September 25, 2026

The Bouclé Chores

The Bouclé Chore Jackets

The chore jacket has humble roots as a utilitarian stalwart. The style we know and love today - square cut, button front with generous patch pockets, originated in 19th-century Europe. In France, the bleu de travail was made for hard work: dependable, easy to move in and equipped with pockets for tools. From there, the style travelled far beyond its working origins, becoming a staple of British menswear. Some 150 years later, its shape has barely changed, but its appeal has steadily grown.

Here at William Crabtree, the chore jacket has quickly become the piece you didn’t know your wardrobe needed and now can’t live without. Sitting somewhere between a coat, a jacket and knitwear, it’s an easy layering piece for the colder months and the changing seasons.

It has become an increasingly firm favourite in recent years - with a summer-weight linen version also proving very popular - so this season we’ve given it our full attention. The result is our new bouclé chore jacket - developed in a wool and cashmere blend and available in three very wearable shades: navy, café and pine.

First, we locked in the design: true to size, with deep pockets, utilitarian buttons and a length that’s easy to wear.

Then came the cloth - quietly, we think, the best bit. Expressly made for us in Biella, Italy, it’s a densely knitted bouclé jersey fleece with a pronounced texture. It combines carefully selected wool and cashmere to lend softness and warmth.

Each jacket is made in our workshop in Portugal, with the details you’ve come to expect: our signature natural shoulder, horn buttons, a contrast internal pocket, to name a few.

The new bouclé chore jacket is now in our London and Cotswolds stores, and online too. All you have to decide is which colour to choose. Don’t worry, we can help with that…

Design details and the finishing touches to our new favourite: The Bouclé Chore Jacket

The Navy Bouclé Chore

Deep Navy - a timeless and enduring shade that brings understated sophistication to the textured bouclé fabric. Rich and versatile, this classic colourway transitions effortlessly between smart and casual dressing, making it a dependable staple designed to be worn and returned to season after season.

The Café Bouclé Chore

Dark Café - a rich, deep brown inspired by the warmth and depth of roasted coffee tones, the colour enhances the tactile quality of the bouclé surface and lends a refined versatility that pairs effortlessly across the winter wardrobe.

The Pine Bouclé Chore

Dark Pine - a deep forest green with subtle earthy undertones, the colour way evokes the quiet richness of evergreen landscapes and brings a considered alternative to traditional winter neutrals. It complements the textured bouclé beautifully, offering a versatile yet distinctive addition to any cold-weather wardrobe.