The chore jacket, once the unassuming uniform of 19th-century French railway workers and farmers, has cemented itself as a cornerstone of the modern man’s wardrobe. Born in Brittany as the 'bleu de travail', this utilitarian garment - crafted from sturdy cotton drill or moleskin - offered practicality with its boxy cut, buttoned front, and oversized pockets for tools or even a cheeky sandwich. Its hydrone blue hue and rugged durability made it a symbol of the working class, a cultural touchstone that echoed across the Atlantic, where American brands like Carhartt adopted it in denim and tan canvas for farmhands and labourers. It became the sartorial equivalent of Woody Guthrie’s dustbowl ballads - simple, honest, and built to endure.
Fast forward to today, and the chore jacket has transcended its proletarian roots, evolving into a menswear staple that balances heritage with contemporary flair. At Oliver Spencer, this evolution is not just a nod to tradition but a reinvention that speaks to the man who values versatility, style, and substance. We've taken the chore jacket’s DNA - its relaxed silhouette and functional ethos - and spun it into something thoroughly modern, ticking every box for today’s wardrobe demands. It’s an alternative to casual suiting, a spring layering essential, and even a packable rain jacket, all while retaining that effortless cool. The Hythe Jacket, with its safari-meets-workwear inspiration, comes in a spectrum of shades - greens, indigo, stone, and black - crafted for durability and lightweight layering. We've also created a water-repellent version using our unique Pino fabric. Picture it over a grandad collar shirt or a plain tee, channelling a laid-back David Hockney - perfect for a crisp London spring day.
Hythe Jacket Pino Khaki
Hythe Jacket Pino Khaki
£269
Water Repellent
Hythe Jacket Pino Brown
Hythe Jacket Pino Brown
£269
Water Repellent
The Bradwell Jacket, a newer silhouette, riffs on railroad jackets with a shortened lapel and unstructured fit, available in soft navy wool, grey flannel, or indigo-dyed cotton. It’s the kind of piece that pairs as easily with jeans as it does with matching trousers, offering a casual suit vibe minus the stuffiness.
Then there’s the Lambeth Jacket, a more rugged outerwear style than blends elements of the classic field jacket with the essence of the chore jacket. We've crafted the Lambeth is fabrics such as a water-resistant cotton and a recycled wool blend, further enhancing its versatility. For a luxurious twist, the Suede Hardwick Jacket in tan or brown heavyweight suede elevates the chore’s workwear roots into something tactile and sophisticated. With its twin-needle stitching and patch pockets, it’s packable yet polished.
Lambeth Jacket Regent Navy
Lambeth Jacket Regent Navy
£395
Ecological
Made in England
Lambeth Jacket Feldon Khaki
Lambeth Jacket Feldon Khaki
£389
Water Repellent
Made in England
Lambeth Jacket Feldon Navy
Lambeth Jacket Feldon Navy
£389
Water Repellent
Made in England
Lambeth Jacket Mosedale Navy
Lambeth Jacket Mosedale Navy
£379
Made in England
In all the aforementioned styles, we've tried to preserve the chore jacket’s traditional qualities - durability, utility, ease - while infusing them with modern fabrics and cuts that adapt to hybrid work-leisure lifestyles. Whether layered for spring, subbed for a blazer, or tossed in a bag for rain, these jackets are timeless yet unmistakably now.