MADE FOR THE WORKING DAY
Few garments have made the transition from practical workwear to everyday clothing as naturally as the worker jacket. Its appeal lies in a straightforward approach to design: useful details, honest materials and a shape dictated by function rather than fashion.
Its origins can be traced to the working clothes of 19th-century Europe, when industrialisation brought a growing demand for clothing that could withstand the conditions of daily labour. Factory workers, farmers, mechanics and tradesmen needed garments that offered protection, allowed freedom of movement and could accommodate the tools and small necessities of their work.
The answer was a simple, practical jacket, generally cut with a relaxed fit, a button-through front and generously sized pockets. There was little concern for decoration. Every element had a purpose.
THE ORIGINAL WORKING JACKET
One of the best-known examples emerged in France during the late 19th century. Known as the bleu de travail, or working blue / chore jacket, it became a familiar sight among agricultural workers, railwaymen, mechanics and factory labourers.
Typically made from sturdy cotton drill or moleskin, the jacket was recognised by its simple construction, pointed collar and large front pockets. Its distinctive blue colour became closely associated with the working classes, earning it a place in the visual language of European workwear.
Vintage French Moleskin Bleu De Travail
The design was not intended to make a statement. It was clothing made for a particular purpose, produced in practical fabrics and designed to be worn regularly. The relaxed cut allowed it to be layered over other clothing, while the pockets provided convenient storage for tools and everyday essentials.
Similar principles could be found in British working clothes, where durability, practicality and ease of movement were equally important. Although designs varied between trades and regions, the underlying approach remained much the same.
THE FABRIC: MOLESKIN
Among the fabrics used in traditional workwear, moleskin developed a particular following.
Despite its name, moleskin is entirely cotton. The name refers to the soft, dense surface created by brushing the face of a tightly woven cotton cloth. The resulting finish has a resemblance to suede, with a smooth, almost velvety handle.
Its appeal was practical as much as tactile. The dense construction provided a substantial fabric with a degree of protection against wind and everyday abrasion, while the brushed surface offered additional warmth and comfort.
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, moleskin found its way into a variety of working garments, from trousers and aprons to jackets. It was particularly valued in colder conditions, where a heavier cotton cloth offered an alternative to lighter workwear fabrics.
Over time, its association with manual work extended into country clothing and outdoor pursuits. The same qualities that made it useful in the workshop also made it well suited to life outdoors.
FROM WORKWEAR TO EVERYDAY CLOTHING
As the nature of work and dress began to change, the worker jacket gradually moved beyond the factory, farm and workshop.
Its uncomplicated design found an audience among artists, designers and those drawn to clothing with a more practical character. By the latter part of the 20th century, workwear had become an established influence on casual menswear.
Part of its appeal was the absence of unnecessary detail. Unlike more structured jackets, the worker jacket required little adjustment to feel comfortable. It could be worn over a shirt, layered with knitwear or used as a lightweight outer layer in its own right.
Its design also lent itself to interpretation. Different fabrics, colours and details could be introduced without losing the character of the original garment. Yet the essential elements remained: a straightforward silhouette, practical fastening and a construction that placed function first.
Today, the worker jacket continues to occupy a useful place in the modern wardrobe. Its history gives it a sense of familiarity, while its uncomplicated design makes it as relevant now as it was when first introduced.
THE ENGLISH WORKER JACKET
Our interpretation draws on these established workwear principles, retaining the familiar shape and practical character while introducing a little more warmth and structure.
Made in England from 100% brushed cotton moleskin, the jacket has a substantial handle and a soft, brushed finish. The deep navy cloth gives it a restrained appearance, allowing the texture of the fabric and the details of the construction to take precedence.
A quilted interior lining adds warmth, making it particularly suited to cooler weather. Gunmetal jeanswear-style buttons provide a subtle reference to traditional workwear, while an internal pocket offers additional practical storage.
The fit follows the proportions of a classic worker jacket, with extra ease across the shoulders to accommodate the lining. The exterior is kept deliberately clean, without visible branding.
A garment with its roots in the working wardrobe, reinterpreted through fabric, detail and considered construction.
THE ENGLISH WORKER JACKET
Made in England. 100% Brushed Cotton Moleskin.
