets (or whatever you want to call it), you can’t get more iconic than Carhartt. The American workwear brand has been making its jackets since the 1890s and continue to set the standard for utilitarian style today. Part of the reason for Carhartt’s success is that they’ve never strayed too far away from its formula of making simple, durable, long-lasting clothing. And when they do change it up, it’s never over-the-top.
Case in point: this “Montana” jacket, which adds a handsome two-tone colorway and corduroy-trimmed collar to the classic chore coat. Made from duck canvas, this jacket can take a beating without losing its shape. A quilted nylon lining lets you slip the jacket on and off easily, while a layer of insulation adds warmth. Choose from four colorways in sizes small to 3XL.
LUXE PICK
Hart Schaffner Marx Classic Fit Quilted Riding Jacket
$395
For a more elevated look, we like this Hart Schaffner riding jacket, available at Men’s Wearhouse.
Inspired by equestrian style and rugged hunting gear, this jacket features a water-repellant shell and quilted design for warmth. The inside is lined for additional coziness, while the front features a zipper and snap buttons for extra protection against the elements.
We like the contrast color trim on the collar and pockets, and the navy colorway makes it easy to wear this jacket out in the field and to the office as well. Shop more outerwear options at MensWearhouse.com.
ALSO CONSIDER
Levi's Men's Cotton Canvas Chore Coat
$96.97 $109.99 12% off
Amazon has a number of affordable chore coats available too, including this Levi’s version, which is currently on sale (as of this writing).
Made from a weather-resistant, cotton canvas material, we like the contrast-trim collar and the plaid interior lining. This jacket is as easy to slip on over a dress shirt for work as it is for weekends in the wild. Choose from sizes small to XXL.
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