Carhartt Chore Coat: Over a century of workwear heritage

The coat of choice since 1917, this heavy-duty garment, ideal for tradespeople, joins the company's Iconic range

The Chore Coat has been part of the Carhartt range for over 100 years, so it’s no surprise that this heavy-duty jacket is a key part of the brand’s Iconic range.

The Iconic C01 Rugged Flex™ Duck Chore Coat (106675) is made from stretch cotton duck to provide freedom of movement on site, with a loose fit designed for easy layering over hoodies, sweatshirts or bodywarmers. Built for cool weather and rugged outdoor work, it features wind-resistant Wind Fighter™ construction and triple-stitched seams for added strength.

Its story stretches back even further than its name. Although Carhartt was making ‘overall coats’ as early as 1892, the first known advertisement for a coat with the key characteristics of today’s Chore Coat appeared in 1917. Historically known as the ‘Engineer Sack Coat’, or simply the ‘Coat’, it was designed from the outset as a heavy-duty piece of workwear. By the mid-1920s, it was available in everything from denim and herringbone twill to sailcloth drill, before Carhartt’s now-classic brown duck fabric was introduced in 1928.

The familiar Chore Coat continued to evolve over the decades. Its signature corduroy collar appeared by 1939, a blanket-lined brown duck version followed in 1949, and the bi-swing back was introduced in 1954 to give workers greater freedom of movement. The coat also adapted to changing times, undergoing a major pocket redesign in the mid-1950s as wristwatches replaced pocket watches. It wasn’t until 1994 that the long-running ‘Coat’ officially became the Chore Coat, with the C01 style number following in 1998 – fittingly giving one of Carhartt’s longest-serving designs the status of ‘Coat #1’.

That century of practical development is still evident in today’s Chore Coat. Adjustable cuffs and multiple pockets keep essentials close at hand, including two interior pockets with zip and hook-and-loop closures, plus two large exterior front pockets. Rugged Flex™ technology allows wearers to stretch, bend and reach without restriction, while the generous fit provides extra room across the shoulders, chest and body.

It’s easy to see why the Chore Coat has earned its place in the Iconic range. Rugged, durable and effortlessly stylish, it embodies the qualities that have made Carhartt a trusted name both on and off the job site.

To view the full Carhartt range, visit www.carhartt.com.