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Universal Works

Chore Jackets

A workwear-style jacket inspired by the French labour force's "bleu de travail", our chore jackets take that same functionality and add a few unique details, giving it a UW twist. You will find patch pockets, a simple buttoned front and a classic collar, sometimes with a looser fit, sometimes with extra pockets. From our much-loved Bakers Jacket to other endlessly wearable styles, our chore jackets are an everyday go-to.

We create our chore jackets in familiar and new fabrics each season, from Polytech, twill and denim to Harris Tweed, wool blends and even seasonal seersuckers, cords, and cottons.

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UW FAQ's

The name ‘chore’ comes from the everyday jobs, or “chores” that this style of  jacket was made for. Before workwear was a sought after style, it was simply what you put on to get something done, or to keep your own clothes clean while you did it. The chore jacket, in both name and style, is derived from this workwear heritage.

Most versions of chore jackets share the same make-up: hard-wearing cotton or drill, a button front, and big patch pockets sized for tools, a notebook or lunch. Different countries historically had their own specific take on this. The French had the bleu de travail, the blue cotton jacket worn across their labour force; America had its chore and engineer's jackets; and plenty of British trades wore something close to both. So many have worn a version of the chore jacket that it has become a sort of unofficial uniform of workers, makers and artisans the world over.

Our mainstay chore jacket is the Bakers Jacket. The name is in homage to a baker, our founder's father, who wore a coverall to work every day. It has been our staple since the first collection: chore-styled, buttoning to the neck in a coverall way, but made to be worn where you would wear an ordinary collared jacket. Its defining feature is the slanted buttonhole on the front stand, a nod to the pocket watch chains once worn by workers. Five patch pockets, including a stitched-through internal chest pocket and a lower pocket with additional internal compartment, which add both function and character. Front and back panelling brings shape and structure, setting it apart from the simple coveralls that inspired it.

Over the years our Bakers chore jacket line has grown into a small family: Original Bakers, Bakers OG, Simple Bakers, into Labour, Field and the shorter, flap-pocketed Warmus and Franck.

Read the full story of the name in our Journal: Why's it called a Bakers Jacket?

There is no right way. The chore jacket began as a practical garment, a layer worn over everyday clothes, it has never been defined by a particular fit. Some people prefer a neater fit, worn almost as a blazer, while others size up to allow for knitwear and heavier layering underneath. What matters is ease of movement, comfort, and the feeling that it belongs naturally with the rest of your wardrobe.

Whether worn with jeans, fatigue pants or as part of a casual suit, a good chore jacket should feel easy to wear and easy to make your own. It can be dressed up or down, layered over a T-shirt or a shirt and tie. That versatility is part of its appeal, and probably one of the reasons it has outlasted so many trends.

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