The old adage, “necessity is the mother of invention,” may be nowhere more true than in the evolution of workwear. From the battlefield to the factory, a need for functional, durable gear has introduced some of the most enduring styles on the planet.
Today, the workwear innovations that once propelled the nation’s industrialization or made military history overseas have become staple styles in our everyday wardrobes. Whether wrenching it out in the garage or doing yard work on the weekend, these timeless stalwarts are as useful today as they were a hundred years ago.
What Is Workwear?
Workwear is shorthand for purpose-built garments with roots in manual labor or military applications—basically, gear built to take a lickin’.
From the innovation of more cropped denim jackets to accommodate ranchers spending long days on horseback to the durable double-knee work pants that got tradesmen a few more years of use out of their uniforms, innovations in workwear are responses to the day-to-day demands of hard-working folks.
This call-and-response nature of workwear rings true in the invention of waxed canvas to keep our sailors dry, rugged leather boots to keep backwoods loggers surefooted, and insulated bomber jackets to keep fighter pilots toasty at high altitudes.
In every case, the movement of workwear from job site necessity to daily staple came from laborers and soldiers discovering that the same gear they depended on in the field was just as handy on a rainy trip to the grocery store or a camping trip with the family.
These days, we champion workwear for its practical durability, heritage style, and timeless versatility. Workwear’s capability to look better the harder and longer it’s worn has earned these historic styles a foundational place in our casual wardrobes.
Whether you’re looking for ways to fit more workwear into your wardrobe or want a crash course in the most distinctive workwear styles, this comprehensive guide has you covered.
Types Of Workwear
Chore Coats
While France’s workwear may look slightly different from the American stuff, it was developed with the same principles in mind. As the US pumped out blue jeans and chambray shirts for our factory workers, the French were creating the first chore coats.
Characterized by a quartet of roomy patch pockets for keeping tools on hand, the first examples of the style were crafted from a durable cotton drill or moleskin and dyed blue, giving rise to the moniker “Bleu de Travail,” or “work blues.”
Our iteration of this age-honored classic, The Ojai Jacket, preserves the design’s hard-wearing heritage. While vintage-inspired details (like old-school ring-back buttons) tip their hat to the originals, an elevated fit and finish positions The Ojai as a versatile wardrobe staple that can be dressed up a bit when the occasion calls.
Trucker Jackets
The trucker jacket evolved out of the cropped denim jackets created for cowboys.
Ranchers, who spent their days roping cattle on horseback and doing manual labor in the fields, needed a lightweight jacket short enough to be worn comfortably in the saddle and tough enough to withstand a hard day’s work. Levi Strauss provided the solution by introducing The Type 1 (or 506XX) jacket.
As cross-country trade led to a boom in the trucking industry, long-haul truck drivers found the need for a similar garment, one that could be worn during long hours in the cockpit and stand up to years of hard wear. By the 1980s, these denim jackets had become so synonymous with the trucking industry that we started referring to them as “trucker jackets.”
Since the glory days of the trucker jacket, most companies that popularized the style have opted for cheaper, more flimsy materials and introduced synthetic blends. So we decided to step in with a trucker jacket of our own—one that could go toe-to-toe with the rugged truckers of yesteryear—and our Long Haul Jacket was born.
Taking cues from our favorite vintage trucker jackets, The Long Haul Jacket calls on old-world craftsmanship that will stand up to years of abuse. Simply put, it’s a trucker jacket built like they used to make them.
Canvas Pants
Originally an ad hoc solution to long days of hard labor, canvas pants offer practical durability and rugged good looks, making them indispensable additions to our day-to-day wardrobes.
Given their hard-working history, it’s safe to say that a solid pair of canvas pants will make light work out of a weekend hike in the wilds or a mid-day coffee run, offering a versatile, utilitarian look that’s welcome in any casual setting under the sun.
Our Chipped Canvas is the culmination of years of R&D into creating the world’s finest workwear fabric. Loomed from 100% organic cotton, double-dyed, and stone-washed for a worn-in look and feel, we’ve developed two faithful reimaginings of the canvas work pant tailor-made to meet the demands of the day.
Our Chore Pant is our most overbuilt option, featuring durable double-knee construction that will stand up to the most rigorous jobs and come back hungry for more.
For the guy who wants the durability of a work pant in a more subtle, versatile design, we’ve created The Camp Pant. Its single-knee presentation retains all of the hard-wearing features of the Chore Pant (like reinforced rear pockets, bar-tacked stress points, and hard-wearing Chipped Canvas construction) in a package that won’t stick out at the office—kind of like a burly big brother to your favorite set of chinos.
Denim
Denim has a storied history that’s as rugged and resilient as the fabric itself. Originally developed in the late 19th century as a hard-wearing material for miners and laborers, denim quickly became the uniform of the working class.
Today, we still turn to denim for both its toughness and its timeless appeal. There’s something undeniably comforting about a well-worn pair of jeans—the way they mold to your body, telling the story of every adventure you’ve taken them on.
At Taylor Stitch, we honor this rich heritage by crafting denim that’s built to last, using responsible organic cotton selvedge denim and world-class craftsmanship for every pair. Whether you’re hard at work or enjoying a well-earned day off, our denim is designed to stand the test of time, just like the generations of workwear that came before it.
How To Integrate Workwear Into Your Wardrobe
Integrating workwear into your wardrobe is all about striking the perfect balance between rugged durability and everyday versatility. Workwear pieces are designed to withstand the demands of hard labor, but they’ve also evolved to fit seamlessly into a variety of modern settings. Here’s how you can incorporate these timeless staples into your rotation, whether you’re heading to the office, out for a weekend adventure, or just enjoying a casual night out.
For a laid-back yet polished look, pair a sturdy denim or chambray shirt with chinos and a pair of classic boots. This combination works well for a casual Friday at the office or a weekend brunch.
If you’re aiming for something more rugged, opt for a canvas work jacket layered over a henley or flannel shirt. This setup is perfect for a day spent outdoors or tackling projects around the house, offering both warmth and functionality without sacrificing style.
When the occasion calls for a bit more refinement, consider adding a chore coat to your ensemble. Throw it over a crisp button-down and some slim-fitting jeans, and you’re ready for a dinner date or an evening out with friends.
The key is to mix and match—pair tough, durable fabrics with softer, more tailored pieces to create a look that’s both practical and sophisticated. Workwear isn’t just for the job site anymore; it’s a versatile addition to any wardrobe, ready to handle whatever your day has in store.
