Chore jacket

I’ve spent a lot of time over the past few weeks thinking about what type of garments I’d like to experiment with and develop next year. We’ve discussed items such as aprons and corsets, iconic in signifying the female role and societal beauty standards. However, these haven’t really made me excited and they don’t quite feel aligned with my project especially as I am trying to subvert gender expectations.

What I am finding myself drawn to is playing with chore coats. Whilst they were typically worn as workwear by men and associated with hard wearing, practical materials, the word chore is defined as ‘a routine task, especially a household one.’ which originated from the 18th century word charwoman ‘a woman employed as a cleaner in a house or office.’ Google Dictionary. I like that the synonymity of this word gives this relevance to my project, placing it back in the domestic sphere.

Discussing the brand Vetra, James from Heddels notes :

“These jackets develop more and more of a certain “je ne sais quoi” the more they’re worn and loved. They are built for work and, as Vetra’s motto suggested, built to last forever. This isn’t just a workwear jacket, it’s a family heirloom.” James, Heddels (2018).

This has relevance as my project looks to give used garments value, to cherish the imperfections and visible repairs, and to keep reworking items to give them new leases of life. This customisation and wear, is what gives them character, history and integrity – something that isn’t available through fast fashion.

With the chore jacket, I look forward to experimenting with the details; the buttons, the pockets and collars to adapt and embellish. Using the materials that I have available to me and the techniques that I am developing in my exploratory practice, I’m really looking forward to taking this new phase forward.

References

Definition of Chore and Charwoman. Google Dictionary – Definitions from Oxford Languages https://languages.oup.com/google-dictionary-en/

Image and quote – James (03 September 2018) History of the Chore Coat – Outerwear That’s Put to Task. Heddels. https://www.heddels.com/2018/09/history-of-the-chore-coat/