Call it a shirt-jacket, shacket, chore jacket, this humble piece of outerwear has become the cornerstone of our latest collection and an indispensable item in my own wardrobe. Jackets of this nature were often born out of necessity and have since been adopted as style icons. It is said to originate from the early 20th century when Spanish hunters needed a jacket that didn’t restrict their arms and allowed them to raise a rifle uninhibited. The chore jacket, a shirt-like jacket with patch pockets made in a hard wearing cotton twill or wool flannel, was the favoured piece of outerwear of labourers from rail workers to painters. The jacket’s arms are like that of a shirt (cut generously to allow for mobility), the shoulders are natural, and the pockets are plentiful. Depending on the fabric used, this garment has the ability to dress down a suit, or transform a casual outfit into something a little more refined.

Rendered in a textured cotton or linen and the chore has a distinctly casual, almost utilitarian feel. On the weekend, wear it with jeans or chinos over a t-shirt and stuff your newspaper (or whatever else you’re carrying) into one of the two deep pockets. The same garment in a dark navy or grey wool pairs seamlessly with tailored trousers and a dress shirt making it the perfect substitute for a blazer. The secret to its duplicitous nature is in its construction. Our chore is made with three patch pockets, much like you’d find on a casual blazer, and boasts a generous lapel which has been cut to fold elegantly outward exposing your shirt underneath. At a distance, only a trained eye would be able to tell the difference. Using exotic fabrics such as suede or wool/cotton blends, this jacket can be much more than its original fit for purpose design.

Rendered in a textured cotton or linen and the chore has a distinctly casual, almost utilitarian feel. On the weekend, wear it with jeans or chinos over a t-shirt and stuff your newspaper (or whatever else you’re carrying) into one of the two deep pockets. The same garment in a dark navy or grey wool pairs seamlessly with tailored trousers and a dress shirt making it the perfect substitute for a blazer. The secret to its duplicitous nature is in its construction. Our chore is made with three patch pockets, much like you’d find on a casual blazer, and boasts a generous lapel which has been cut to fold elegantly outward exposing your shirt underneath. At a distance, only a trained eye would be able to tell the difference. Using exotic fabrics such as suede or wool/cotton blends, this jacket can be much more than its original fit for purpose design.