Chore jackets were the kind of thing worn by factory workers. I've seen vintage photos of workers in factories, where they're wearing smart shirts and ties, with a chore jacket or apron over the top as protection. Sometimes there were matching trousers. The style of jacket originated from France in the late 19th century where it was a common workers jacket. It makes sense, with its large pockets and relaxed fit for ease of movement. The jacket I'm wearing is by a brand called 'Harpoon', which is apparently still going today, making workwear and uniforms. I added a new-to-me vintage headscarf (also from the car boot sale that morning).
Wearing: 'Harpoon' 1950s' factory worker's jacket, Converse trainers (charity shopped), vintage scarf, Bernie Dexter jeans, Ray Ban sunglasses (charity shopped, borrowed from Chris!).
Above: the paper label, still attached by staples to the inside of the jacket. "Sanforized" means pre-shrunk. The metal buttons on the jacket are imprinted with 'Harpoon'.
Please note: not my own garden! I was at my mother-in-law's house. My own garden needs some serious work. At least I can look the part now as I tackle it this year. I did feel a fraud, posing in this jacket and not actually gardening, so at the end of this set of photos I did pick up a pair of secateurs and got stuck in to tidying up some borders.
To end, here are some photos of Chris's jacket - his has lovely bakelite buttons, attached by unique metal bits on the reverse. His and hers gardening jackets now, we will give the neighbours a chuckle!
To end, here are some photos of Chris's jacket - his has lovely bakelite buttons, attached by unique metal bits on the reverse. His and hers gardening jackets now, we will give the neighbours a chuckle!
Many congratulations on being awarded your PhD, Dr Porcelina! And the jackets are pretty spiffing too. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Fran!
DeleteWhat a lovely photo of you pottering in your Mum in Law's greenhouse!
ReplyDeleteThe chores jackets were wonderful finds, I love the original labels so much. Jon's come across some still labelled ones before and ended up selling them, he loved them but couldn't bear to remove the paper labels (he's as daft as me!)
I'me with you on the gardening shame. I really ought to sort ours out but it's too darned cold! xxx
We can't bear to take the labels off either!! At least they are photographed now, as a record. I have grand plans for our garden, I ordered new plants and am just waiting for it to warm up enough to get out there. I'm starting with a small corner, one bit at a time.. Xx
DeleteHa ha! I love that you both have one.
ReplyDeleteI was quite jealous of your little greenhouse until I read it isn't your ; P . What bloggers will do for some decent photos : P
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
I know, it's all fakery!! I am getting my very own greenhouse in a month's time though - I've asked for one for my birthday!! X
DeleteThose chores jackets were a great find indeed, they are real pieces of history, and so are their fabulous labels. And I've never seen that kind of Bakelite buttons before. You're looking properly relaxed pottering in your mother-in-law's garden. I'm sure your own garden will benefit from all that "free time" you've suddenly got on your hands. We need to tackle ours too, but I seem to be the only green fingered one here at Dove Cottage ... xxx
ReplyDeleteGardening doesn't come naturally to me, but we have a decent size garden and I've seen what neglect does... so I'm determined to learn!! The jackets are such fun, and they were only £1 each, which is just ridiculous!! xx
DeleteWell your garden must be perfect now, now both of you have those jackets who are perfect to work in the garden with. 😂😂😂You remind me a bit with those lovely photos of , the ateable garden,,
ReplyDeleteI honestly feel that I will be a better gardener wearing my jacket!! x
DeleteThose jackets were a brilliant find. I have something similar, but modern, to go with my train-driving overalls.
ReplyDeleteI hope working on the garden is going well. Mine's looking pretty good but that's because Pete's been doing loads of work on it. I've been rubbish.
What a unique find!!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
-Janey
Love this casual look for gardening- it's practical yet stylish. And I was admiring "your" garden until I read that it isn't yours :)
ReplyDeleteShould I call you "DR Porcelina ? :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats again !
You certainly "look the part" even if this is not your garden, the jacket is fab, you husband does have a great eye for vintage too.