When we decided to do a Chore Coat style jacket, we had to make it like they used to - out of Moleskin. Side note: in case you didn't already know, despite the name, Moleskin contains no actual mole fur - it's 100% cotton! The name comes from its velvety, matte surface, which apparently resembles a mole's coat.
Before denim took over, Moleskin was the fabric of choice for European workwear. Prized for its incredible durability and comfort - tightly woven to block out wind and cold, then brushed for a soft, broken-in feel.
"Our moleskin jacket takes cues from a vintage workwear chore jacket, but it's reworked with versatility in mind. We designed it to be light enough to wear as an overshirt in summer, while the tight weave still blocks the wind - ideal for early surf checks or long days outdoors."
- McTavish Designer.Moleskin itself has a long history of hard work. First woven in 17th-century Europe and refined during the Industrial Revolution. It was built for harsh conditions - dense, windproof, and warm, with a soft brushed face that earned it its name. By the time it was being worn in the foundries and factories of 19th-century France, it had become a material known for its resilience. Blacksmiths, steelworkers, and mechanics wore it for protection against flames, sparks, and weather. It was thick - four times heavier than regular shirting cotton - and built to last.
But like denim, Moleskin eventually made its way out of the workshop and into everyday life. In Australia, particularly in the mid-20th century, Moleskin was common in rural workwear - favoured by farmers, labourers, and fishermen. And it wasn't long before it turned up along the coastline too.
The same properties that made Moleskin popular on the land - its toughness, wind resistance, and comfort - make it the ideal layer against the elements on the early surf check or warming up after a long cold session.
Our Moleskin Worker Jacket pays homage to that legacy while refining it for life today. It's built from a plush cotton moleskin, cut in a tailored chore silhouette, and finished with classic utility pocketing. The fit is easy but not oversized, and the weight is just right - throw it over a tee or layer it over your favourite knit, depending on the temperature.
At McTavish, we've always believed in making things that last - surfboards that get passed down, denim that fades with character, jackets that only get better with time. This piece is no different. Introducing the McTavish Moleskin Worker Jacket, cut from 100% moleskin and built to last.
Sources include Heddels, Hast Paris, Le Mont Saint Michel, Premiere Manche, and Australian cultural guides.
