In the wild world of outerwear, there’s no other jacket that hits the utility-to-style-to-versatility matrix quite like a good chore coat. But the best chore coat is just a cut above the already-impressive competition. It’s the sort of coat you throw on to brave the elements while doing hard, manual labor—or to throw back some beers with the boys after doing hard, manual labor.
Are there more exciting jackets? Sure. Are there more reliable ones? We think not. Chore coats are perfectly designed, with no more and no less than what they need. It’s that unique simplicity that makes them an ideal partner for damn-near everything you own, from chinos and button-ups to jeans and tees. At this rate, the workwear train may never slow down, but even if it does, the best chore coat will chug on undeterred—and look righteous doing it.
The Best Men’s Chore Coats, According to GQ
The Best Chore Coat OverallLe Mont Saint Michel French Work JacketREAD MORE$275
Huckberry
The Best Budget Chore CoatRed Kap Lapel Counter CoatREAD MORE$27
Amazon
The Best Chore Coat for Hard LaborCarhartt WIP OG Corduroy-Trimmed Cotton-Canvas Chore JacketREAD MORE$300
Mr Porter
The Best Chore Coat for LayeringAlex Mill Garment Dyed Work JacketREAD MORE$225
Alex Mill
The Chore Coat You’ll See On TVRosa Rugosa Dufferin Chore CoatREAD MORE$230
Rosa Rugosa
In This Guide
- More Chore Coats We Love
- What to Look for in a Great Chore Coat
- How to Style a Chore Coat
- How We Test and Review Products
- How We Make These Picks
Best Chore Coat Overall: Le Mont St Michel Work Jacket
- Bowen Fernie
Bowen Fernie
Le Mont Saint Michel
French Work Jacket
$275
Huckberry
Pros & ConsPros
- Heavyweight material
- Solid construction
Cons
- Stiff material requires breaking in
If the appeal of workwear to you is all that baked-in “authenticity,” well, it doesn’t get much more authentic than this. The kind of chore jackets we're used to today were first donned by laborers in France in the late 1800s, and originally dubbed bleu de travail—“worker’s blues”—for that attractive, irrefutably French shade of indigo. Not long after, in 1913, Le Mont St Michel began crafting their iconic version of the coat.
Over a century later, its appeal has only deepened: the roomy patch pockets and hardy construction are as practical as ever, and something in the cut and drape and color lends the OG jacket all the ease and elegance of an impeccably tailored unlined blazer. And though the inimitable French blue will always be in-style, it’s not for everyone. So I’m glad to see that the old-school brand has expanded its color range considerably. I’d easily wear these with jeans and a gray hoodie, or over a thrashed vintage T-shirt with a pair of wide-leg khakis. Perhaps the only real downside is that, being true workwear, you’ll have to put in the work to make it soft.
| Materials | 100% cotton moleskin |
| Fit | Relaxed |
| Pockets | 3 outer pockets |
| Sizes | 44-52 |
Best Budget Chore Coat: Red Kap Lapel Counter Coat
- Bowen Fernie
Bowen Fernie
Bowen Fernie
Red Kap
Lapel Counter Coat
$27
Amazon
Pros & ConsPros
- Super affordable
- Can double as a sportcoat
Cons
- Material and construction aren’t the highest quality
Red Kap has been doling out hardwearing, affordable workwear for decades. Case in point: their lapel counter coat. The French blue is just the right shade, and it's made using a lightweight but hardy blend of polyester and cotton. At just $25 a pop, I wouldn’t bat an eye at copping a few different colorways. Even then, I’d still end up paying less than some of the cheaper options on this list.
Though the materials and construction are obviously where Red Kap saves money, I was truly surprised by how well the jacket actually fits. They’re not going for anything remotely fashionable, but the silhouette is an ever-so-slightly tailored, yet relaxed fit that makes its sportcoat leanings make even more sense. Pair it with your favorite graphic tee and sneakers for a casual off-day look, or go full on cozy vibes with a hoodie, cords, and boots.
| Materials | 80% polyester, 20% combed cotton |
| Fit | Straight |
| Pockets | 3 outer |
| Sizes | XS-4XL |
Best Chore Coat for Hard Labort: Carhartt WIP Michigan Chore Coat
- Bowen Fernie
Bowen Fernie
Bowen Fernie
Carhartt WIP
OG Corduroy-Trimmed Cotton-Canvas Chore Jacket
$300
Mr Porter
Pros & ConsPros
- High-quality
- Modern fit
- Available in lined and unlined versions
Cons
- Not as readily available as mainline Carhartt
The French chore coat may be the blueprint for every other chore coat, but Cahart WIP's Michigan jacket is an American classic that's staked its claim on the modern menswear landscape. Just ask your dad, his dad, and his dad. Hell, they probably still have one or two hanging in their closets right now. That's because the iconic piece of workwear was built like a tank with stiff cotton canvas that could only be broken down to a cozy softness through real life wear and tear.
For year-round wear, I like the unlined “spring” version of the Michigan, but there’s a blanket-lined option to keep you warm through the cooler months. The blanket lining is super warm and has a silky feel that’s easy to slip on. The corduroy collar feels plush against the neck, and the grip of pockets means you don't really need to bring a bag with you most of the time. It's the kind of jacket that feels right at home with some full-fitting raw denim jeans with some hardy boots (workwear and all that) but can take on a cozy hoodie and luscious corduroy pants for a softer, autumnal vibe.
| Materials | 100% organic cotton canvas |
| Fit | Straight |
| Pockets | 4 outer, 1 inner |
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
Best Chore Coat for Layering: Alex Mill Work Jacket
- Bowen Fernie
Bowen Fernie
Bowen Fernie
Alex Mill
Garment Dyed Work Jacket
$225
Alex Mill
Pros & ConsPros
- Year-round material
- Wide variety of colors available
- Recycled materials
Cons
- No winter-lined version available
Being the vintage fiend that I am, I had a spell where I was obsessed with vintage French chore coats. But my particular ass was after a specific kind—one that was a lighter twill as opposed to the usual stiff moleskin. It also had to have rounded square pockets, a softer, more elegant approach compared to the squared-off right angles of most other chore pockets. Essentially, I wanted a quietly luxurious version of the workman’s uniform. I eventually did find my grail chore coat and have it to this day.
So when Alex Mill came out with their signature work jacket, I was seriously impressed, albeit frustrated that I’d spent so much time crawling through dingy flea markets. Side by side, they’re practically identical and Alex Mill’s boasts all the hallmarks of a classic chore coat but swaps the typical moleskin fabric for a range of tasty materials like upcycled denim, garment-dyed linen, and even Japanese denim. It's hefty enough to act as an overshirt on warmer fall days but can stand in as a proper jacket in cooler temps since the relaxed-but-not-sloppy fit lets me layer over a thick sweater.
| Materials | 100% recycled cotton denim |
| Fit | Straight |
| Pockets | 4 outer, 1 inner |
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
Best Chore Coat You’re Likely to See on TV: Rosa Rugosa Dufferin Chore Jacket
- Bowen Fernie
Bowen Fernie
Bowen Fernie
Rosa Rugosa
Dufferin Chore Coat
$230
Rosa Rugosa
Pros & ConsPros
- Vintage feel
- Sturdy and soft material
- Wide size range
Cons
- Not widely available through other retailers
Long before his breakout acting role on The Bear, Matty Matheson’s off-the-walls approach to cooking and innate sense of style made me a huge fan. So when he started a clothing brand, Rosa Rugosa, a few years ago, I was curious. For a guy who comes off as so unserious, the products that he produces clearly have so much thought put into them and I’m glad to say that the same is true for his workwear-inspired brand. Everything’s made in-house in Toronto using tough-as-nails materials and burly construction—true to the tenets of real-deal workwear.
The Dufferin Coat has a distinct look with its rounded collars and angled chest pocket with a second pocket beneath it. The fabric is stiff and weighty with a tight weave that’s clearly made to take a beating and last a long time. I love that Matheson’s made it available in a wide size range as well a few standout colors to break away from the usual workwear palette. However, I do wish that the brand was more widely available to try on in-person.
| Materials | 10-ounce duck canvas or hickory stripe |
| Fit | Relaxed |
| Pockets | 5 outer |
| Sizes | S-4XX |
Best Linen Chore Coat: Alex Crane Kite Jacket
Bowen Fernie
Bowen Fernie
Bowen Fernie
Alex Crane
Kite Jacket
$198
Alex Crane
$198
Nordstrom
Pros & ConsPros
- Lightweight and great for warmer months
- Wide range of colors available
- Available in seasonal fabrics
Cons
- Linen’s natural wrinkly nature isn’t for everyone
Alex Crane's chore coat is as breezy as a kite thanks to a lightweight French linen and perfect for wearing in the warmer months. The interior chest pocket on pares it down and coordinates with a minimalist getup or lets your freakier clothes take the spotlight. The jacket is also great for those impending breezy nights when you’ll want to reach for some layer without going too overboard on heft. And though we're partial to the versatile olive green colorway, the Kite comes in a heap of different colors and even a few patterned versions to fit any wardrobe. I think it’s a great option for most dudes, but I wish the fit was a little looser to make layering and styling easier. That said, the slightly more tailored fit does look great with a pair of 501s.
| Materials | 100% linen |
| Fit | Straight |
| Pockets | 2 outer, 1 inner |
| Sizes | XS-3XL |
Best Denim Chore Coat: Lee Denim Chore Jacket
Lee
Denim Chore Jacket
$118
Nordstrom
Pros & ConsPros
- A very current take on the chore jacket
- Can be styled as easily as a denim jacket
Cons
- Will fade and scuff more than other fabrics—though we think that's charming
While the bright blue chore coat might require some defending to certain crowds, nobody's going to question your style smarts if you pull up in what is currently a rising style in menswear: the denim chore coat. Taking the timeless appeal of a denim jacket, then dressing it up in a slightly more mature cut, it's as practical as it is handsome. This one from the denim legends at Lee is also a storage upgrade to the classic denim jacket: Now you've got four large pockets, ready to carry everything from your phone to your ambitions.
No need to overthink styling this one—just throw on a crisp white tee, lace up some chukkas, and voilà—no rodeo clown here.
| Materials | 95% cotton, 3% polyester, 2% spandex |
| Fit | Oversized |
| Pockets | Four (one inner) |
| Sizes | S – XXL |
More Chore Coats We Love
Drake's
Cotton-Twill Chore Jacket
$1,065
Mr Porter
There’s nothing Drake’s can’t do—and their chore coat is just further proof. The magic of the chore coat? Toss it on over an oxford shirt and tie, and boom—you suddenly look like the director of an upcoming A24 film. Which, let’s keep it real, is never a bad thing (unless you hate moody lighting and complex father-son dynamics).
Stan Ray
Coverall Jacket
$200 $90 (55% off)
Nordstrom
You already trust Stan Ray with your pants—why not take the relationship to the next level and let them handle things up top too? Jackets, that is. (Let’s keep it classy.)
Vowels
Chore Denim Jacket
$740
SSENSE
The Made in Japan label Vowels is kind of a beautiful mash-up of everything I love: skate culture, grandpa knits, and outerwear so good it might just flirt with you. Their blacked-out chore denim jacket? It’ll have you feeling like Eazy-E on a casual Friday—tough, stylish, and just mysterious enough to get compliments from strangers and side-eyes from fashion purists.
Todd Snyder
Lightweight Japanese Selvedge Chore Coat
$398
Todd Snyder
Todd Snyder’s chore coat is super lightweight (just 11.5 ounces) and the color is basically springtime in jacket form. It’s a prime example of how to do denim on denim without looking like you tried to match your washes in the dark. Made from Japanese selvedge, this is the kind of layer you’ll end up wearing well beyond spring and summer—because good denim knows no season.
3sixteen
French Work Jacket
$330
3sixteen
The denim-slingers over at 3sixteen didn’t invent the chore coat, but their latest iteration sure had us checking the tag twice. Cut from heavyweight Japanese indigo HBT that’s been bleached, stonewashed, and finished with perfectly faded buttons, this jacket looks like you’ve been wearing it for a decade—and it’s still got another twenty in the tank.
Flint & Tinder
Classic Chore Coat
$178
Huckberry
Flint and Tinder: Only getting better. And this particular F&T take on a classic garment feels so right partly because the dug into their lead designer’s personal vintage collection to dial the details in just right.
What to Look for in a Great Chore Coat
Before workwear became a craze, chore coats were worn by skilled laborers in 19th-century France. They were made of sturdy, thick materials like heavy moleskin, cotton twill, or thick wool and featured an array of pockets at the chest and hips for tools. They were also cut generously to provide room for movement as well as to fit over thick sweaters. And it’s precisely the chore coat’s practicality that would eventually land it in the middle of menswear circles and even the runway.
Today, those basic chore coat characteristics remain true. Save for the capital-F Fashion iterations, high-quality chore coats should always be made with a heavy-duty fabric, ideally without the use of elastane. Chore coats should still be cut roomy enough for layering and movement. Though it’s not a requirement, more durable chore coats will use triple-needle stitching which helps produce stronger seams. Pockets at the hips are essential to chore coats, though you’ll often see pockets at the chest as well as inside the coat. And, depending on the weather, you can opt for chore coats with a warm lining for the cooler months or ones made with lightweight materials like hemp or linen for the summer.
How to Style a Chore Coat
You can think of chore coats almost like an over shirt, except with a few more pockets. The workwear influence and materials are inherently casual which makes a chore coat great for pairing with everything from a simple graphic tee and jeans to a ratty hoodie and shorts. Their proximity to a barn coat like a classic Barbour jacket means they can also help dress down a more tailored outfit, so don’t be afraid to throw one over a dress shirt and proper trousers, or even with a full suit and tie. Of course, chore coats look most at home with a head-to-toe workwear fit—think raw denim and hardy boots. But unless going full denimhead is your thing, the best move is mixing in workwear elements with your own flashes of character.
How We Test and Review Products
Style is subjective, we know—that’s the fun of it. But we’re serious about helping our audience get dressed. Whether it’s the best white sneakers, the flyest affordable suits, or the need-to-know menswear drops of the week, GQ Recommends’ perspective is built on years of hands-on experience, an insider awareness of what’s in and what’s next, and a mission to find the best version of everything out there, at every price point.
Our staffers aren’t able to try on every single piece of clothing you read about on GQ.com (fashion moves fast these days), but we have an intimate knowledge of each brand’s strengths and know the hallmarks of quality clothing—from materials and sourcing, to craftsmanship, to sustainability efforts that aren’t just greenwashing. GQ Recommends heavily emphasizes our own editorial experience with those brands, how they make their clothes, and how those clothes have been reviewed by customers. Bottom line: GQ wouldn’t tell you to wear it if we wouldn’t.
How We Make These Picks
We make every effort to cast as wide of a net as possible, with an eye on identifying the best options across three key categories: quality, fit, and price.
To kick off the process, we enlist the GQ Recommends braintrust to vote on our contenders. Some of the folks involved have worked in retail, slinging clothes to the masses; others have toiled for small-batch menswear labels; all spend way too much time thinking about what hangs in their closets.
We lean on that collective experience to guide our search, culling a mix of household names, indie favorites, and the artisanal imprints on the bleeding-edge of the genre. Then we narrow down the assortment to the picks that scored the highest across quality, fit, and price.
Across the majority of our buying guides, our team boasts firsthand experience with the bulk of our selects, but a handful are totally new to us. So after several months of intense debate, we tally the votes, collate the anecdotal evidence, and emerge with a list of what we believe to be the absolute best of the category right now, from the tried-and-true stalwarts to the modern disruptors, the affordable beaters to the wildly expensive (but wildly worth-it) designer riffs.
Whatever your preferences, whatever your style, there's bound to be a superlative version on this list for you. (Read more about GQ's testing process here.)
