In an age where fashion fades fast, French Workwear has quietly made its way from being the uniform of farmers, railwaymen, and factory laborers in the backroads of rural France to the frontlines of modern fashion.
In this blog, we dive into the key pieces of French Workwear that you can incorporate in your wardrobe to rep the Vintage Industrial Aesthetic.
French Workwear Articles
Blu de Travail (Chore Jacket)
No piece symbolizes the uniform of rural France more than the blue Chore Jacket, which is now a staple of the Vintage Industrial Aesthetic featuring French Workwear. It is crafted using either a heavy cotton twill or brushed moleskin, featuring a loose, boxy fit with multiple large patch pockets as seen in the image.
Work Trousers / Utility Pants
Deceptively similar looking to denim jeans, but much stronger. Typically going to have a high rise, loose fit waist and minimal detailing, made of sturdy workwear fabric. These pants are coveted not only for their timeless style but also for their honesty: a reflection of the working man’s life, stitched into every seam.
Cotte de travail (Overalls & Dungarees)
These are full length overalls usually made using a cotton drill. Designed for function above all else, these garments were staples among painters, railway workers, mechanics, and farmers throughout the 20th century. While these overalls were once layered over grandfather shirts or smocks on the job (both coming up next), today they’re prized by vintage enthusiasts and stylists alike for their rugged charm and timeless silhouette.
Blouse de travail (Smocks)
Unlike chore jackets, Smocks are closed from the front and are worn as pullovers. These garments predate the Chore jacket, and were made from heavy linen. It has a loose and boxy fit which makes it good to go over clothing as an oversized garment. It can come in the following colours: white, grey or faded blue.
Veste en Moleskin (Moleskin Jackets)
Behold, France’s national equivalent of the American denim jacket. Moleskin fabric is unarguably the strongest workwear fabric out there. It is composed of two layers of fine cotton. The outer layer features a tightly woven satin weave, which gives the fabric its notable strength and a smooth, lustrous finish, almost like velvet. This polished texture is what inspired the name “moleskin,” as it resembles the feel of a mole’s fur.
Vareuse (Railroad Jackets)
This piece was mostly worn by sailors, naval and railway men, usually made of cotton or wool. The style has been featured in several movies like The Lighthouse, Das Boot and The Long Voyage Home, being considered staple for the look of a sailorman.
Chemise à col officier (Grandfather Shirts)
It is a long-sleeved, collarless shirt with a short button placket. It usually comes in either of stripes, solid neutrals or checkered designs. It is called “grandfather” shirts because older generations, particularly working-class men or patriarchs commonly wore them. It is often paired with jackets, waistcoats or with suspenders and tucked into high-waisted trousers.
Notable French Workwear Brands
Adolphe Lafont
Having been featured in one of our blogs before, there is little to add onto the grand legacy of this brand. Having been founded in 1844 in Lyon, and lauded to be the originator of the French Chore Jacket, it is etched its name in the history of French Workwear. While the brand now focuses more on industrial uniforms, vintage Lafont pieces remain prized for their authenticity and historical value.
Le Laboureur
Tucked away in the Burgundy region of France, Le Laboureur has quietly built a cult following for its beautifully crafted workwear since 1956. The brand specializes in authentic chore jackets, moleskin trousers, and the traditional farmer’s garb.
For those interested in finding out more about the history of French Workwear, feel free to check this out. You can also check out some of our other blogs here.