Tested: The Best Men’s Work Jackets For Style & Durability

These days, it can be difficult to find a workwear jacket that can be put through its paces. While many of the genre’s more stylish variants adopt the look and persona of their ruggedized counterparts, it’s rare that they can stand up to the trials and tribulations of everyday use, especially when they’re placed under the harsh realities of work areas where hands-on work is more common. That being said, the workwear world is also a large, diverse place. So shed some weight and get comfortable — we’re about to dive headfirst into our guide on the best work jackets that you can buy right now, and we have an incredible selection that we took a closer look at.

How We Tested

We’re well aware of workwear’s status in the fashion scene at the moment, which is why this guide is somewhat of a blend of style and utility, and leans more on the style side of things. And while we may be a group of white-collar workers during the week, our team is full of weekend adventurers, mechanics, and outdoorsmen. Having said that, we made sure to include picks from brands that have a long history, high-quality gear, and style. Work jackets are essential for blue-collar workers, and have been long before Carhartt’s Detroit jacket became an industry darling. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to test any of these picks at a construction site, but we got a closer look at the features, durability, fit, and feel of some of our favorite work jackets.

That doesn’t mean we just threw these on, however, as we took a close look at each jacket’s build quality and stacked it up against the rest of the picks to get a better idea of each jacket’s strengths (and weaknesses). For the style side of things, each jacket is paired with the same pair of jeans and a white tee, and I’ll give my honest opinions on the fit and how it feels. Seeing as it’s winter, we were also able to do some cold weather testing to see how each jacket fares when the temps are low.

Measurements: I’m 6’2″ and wear 34×30 pants – when it comes to jackets, I’m sort of in between sizes (L and XL), but I went with an XL for each pick on this guide because that’s usually more true to size for me.

What to Look For

Material: Considering that work jackets are built for, well, working, you’ll want one that can handle a day at work with you (or one that’s at least durable enough to be considered a classic work jacket). Materials like canvas, denim, polyester, or even specialized fabrics like Gore-Tex are the best choices for this. Also, keep an eye out for reinforced stitching in high-stress areas if you need extra protection, and if you live/work in a rainy climate, you’ll need a waterproof or water-resistant jacket. 

Fit: Work jackets should fit true to size, with a bit of extra room if you plan on layering underneath it. A relaxed fit will offer more layering options, and a tailored fit may look better if you’re more concerned with the style than the function of the jacket. 

Style: Work jackets come in a variety of styles, whether they be chore coats, hunting jackets, or something in between. If you plan to wear the jacket for fashion, the purpose-built features you find on something like a hunting jacket may not be as important, and going with something like a trucker jacket is a safer move.

Lining: Depending on how you plan to use a work jacket (and where you live), a liner might be ideal. Common liner materials include cotton, polyester, and wool, which provide warmth and usually more comfort. A nice lining can also cover up construction details and give the jacket a more streamlined look. On the flip side, a lined jacket can be harder to layer with sometimes, which may limit your options.

Use: This is a work jacket guide, which means many buyers will likely be using them for blue-collar gigs. If that’s the case for you, then style isn’t as important as durability and brand reputation, and your focus should be on reasonably priced pieces from trusted labels (Carhartt is the perfect example), rather than stylish takes from more fashion-forward brands. If you don’t plan on getting dirty, then this opens up your options to more fashionable picks.

Storage: Even if you don’t plan on using a work jacket as intended, it’s still helpful to have at least four pockets (two hand pockets, a chest pocket, and an internal pocket usually) for storage. Even with just a few pockets, however, some labels will stitch separate compartments into them for more practicality, which can be nice for small gear like pens.

Carhartt Relaxed Fit Duck Blanket-Lined Detroit Jacket

Best Workwear Jacket: Carhartt’s Detroit Jacket takes one of history’s most timeless workwear staples and amplifies it for the contemporary wearer. Unlike many of the chore-inspired variants that inundate the market today, this durable garment was devised and designed to take on any in-your-face environment, thanks to its 100% cotton construction, adjustable cuffs, and longer sleeves, providing protection from scrapes, scratches, cuts, and abrasions. To give the coat a vintage appeal, the brand has also included a stylish corduroy collar, as well as an optional hood inset that provides out-of-the-way buttons for easy attachment. At its front, three large patch pockets, and a single flap variant ensure that storage is never an issue.

You probably expected to see this pick on here, because it’s undoubtedly one of the most popular work jackets at the moment, from arguably the biggest name in the industry. But don’t let the wave of influencers rocking the jacket deter you; this is one of the best work jackets you can get for this price, and not many other picks have as stylish of a silhouette. While this jacket is certainly heavyweight and has a relaxed fit, I felt that it was mostly flattering and not as baggy as other picks on the guide. The ringspun cotton duck shell feels very durable (bolstered by triple-stitched seams), and the blanket lining on the inside is incredibly soft. It may only have a “1” rating on Carhartt’s warmth scale, but I felt that it was more than enough to keep me warm during a ~60°F winter day with wind, and there’s enough room to add layers underneath for more protection. You’ll find YKK hardware throughout, and the hood has rivets if you’d like to attach a hood. There’s a little controversy surrounding the new design of the jacket, which now runs a bit longer, doesn’t have snap adjusters at the waist, and has a thinner lining. This is still a very high-quality jacket oozing with style, but those working blue-collar gigs miss some of the old features.

The sleeves are a bit long and a little baggy around the cuffs, and the back is also a tad long, which isn’t really a problem if you’re just wearing it for style reasons, but this could make attaching something like a tool belt a bit harder. The cuffs are adjustable, however, with two snap buttons allowing you to customize the fit, and that helped them from feeling too large.

Verdict: If there had to be a work jacket poster child, then this would be it. It strikes the perfect balance between actual utility and something stylish, offering something for everyone.

Orvis Classic Barn Coat

Best Barn Coat: With a name like the Classic Barn Coat, you can guarantee that Orvis’ workwear offering is a step in the right direction. Not only does this ultra-comfortable garment bring a rugged, 7.8-ounce cotton construction to the forefront for serious wearers, but it’s also privy to a traditional corduroy collar and cuff lining, producing extra warmth when you need it most. That being said, it’s clear that this coat is a must-have outerwear piece for any heritage connoisseur. It keeps things simple with a single front-facing chest pocket, two lower patch pockets, and an internal flannel body liner that’s understated, yet notable. If you’re looking for an example that holds true to its workwear roots, this is it.

Barn coats are a very particular piece of workwear, and they’re meant to be boxier and longer than other jackets, with a corduroy collar tying it all together. Barn coats aren’t quite as popular as the Detroit jacket, and are usually a bit slept on when it comes to workwear. But Orvis has taken this absolutely classic style and updated it for the modern age, employing 7.8oz of tough cotton canvas that’s garment washed for a noticeably soft hand feel. Adding to the softness, the inside is lined with brushed flannel fabric that just feels fantastic, and it kept me warm out in the cold without a problem (and the polyester sleeve lining made it a lot easier to take on and off as well). Storage-wise, you get two large front pockets (with side entries for your hands, which I always love), a chest pocket that has three separate areas for pens and tools, a buttoned corduroy pocket on the inside, and a hidden zipped pocket also on the inside (which I found super convenient). The back gussets also really helped with my range of motion, so if you’re doing any work with tools, chopping wood, or moving your arms a lot, this is a great pick.

The length of this jacket may not be convenient for you, which is understandable, but it’s part of the style, and I personally enjoyed it, and the cut reminds me a lot of Barbour’s jackets (same with the flannel lining). I will say that this jacket is on the thinner side compared to other picks, but it still felt durable and warm. 

Verdict: This is such a versatile piece of workwear, offering enough space to layer under or over, and has a classic style that’s just untouchable. Thanks to the garment washing process, it’s also softer than it looks with a very nice hand feel.

L.L.Bean Upland Hunter Field Jacket

Best Hunting Jacket: L.L. Bean’s Men’s Upland Hunter Field Coat was built to take on the outdoors, and thanks to its rugged exterior, it works equally as well within the workplace. Drawing upon the timeless field coat aesthetic, this handsome offering boasts a 100% nylon shell, a stain-deterring, water-resistant laminate, and articulated sleeves for an expanded range of motion. Since it was designed to be used in the brush, it’s also highly abrasion, drizzle, and puncture-resistant, meaning that you’ll be able to utilize its hidden venting, dual-zippered pockets, internal security pocket, and adjustable button cuffs to their utmost extent, without having to worry about the destruction of one of your favorite outerwear pieces.

While we weren’t able to actually go and hunt in this jacket, we can appreciate a good hunting jacket, especially from a legend in the outdoor scene like the Bean. This jacket starts with L.L.Bean’s Uplander nylon that’s been treated with water-resistant laminate, and built to withstand stains, rain, and dipping in and out of cover. This jacket is advertised as having a “traditional fit”, but it definitely feels more relaxed when wearing, with a bi-swing back and underarm gussets for an enhanced range of motion, and a vent in the back for breathability. Seeing as this is a hunting jacket, you’re getting quite a bit of storage, with two lower zippered front pockets to keep your shoulder gun mount area clear, dual zippered pockets under cargo pockets for extra storage (with zipper garages to keep them from flailing around), and two lower button-front cargo pockets with shell loops for ammo (4 in each, to be exact). You also get a front-loading game bag with a zippered opening for easy cleaning, a velcro chest strap, and two upper hand warmer pockets for added convenience, along with a handy zippered security pocket inside. It’s lined with this nylon mesh that makes the jacket feel more breathable than it looks, finished with YKK hardware throughout and corduroy details on the collar and inside the arm cuffs, and comes with a velcro strap on the chest for securing smaller gear.

The nylon shell is a bit stiff, and the jacket itself is a bit cumbersome if you’re not actually hunting. I really liked how it looked on me, though, and I could see this being a solid rain jacket if you don’t mind a bit of extra room (and more storage than you probably need). The arm cuffs felt a bit a bit baggy at first on me, but a quick adjustment using the second of the two buttons made them fit just right.

Verdict: For you hunters out there, this pick from the Bean is reliable, durable, and made for hunting. There’s plenty of storage for your gear and game, and it has that classic hunting jacket style.

Taylor Stitch The Ojai Jacket

Best Lightweight Jacket: Taylor Stitch has always enamored us with its heritage-inspired menswear, and its Ojai Jacket is one of our favorites from the company’s lengthy catalog. Aside from its old-school appeal, it introduces a handful of contemporary qualities, making it a solid choice for men who are looking for a multipurpose garment that they can wear for a day at the workplace, or a night on the town. Its construction exudes sustainable confidence, thanks to its organic cotton makeup and natural ring-back button detailing. Each example includes additional bar-tacking at key stress points throughout its silhouette, helping it to weather the years at your side.

Taylor Stitch has this sort of subdued cool factor that I really appreciate, and it shines through in all of the clothes they drop. This chore jacket is the perfect example – taking the absolutely classic silhouette and elevating it with modern style, starting with the organic cotton construction (impressively reverse-engineered from deadstock military fabric), that’s been washed for supreme softness that I felt instantly. This lived-in feel is complemented by the lightweight construction of the jacket, with enough room for a warmer layer underneath. Construction here feels very durable, with double-needle stitching, bar-tacked pockets, and ring-back buttons with brass pins and rings. Regarding the fit, it definitely has the drape of a chore coat, but it felt pretty true to size while I was wearing it. For storage, you get two hand pockets (with my favorite side entry feature), and the upper chest pocket has an individual compartment for pens/tools for added convenience.

Chore coats are generally thinner when it comes to work jackets, and that’s what you’re getting with this pick. It’s still warm, especially with a layer underneath, but compared to something like Orvis’ barn coat, it’s more appropriate for milder winter climates. Storage is also a bit scant compared to other picks, which isn’t ideal if you carry a lot of gear/tools.

Verdict: This is one of the softest work jackets I’ve ever worn, and it manages to take that classic chore coat style and make it modern. It’s perfect for layering, and an ideal piece for transitional weather.

Alex Mill Work Jacket In Vintage Wash Denim

Best Vintage Jacket: This vintage denim option from Alex Mill is one of the most stylish options spotlighted throughout our guide, not to mention one of the more retro-looking picks as well. At the end of the day, the typical work jacket is crafted from sturdy materials like waxed canvas or heavy-duty wool, and this more casual offering honors that history with a durable denim construction, resulting in a retro spin on a rugged piece of outerwear.

Denim and workwear have a long history together, so it was important for us to include a denim pick, and Alex Mill is the perfect label to help us out with that. Using 100% cotton Japanese indigo denim, this jacket has a chore coat-inspired look and cut (similar to the Ojai), and is honestly one of the comfiest denim jackets I’ve ever worn. It drapes me in a way that’s flattering yet relaxed, which is ideal for layering both under and over the jacket, and the denim feels incredibly soft. There’s plenty of storage with two buttoned chest pockets, two lower hand pockets, and a hidden inner pocket. A little detail I really liked was the laurel pattern on the shank buttons, a subtle touch but it really elevates the piece. While this is inspired by work jackets (and certainly made to last with very clean and strong stitching), I’d say this leans more on the style side of things.

The only (very minor) gripe here is the lack of side entries on the hand pockets, which I really like to have, especially on denim jackets. Also, this has a roomier look and feel compared to a classic denim jacket, which I really enjoyed, but some may prefer their denim jackets to be a little slimmer. 

Verdict: As one of the comfiest denim jackets I’ve had the pleasure of wearing, Alex Mill comes through with a chore coat-inspired take made with premium Japanese denim that feels incredibly soft.

Flint and Tinder Flannel-lined Waxed Trucker Jacket

Best Rugged Jacket: Unless you’ve been living under a very dark rock, you’ve probably heard or seen something about this jacket, because Pedro Pascal famously rocked it in the first season of HBO’s The Last of Us. Using weather-resistant Martexin 7 oz. sailcloth and fully lined sleeves for comfort, it has a field-jacket-inspired silhouette that’s designed to tackle the elements in style. 

We got hands-on with this one in our best waxed canvas jackets guide, and it’s been an office favorite for some time now (we have about 4 different versions of it on hand, just to give you an idea). The sailcloth is waxed on both sides for complete protection, and you get a flannel lining to contrast the stiffness of the waxed canvas and provide warmth (and it feels incredibly soft). The jacket has a lived-in feel that’s softer than most waxed canvas jackets, and it fits how a true trucker jacket should: falling just past the hips and running tighter in the midsection. This pick also strikes a solid balance between utility and style, much like the Detroit jacket, as you get the style of a trucker but the weatherproof/abrasion-resistant qualities of waxed canvas coming together. The custom antique finish on the buttons complements the weathered look of the jacket, and ties everything together.

My criticisms remain the same with this jacket: I wish the internal media pocket had some sort of closure (especially since you’ll likely be putting your phone in there), and the storage options, in general, are lacking if you compare it to something like Filson’s work jacket or the chore coat-inspired picks on the guide. This isn’t a deal breaker, but if your work requires a lot of storage for tools, then you may need more pockets.

Verdict: If you’re looking for a reliable, stylish, and now famous trucker jacket, then look on further – Flint and Tinder have something special here, and it’s incredibly durable while still being comfortable to wear casually.

Filson Tin Cloth Work Jacket

Best Heavyweight Jacket: Paying for a Filson piece is practically a long-term investment, as anything from the Washington-based heritage brand is bound to withstand the test of time. The newly-constructed Tin Cloth Work Jacket takes after a classic garment from Filson’s archives, now boasting a canvas-lined torso for maximum warmth and an oil-finished Tin Cloth shell. Moreover, the latter is a tightly woven, highly saturated canvas duck that’s undergone high pressure and heat for maximum longevity.

Here we are with another waxed canvas pick from the legendary Filson, but it has a noticeably beefier look and feel compared to our previous waxed canvas pick from Flint and Tinder. This time around, the canvas is saturated with paraffin under high pressure and heat, making this the most waterproof pick on the guide. The wool collar shakes up the look of the jacket and is surprisingly warm, and the cover cloth lining (a lightweight polyester) kept me warm enough, but it didn’t feel quite as warm as Flint and Tinder’s pick. The two large pockets on the front have side entries for your hands, too, which is a touch that I always enjoy. The fit here is definitely on the relaxed side, and the jacket itself is pretty large compared to the rest of the guide. For all you farmers and homesteaders out there, this is a great cold-weather pick because it’s highly wind-resistant (bolstered by the super warm wool collar), and the waxed finish means you can continue to work in the rain.

For me, the sleeves were a bit long, and the jacket itself ran large. If you’re in between sizes like myself or just prefer a true-to-size fit, then I recommend going a size down for this one. Also, if you’re on the thinner side, you should probably just size down to be safe.

Verdict: Filson’s beefy waxed jacket is warm, heavyweight, and built to last a lifetime, with side entry pockets on the front for convenience. It’s true workwear in every sense of the word, and a warm piece that’s perfect for winter.

Barbour Ashby Wax Jacket

Best Waxed Jacket: Barbour is no stranger to the top spot on any jacket guide, and the brand’s Ashby Wax Jacket stands at the forefront of its catalog. Not only does this timeless outerwear piece boast one of the best-looking designs in the workwear genre, but it’s also inherently dependable, thanks to its abrasion-resistant waxed cotton shell, cotton corduroy collar, and full-zip closure. To round things out, the British staple adopts a weatherproof matte finish, complementing its sleek, slanted handwarmer pockets, Stormflap, and water-repellent exterior.

Barbour is such a legend in the menswear space and every piece they have just oozes class. Obviously, this waxed jacket is no exception, and we got a chance to get hands-on with the Bedale in our waxed canvas jacket guide. This pick here is slightly more tailored than the Bedale (which I noticed immediately as I was wearing the jacket), but they share a lot of stylistic similarities. Both use the label’s proprietary Sylkoil waxed cotton to keep you protected from the rain and a Stormfly front that combines stud fastenings with an interactive front zipper (YKK, no less). You’re also getting two large bellow pockets, with angled handwarmer pockets right above them (also like the Bedale), and it’s finished with corduroy details on the collar and inside the sleeve cuffs. If you’re torn on which model to get, I’ll put it this way: you can’t go wrong with either pick, but the Bedale is definitely more classic, and the Ashby is ideal if you prefer a more true-to-size fit. Like Carhartt’s Detroit jacket, there are rivets on the backside of the collar if you want to attach a hood, and you can use Barbour’s optional zip-in liners to customize the jacket.

I will say the back is a little tight on this, likely because of the tailored cut, but other than that, the only thing going against this jacket is the price point. But Barbour is an undisputable legend that has built up a reputation for crafting some of the best jackets you can get, and considering the durability of the piece, $400 isn’t that unreasonable.

Verdict: If you’re set on going with a waxed cotton pick and you have the money to spare, then there’s really no other brand to look to. Barbour has over a century of experience crafting high-quality apparel, and the Ashby is certainly no exception.

Work Jacket Comparison Chart

WHAT IS A WORK JACKET?

Work jackets (sometimes referred to as a chore coat or chore jacket) can be traced back to 19th-century France, where it was the uniform of choice for farmhands and laborers, dubbed “bleu de travail” (or “working blue”) because of its deep indigo hue. Fast forward to the 2000s, and the chore jacket shed its workwear image and became a casual hit in Western countries. Every menswear brand worth its salt was offering cotton chore jackets by the mid-2010s, and they’re still being made in France the old-fashioned way.

WHEN TO WEAR A WORK JACKET

Depending on your profession, your choice of clothing could follow suit. For individuals who work in a more relaxed area, a common chore coat could strike the perfect middle ground between fashionable and functional. For welders, craftsmen, or those who need more protection while they go about their daily tasks, the common chore coat might not stand up to the task.

How to style a work jacket

Although work jackets have breached the fashion scene, many rules from their days as workwear still apply: you want something that’s true to size with a flattering fit, no matter what the style is. It’s also important to get a jacket that’s appropriate for the climate you live in, because an unlined chore coat may look good, but it’s not going to make much sense somewhere like the East Coast. Work jackets also still look best with other workwear-adjacent pieces like denim, boots, and white tees. Even though streetwear has heavily influenced the scene, and you can definitely pull off a work jacket with some Vans or Chucks, there’s something about the classic blue-collar look that remains timeless.

Honorable Mentions

The hemp workwear from Patagonia is really solid, but the Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Ranch Jacket is an especially stand-out piece. It’s sustainably made with industrial hemp and finished with reinforced elbows for extra durability.

lululemon’s Twill Utility Jacket is a lightweight work jacket that’s super stylish and made with stretchy, water-resistant twill fabric. On top of that, it has a relaxed fit and a little elastane for a laid-back look (and more layering options).

Dickies is an undeniable legend in the workwear scene, and the label’s Duck High Pile Fleece Lined Hooded Jacket is a textbook example of why that is. It’s a durable, reasonably priced Sherpa-lined jacket with triple-needle seams that’ll keep you warm for years to come.

Ariat is another workwear legend that’s better known for its boots, but the Rebar DuraCanvas Jacket is worth a look. You get a water-resistant cotton canvas shell and warm sherpa lining, with some added flexibility for ease of movement.

The Duluth Superior Firehorse Jacket is designed for winter work, with two thick layers to keep you warm (the Thinsulate layer is rated for -5°F). It’s made of water and stain-resistant Fire Hose canvas, and comes with a whopping 13 pockets.

The Best Men’s Workwear Essentials

Tap into some other rugged pieces with our guide to the best workwear essentials to add to your wardrobe.