The chore jacket is one of the most useful garments ever cut. It started in late 19th century France as workwear for farmers, carpenters, and café waiters. Later it found its way into modern wardrobes through Bill Cunningham, who wore his every day as he bicycled through New York photographing the city's best-dressed. The shape has not changed since. A boxy cut. Three patch pockets across the front. No lapels, no lining, no waste.
The Lyon Café Jacket is our take on it, with a few style upgrades. You will find the hand warmers we have added alongside the roomy hip pockets a great convenience. Sewn mostly with single-needle stitching instead of the more common double-needle and natural corozo buttons, the Lyon has a cleaner exterior and a dressier finish making it an elegant replacement for your blazer.
This edition is cut from a midweight cotton twill, dense enough to hold the boxy silhouette without feeling stiff. Cotton is the workhorse of menswear for good reason. It ages with grace. It takes a wash without complaint. It develops a patina around the elbows and pocket edges that no factory finish can fake.
Wear it open over a tee and jeans for the easiest version. Buttoned over a shirt and trousers for something more considered. It works as outerwear in spring and autumn, and as a layering piece year round. Sleeves rolled, sleeves down, collar up against the wind. The kind of jacket that makes the rest of your wardrobe look better, and asks for nothing in return.
Proudly made in India.