A chore jacket, also known as a chore coat, is a durable jacket typically crafted from sturdy fabrics like denim, heavy cotton drill, or moleskin.^[1] It features up to four large front pockets.^[2]

Originally, this type of jacket was worn as workwear by farm workers and laborers in late 19th-century France. It was commonly referred to as bleu de travail or "working blue" due to its indigo shade.^[3] Consequently, it is also known as a French worker's jacket.^[1] Typically, it was paired with matching trousers and was predominantly blue, although carpenters often sported black versions. Some workers even had a black jacket reserved for Sunday church services.^[1]

In the 2000s, the chore jacket gained popularity as an item of smart casual attire in Western countries, particularly among creative professionals.^[3][4] By 2016, all menswear brands in the United Kingdom were offering cotton chore jackets, and this style of jacket continues to be produced in France by traditional manufacturers.^[1] The renowned photographer Bill Cunningham was known for his penchant for blue French chore jackets.^[2][1]

The British donkey jacket, which features reinforced shoulder patches, bears some resemblance to the chore jacket.