Stories from the Archive. The Travail overshirt.

29.04.2026

Continuing our delve into our “Stories from the Archive” series, we take a look at the Travail overshirt. A contemporary overshirt with intriguing details, inspired by a vintage work jacket found in Paris.

Below, we talk to Co-Founder and Designer David Keyte about that original piece and how it led to the current UW Travail today.

Do you remember where the idea for the Travail overshirt first came from? Is there a particular reference, or moment behind it?

“I have a small collection of vintage French Work Jackets. I pick them up on my travels as they seem to pop up in many places, not just France! However, I found one on a trip to Paris that was really intriguing in fit. It had an odd three-dimensional aspect I liked; a vintage piece, yet the look, the shape, the “feeling”, was very contemporary, but I assume this was by accident, not by design. It seemed to be a simple work jacket made bespoke for someone, with extra darts and shaping.”

What detail matters most to you on this overshirt?

“What was really important was the shape and fit of the original piece. We took those details and made it more of an overshirt than a jacket, by adding the curved hem of a classic shirt.”

Where does the name come from?

“We make a few styles of “workwear”, the Bakers jacket being our most famous, but we have a few others too. With it being French I named it the Travail, which you can probably guess is French for “work”!”

Has it changed much over the years, or has it stayed close to the original?

“It has many elements of the original piece, but we have developed it since then. It’s a contemporary overshirt, rather than a classic jacket.”

What would you never change about it?

“The darts from the side seam at the waist. They give it that unusual but intriguing shape and style.”

Why is this one in the collection now?

“Simply put, it’s a feeling that the shape and style is right for the fabric we chose, and right for the season.”

When you first designed it, who did you imagine wearing it?

“Me! But that’s always the answer. I always think, “do I want to wear it, would I wear it, where would I wear it...” and then I think, “would our customers enjoy it too?”

And how would you wear it today?

“I always start with a white tee. It can be worn relaxed with denim and a gilet, or when paired with matching trousers, it becomes more of a casual suit. And of course I add a neckerchief.”