FOB Factory French Moleskin Jacket Beige

With the French Moleskin Jacket, FOB Factory revisits the iconic French work jacket that emerged in the late 19th century. Crafted from a heavyweight, high-density cotton moleskin, this interpretation retains the main functional characteristics of the traditional Chore Coat while adopting proportions closer to those of a tailored jacket. Presented here in Navy, it offers a more fitted and refined approach to the original workwear garment without sacrificing its inherent durability.

Details

• 100% cotton
• One Wash
• High-density heavyweight moleskin
• Navy colour
• Inspired by the traditional French work jacket
• Straight, fitted silhouette
• 2 large patch pockets
• 1 external chest pocket
• 1 internal chest pocket
• 5-button front closure
• Horn buttons
• Made in Japan
• Size conversion: 1 / S, 2 / M, 3 / L, 4 / XL, 5 / XXL

Description

The French Moleskin Jacket traces its origins to the iconic work jacket that emerged in France in the late 19th century. Originally worn notably by railway and agricultural workers, these jackets favoured a simple, robust and functional construction, combined with generous proportions designed to provide plenty of freedom of movement.

FOB Factory retains the essential characteristics of this historic garment while significantly reworking its proportions. The traditionally loose and purely utilitarian silhouette gives way to a more fitted shape, with a shorter body and reduced sleeve length. The result sits closer to the proportions of a tailored jacket while retaining the immediately recognisable identity of a traditional Chore Coat.

The jacket is made from a heavyweight, high-density cotton moleskin. Its particularly tight construction gives the fabric a smooth, uniform and slightly brushed surface whose appearance can be reminiscent of suede. This similarity explains the “German Leather” name sometimes used to describe this type of moleskin. Dense and robust, the fabric is designed to gradually soften, conform to the wearer's body and develop its own individual patina through repeated wear.

Construction remains deliberately understated and functional. Two large patch pockets sit at the lower front of the jacket, accompanied by an external chest pocket and a second chest pocket on the inside. A five-button front closure finished with horn buttons provides a more refined detail that perfectly complements FOB Factory's slightly dressier interpretation of the style.

Fit & sizing

While retaining a straight construction, the French Moleskin Jacket differs from a traditional work jacket through its noticeably more fitted proportions. The body is shorter, the sleeves less elongated and the overall volume more controlled, giving the jacket a silhouette closer to tailored outerwear than to a conventional Chore Coat. This allows it to retain the versatility of a work jacket while creating a cleaner, more formal appearance that can easily be incorporated into outfits well beyond a purely workwear context.

Why we selected it

This French Moleskin Jacket perfectly illustrates the way FOB Factory works with historical garments without simply reproducing them. The brand retains the simplicity and functionality of the traditional French work jacket while reworking its proportions to make it more contemporary and versatile. The density of the moleskin, its distinctive hand and its ability to evolve over time provide exactly the kind of depth we look for in this type of garment: a seemingly simple jacket whose fabric and construction will continue to gain character over years of wear.