The Blue Work Jacket: From Factory to Fashion Staple
The blue work jacket, originally known as the 'bleu de travail' in France, has transitioned from industrial workwear to a fashion staple. Since 2020, it has gained popularity among vintage enthusiasts and celebrities like Harry Styles, Jeremy Allen White, Jacob Elordi, and Austin Butler. Recently, data analytics company Palantir released its own version for $239 as part of a branding strategy. The jacket originated in late 19th-century France after synthetic indigo made blue dye affordable; it was designed for factory work with durable moleskin fabric, a boxy shape, and multiple pockets. Street-style photographer Bill Cunningham famously wore it as a uniform. Early producer Lafont (founded 1844) is credited with its invention. Today, versions are sold by The Row (over $1,700), Uniqlo (around €40), and Velasca ($220). The term 'blue collar' derives from these uniforms. Vintage markets still offer durable originals from brands like Lafont, Le Laboureur, and Mont Saint Michel.
Key facts
- The blue work jacket originated as the 'bleu de travail' in France in the late 19th century.
- Synthetic indigo by Adolf von Baeyer made blue dye more accessible.
- The jacket gained fashion popularity since 2020, worn by celebrities like Harry Styles and Jeremy Allen White.
- Palantir released a $239 version in 2025 as part of a branding strategy.
- Bill Cunningham, a New York Times street-style photographer, wore it as a daily uniform.
- Lafont, founded in 1844, is among the first producers of the bleu de travail.
- The term 'blue collar' originates from the color of these work uniforms.
- Vintage markets still carry durable originals from brands like Lafont, Le Laboureur, and Mont Saint Michel.
Entities
Artists
- Harry Styles
- Jeremy Allen White
- Jacob Elordi
- Austin Butler
- Bill Cunningham
Institutions
- Palantir
- The Row
- Uniqlo
- Velasca
- Lafont
- Le Laboureur
- Mont Saint Michel
- New York Times
Locations
- France
- New York
- United States
- London