What is a Chore Coat?

At Stock, we've long recognized the potential of chore coats as the perfect uniform solution for restaurants, bars, and hotels. Our deep understanding of staff uniforms has led us to create chore coats that look great and stand up to the demands of busy hospitality environments.

From its origins as practical workwear to its current status as a fashion must-have, the chore coat has come a long way. Today, we'll explore the history, features, and modern applications of this versatile jacket.

The Origins of the Chore Coat

The chore coat, also known as a work jacket, engineer sack coat, or chore jacket, has its roots in late 19th-century France. Originally called "bleu de travail" (work blues) due to their indigo color, these jackets were designed for laborers, farmers, and factory workers who needed durable, practical outerwear for their daily tasks.

The traditional chore coat was characterized by its simple, boxy cut for ease of movement, durable fabric (typically cotton twill or denim), multiple large pockets for storing tools and essentials, button-front closure, shirt-style collar, and hip-length or slightly longer design.

Over time, vintage French chore coats transitioned from purely functional workwear to a fashion statement. This evolution was largely influenced by the rise of workwear-inspired fashion in the mid-20th century, adoption by artists and creatives (most notably photographer Bill Cunningham), and the increasing popularity of vintage and heritage clothing styles.

Chore Coats Today: A Workwear Classic

In the modern fashion landscape, chore coats have become a versatile wardrobe staple. They're appreciated for their timeless style that works in both casual and semi-formal settings, durability and practicality, ability to layer easily over other clothing, and the wide range of available materials and colors.

Many fashion enthusiasts have their favorite chore coats, often praising styles made from durable cotton drill or brown duck fabric. These materials offer exceptional longevity and develop a unique patina over time, adding to the coat's character.

Chore Coats for Restaurants, Bars, and Hotels

The chore coat's combination of style and functionality makes it an excellent choice for hospitality uniforms. Its versatility allows it to be dressed up or down to suit various establishment styles, while its robust construction, usually with triple-stitched seams, stands up to the demands of hospitality work.

The multiple pockets provide ample storage for essential tools of the trade, and the relaxed fit allows for ease of movement during long shifts. Chore coats lend a polished, put-together look to staff uniforms, enhancing the overall professionalism of your team.

Stock Chore Coats: Combining Heritage and Innovation

At Stock, we've taken the classic chore coat and updated it for modern hospitality needs. Our chore coats feature stretch fabric for improved mobility, a tailored fit for a more contemporary silhouette, and unisex designs for versatile staff outfitting. We offer a range of colors to complement various brand aesthetics, and our high-quality construction ensures long-lasting wear.

Stock's chore coat collection includes options for both men and women, ensuring a perfect fit for all your staff members.

Our Men's and Women's Stretch Chore Coats come in classic colors like Navy, Black, and Charcoal, allowing you to choose the perfect shade to match your establishment's ambiance. These coats are crafted from a durable stretch cotton twill, providing the perfect balance of resilience and comfort for long shifts.

Each Stock chore coat features two large patch pockets for ample storage, ideal for keeping essential tools close at hand. Our signature "workshirt" chest pocket adds an extra touch of functionality and style. The stretch fabric ensures an easier range of motion, crucial for the dynamic movements required in hospitality settings.

While our standard offerings focus on creating a comfortable jacket that works well in various temperatures, we understand that every establishment has unique needs. That's why we offer customization options for our chore coats.

If you're interested in specific features like corduroy lining or any other customizations, we encourage you to speak with our team. We're happy to discuss how we can tailor our chore coats to perfectly suit your requirements.

Tips for Choosing and Styling Chore Coats in Hospitality Settings

Selecting the Right Chore Coat for Your Staff

When choosing vintage chore coats for your hospitality staff, consider your establishment's atmosphere and choose a color that complements your brand. Opt for durable fabrics that can withstand frequent washing and wear, and look for stretch materials to ensure staff comfort during long shifts.

While durable cotton drill and brown duck are popular choices for their robustness, ensure that the fabric choice aligns with your establishment's aesthetic and practical requirements.

It's also important to choose a fit that allows for layering in variable temperatures, as hospitality environments can often fluctuate in temperature throughout the day.

Styling Chore Coats for Different Roles

Chore coats can be styled differently to suit various roles within your establishment.

For servers, pair the coat with a crisp button-down shirt and dark blue jeans or chinos for a polished look.

Bartenders might layer their chore coat over a fitted t-shirt or henley for a more casual vibe.

Hosts can dress up the chore coat with a collared shirt and tailored trousers, while kitchen staff might prefer darker colors that hide stains, paired with sturdy work pants.

Maintaining Chore Coats for Longevity

To ensure your chore coats remain in top condition, follow care instructions carefully to preserve fabric quality and color. Establish a regular cleaning schedule to keep uniforms looking fresh, and have spare coats on hand to rotate and extend the life of each garment.

Address any repairs or loose buttons promptly to maintain a professional appearance. By taking good care of your chore coats, you'll maximize your investment and keep your staff looking sharp.

Stock's Chore Coats – Where Heritage Meets Hospitality

At Stock, we've leveraged our expertise to create a chore coat collection that truly meets the needs of modern establishments. Our designs, available for both men and women in versatile colors, combine timeless style with practicality.

By choosing Stock's chore coats, you're investing in a uniform piece that combines timeless style with modern functionality, ensuring your staff looks professional and feels confident in their attire.

Explore Stock's chore coat collection on our website. Our team is ready to help you find the perfect uniform solution. Choose Stock for comfort, style, and functionality that stands the test of time in hospitality.