While it is difficult to determine the precise birth date of the work jacket, we can safely say that its destiny is closely linked to that of the Industrial Revolution. From the end of the 18th century and throughout the 19th, this garment grew in popularity as it met the new needs of artisans and manual workers. In a context of mechanisation, where machines took on an increasingly prominent role, clothing adapted to the new reality to meet workers’ needs. Safety, durability and practicality then became the watchwords for making reliable garments, and it was in France that the work jacket became their queen. Recognisable by its stand collar, imposing patch pockets and moleskin fabric, it gradually established itself as an absolute reference. In factories and workshops, the jacket thus replaced the smock on men’s backs thanks to qualities that still define it today: it keeps you warm, it is extraordinarily durable, it has great storage capacity and boasts an almost infinite lifespan. Two centuries of change later, this monument of French clothing heritage has not aged a day and remains a cornerstone of the French wardrobe. An iconic piece that Hast embraced as early as 2019, with an ambition unchanged ever since: to adapt this sacred monster to the needs of contemporary urban life. Always with exacting standards, honesty and transparency, naturally.
Safe arrival
At the time, the work jacket was worn as a protective uniform, completed by tailored trousers in the same fabric—often called “largeot”. This is no longer the case today, and while retaining the spirit of its early days, our beloved piece has largely moved beyond working-class circles. Drawing on our shirtmaking expertise, we have reinterpreted it over time in a wide range of fabrics, sizes and colours, making it a fitting companion for every occasion and every style.
The work jacket owes this distinctive versatility to a timeless design that we have adapted to the new ways of life of today’s men.
Ultimately, our interpretation of this quintessentially French garment embraces the dual ambition of honouring its history and perpetuating it by adapting it to contemporary uses. In a workwear style, it will exude authenticity paired with chinos and boots; but nothing prevents you from considering it as a smart outfit in place of a suit jacket. Its regular fit, clean lines and distinguished design allow it to move effortlessly from one style to another, integrating just as easily with formal and casual outfits. Worn open or buttoned to the top, over a t-shirt or a shirt, in considered layering or not, with jeans or pleated trousers, no look can intimidate the piece that has graced the French wardrobe for more than 200 years.
A historic cut
If the work jacket is one of those few pieces recognisable at first glance, it is largely thanks to its legendary cut. As was often the case when utility was at stake, the aim at the time was to strike a balance between safety, protection, balance and efficiency: an equation successfully solved. The regular fit, patch pockets, mid-seat length, button fastening and chevalière collar: everything about this now cult jacket evokes both simplicity and necessity. When we began its modernisation in 2019, there was of course no question of betraying its origins, and it was in a spirit of tribute that we designed all our work jackets. Unsurprisingly, each one retains the constants of this centuries-old history, combined with distinctive natural fabrics fit for the third millennium.
Fabrics to match
In the 19th and 20th centuries, cotton moleskin was the fabric of choice for work jackets, renowned for its exceptional strength and resistance in all conditions. At Hast, we have chosen to introduce new fabrics, from the thickest to the lightest, and to work with different textiles for today’s men. You will therefore find:
Virgin wool. A natural, warm, insulating and thermoregulating material, it was an obvious choice for some of our jackets. A bold and fitting variation that instantly brings a touch of elegance to the product without disguising it. Ours comes straight from Italy and weighs 320 g/m2, making it an ideal companion for the transitional seasons (and winter beneath a coat).
Recycled wool. You know our commitment to responsible production, and it does not stop at the selection of natural materials. For several years, we have also endeavoured to work with recycled materials, as with this jacket made from an original fabric certified “Global Recycled Standard”: 70% recycled wool, 15% recycled polyester, 10% recycled polyamide and 5% other recycled fibres.
Velvet. While comfort was not the foremost concern of workers during the Industrial Revolution, we chose to give it pride of place in our collections by introducing models in corduroy with different wale widths. True cocoons of softness, bringing texture to your outfits and warmth to your heart.
Linen. Before cotton overtook them, hemp and linen were the leading materials in the textile industry. The latter, of which France is quite simply the world’s leading producer, is now enjoying a full revival and regaining its former popularity. Given its properties, this comes as no surprise: it is a strong, breathable, absorbent, thermoregulating natural fibre, requiring little water, fully recyclable and 100% biodegradable. We know of nothing more responsible. It also has a raw, slightly rustic appearance that works wonderfully for work jackets. Unsurprisingly, we have developed two in this gifted material: a 100% linen model for lovers of the material, and a cotton (23%) and linen (77%) version for an added touch of softness.
Organic cotton twill. Recognisable by its diagonal ribs created through a particular weave, twill is both supple and highly durable. It makes it possible to create midweight fabrics with excellent resistance (particularly to tearing), as jeans, its finest representatives, demonstrate. Unsurprisingly, we have made some of our work jackets in organic cotton twill with a weight of 290 g/m2, the ideal weight for mid-season and cool summer evenings.
Denim. This iconic fabric (which, incidentally, is a form of twill) needs no introduction, but it is worth noting that we took pleasure in cutting one of our jackets from this legendary fabric. An alternative to the denim jacket, this version is as refined as it is elegant, evoking both the Far West and the traditional French wardrobe—a promising combination indeed.
The inimitable moleskin, naturally. This fabric is new for 2022. We found an Italian cloth made by a renowned Italian house to offer you a jacket at the height of authenticity. You will find the velvety feel of the original fabric and the characteristic “peach-skin” appearance of moleskin. Made by weaving cotton yarns very tightly in warp and weft, it has a density and durability that made it the ideal fabric for period workwear jackets. Revived for you, we offer it in a 395 g/m2 edition that we are sure you will appreciate.
An iconic collar and a nod
If you have been following closely, you know that the work jacket is historically associated with a particular collar: the chevalière collar. Unlike the lapel collar, open across the chest at the initiative of our British neighbours, this one rises almost to the neck. Distinctly French, it has the advantage of covering the chest, the throat and the nape (thanks to panels that can be turned up). Out of respect for the product, this is the style we have favoured on our work jackets. On all our jackets? Not quite, as we took the liberty of introducing a handsome rounded club collar on the denim model. A way of bringing an almost imperceptible, welcome original twist to this historic piece.
Unique colours
Gone are the days when the colour of a work jacket indicated its wearer’s trade (black for carpenters, white for painters, Prussian blue for most other manual workers). At Hast, we have chosen to introduce a rich palette with the sole aim of bringing the finest shades to your outfits. Understated or vibrant, the choice is yours among the shades on offer, all enhanced by luminous fabrics with exceptional texture. Teal or mottled blue, anise or olive green, rust, plum, brown, navy, beige, khaki or indigo: there is something for every taste and every occasion.
For every occasion
Like every piece in the Hast wardrobe, the work jacket stands out for its versatility. Thanks to a clean, timeless design, it is so versatile that it will adapt effortlessly to every outfit you incorporate it into. Whether you wear it as a blazer with smart trousers or return it to its roots in a workwear look, wear it proudly or layer it between several garments, it will always be ready to serve—from the first mild days of spring to the first cold spells of winter. Despite its proudly working-class roots, the whole point of its modernisation was to make it more universally wearable: a goal achieved with the versions offered in unique fabrics and colours. Over jeans or chinos, layered over a shirt (with or without a tie) or a t-shirt, thrown over a sweatshirt or a roll neck, you will be pleased to find that every style is possible.
Caring for your work jacket
A little open secret to finish: care accounts for half the lifespan of your clothes. However carefully we make them, using fine natural materials and renowned European craftsmanship, the care you give them will largely determine their durability. As for the work jacket, here are a few recommendations we suggest following:
- When you are not wearing it, we strongly recommend storing it on a broad-shouldered wooden hanger. It is simply essential for preserving its shape over time and allowing creases to fall out naturally under the effect of gravity.
- In the event of a stain, a little soapy water should remove most of them if you act quickly enough.
- Although the work jacket is an outer garment and should not be washed too often, a good clean will do it no harm two to three times a year. For this, we recommend hand washing in barely lukewarm water, using an eco-friendly detergent. For wool, recycled wool and moleskin models, a trip to the dry cleaner will be necessary for dry cleaning.
- If you hand wash your twill or velvet jacket, avoid twisting it when wringing it out. Instead, press it to remove most of the water, then leave it to dry on a hanger with the buttons fastened.
With the work jacket, you are touching upon a part of French clothing heritage. Having entered the pantheon of iconic French garments thanks to a centuries-old history, this piece is known worldwide for its design and functionality. Since 2019, we have drawn on our shirtmaking expertise to make this utility jacket a model suited to our customers’ new needs. Between tradition and modernity, we have reinterpreted this icon in different colours and fabrics to meet the desires and needs of today’s men, without taking anything away from the elements that forged its legend. Timeless, versatile and full of character, our interpretations of the work jacket reflect the Hast wardrobe: a blend of elegance, versatility and authenticity.
