A Guide to Buying a Work Jacket

Investing in a work jacket is a great way to keep warm. Whether working outside in the cold or inside in the warmth, you need a coat with quality materials that fit you. We’ll review the available options, including unlined and lined options. You’ll also learn about the benefits of down insulation and triple-needle stitching.

Unlined vs. lined

In work wear, jackets come in two primary types: lined and unlined. There are some advantages and disadvantages to each. Lined jackets will last longer and are more durable. They also can prevent you from getting dirt and lint on them.

Unlined jackets are more flexible and lightweight. The downside is that they may not keep you warm as fully-lined jackets in the winter. Also, unlined jackets are cheaper. This makes them more popular, especially in warmer climates.

While it might be hard to go without a lining, having one might be a good idea. A lining is a second layer of cloth that attaches to the underarm area of the jacket. These are usually made of polyester or rayon.

Down insulation

Down is an insulating material that provides maximum warmth for a minimum weight. The featherlike plumage of geese is the most common source of down. It comes in a variety of quality ratings.

While down is an excellent insulator, it can become worthless when wet. This is because feathers can poke through fabrics and lose their insulating power if damp.

Luckily, down can be treated to improve its water-repelling qualities. In addition, some down jackets incorporate hybrid designs. This combines synthetic insulation with down-in moisture-prone areas. Depending on the company, the down may be treated with a water-resistant application.

Another benefit of down is that it’s lightweight. The filaments in the down are thin and incredibly fine. They create a network of small spaces that trap air, creating a thermal barrier. A down jacket can weigh up to a few ounces.

Fit

If you’re a fan of a casual but versatile wardrobe, the fit of your work jacket can make a huge difference. The right one can be a great layering piece that keeps you warm, but it’s still lightweight enough to wear underneath a heavier jacket. In this guide, we’ve highlighted a few of our favorite options.

Artknit Studios’ Merino Wool Knit Jacket is made from extra-fine merino wool sourced from Italy. This classic piece is perfect for a day at the office or on the weekend. Its slim fit means it’s a snug but comfortable fit for everyone.

Flax London’s Heavy Railway jacket is crafted in London from 15oz canvas linen. This lightweight material is ideal for layering and works well under a jumper or over a T-shirt. It is a versatile layering piece and features an unstructured cut with hand-finished detailing.

Modern interpretations

The modern work jacket is not just for the hardy soul. These garments are fashionable and fun to wear. Some brands are still making the fabled tweedy jackets of yore, and some are bringing back the classics with a sprinkling of 21st-century panache.

An excellent example of the modern work jacket is the blue hopsack clone made by Anderson & Sheppard. The original version is from the pre-World War II era, but this version is a modern take on the blue chore coat. It is part of the brand’s ready-to-wear collection.

In the late 1800s, French engineers and railway laborers started sporting the infamous blue work. The piece was a functional outerwear made of durable cotton drill, with easy-button fasteners and three patch pockets. But the most impressive feature was not the fabric itself; it was the tiniest of details, the best-kept secret of the design.