Vintage French Workwear Jacket - XL

Brand: Molinel
Category: French Chore Coat / Work Jacket
Size: XL
Pit to Pit: 23.5"
Length: 25.5
Colour: Grey
Condition: Pre-owned item in loose condition, so signs of wear may be present. Please check photos carefully.

A classic vintage Molinel French chore coat finished in a versatile grey colourway. Dating from approximately the late 1990s to early 2000s, this piece comes from one of France's best-known workwear manufacturers and embodies the timeless utility-focused design that has made French workwear highly sought after worldwide.

Founded in 1845, Molinel has been producing durable garments for French workers for well over a century, supplying industries ranging from manufacturing and engineering to construction and transport. Their reputation was built on producing hard-wearing, practical clothing capable of standing up to demanding working environments while maintaining comfort and functionality.

This jacket features the traditional chore coat silhouette with concealed front fastening, multiple utility pockets, and durable cotton twill construction throughout. The subtle yellow Molinel branding on the collar and chest pocket adds an authentic touch while remaining understated, allowing the clean design and quality construction to speak for themselves.

French chore coats first became standard issue for mechanics, craftsmen, railway workers, and factory employees throughout France during the early 20th century. Their practical pocket layout, comfortable fit, and durable fabric made them essential workwear, while their simple design has since influenced countless modern brands including Carhartt WIP, Universal Works, A.P.C., Engineered Garments, and Drake's.

This example retains all the details collectors and workwear enthusiasts look for, including its authentic French manufacture, concealed placket design, practical pocket arrangement, and clean industrial aesthetic. The neutral grey colourway offers a slightly more understated alternative to the classic French blue, making it incredibly easy to style with denim, cargos, fatigues, or contemporary streetwear pieces.

Original French workwear continues to grow in popularity as genuine examples become increasingly difficult to source. Whether worn oversized for a relaxed modern fit or incorporated into a heritage-inspired wardrobe, this is a timeless piece with genuine European workwear heritage.

We aim to get your vintage pieces to you quickly, safely, and in great condition.

Processing Time - Orders are packed and dispatched within 1–2 working days.

You'll receive a confirmation email with tracking info as soon as your order ships.

UK Shipping - Standard Shipping (Royal Mail or Evri): 2–4 working days Flat rate: £5

International Shipping - At the moment, we only ship within the UK — but we’re working on expanding! Stay tuned via our socials or sign up to our mailing list for updates.

Packaging - We use minimal, eco-conscious packaging where possible - your order will arrive safely, without the waste.

Lost or Delayed Parcels - If your parcel hasn’t arrived within 7 working days (UK), drop us an email at rustandthread25@gmail.com and we’ll help track it down. Rust and Thread is not responsible for delivery delays caused by the courier, but we’ll always do what we can to make it right.

Questions? Reach out anytime at rustandthread25@gmail.com or via contact form - we’re happy to help.

We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.

To start a return, you can contact us at rustandthread25@gmail.com.

If your return is accepted, we’ll send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.

You can always contact us for any return question at rustandthread25@gmail.com.

Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on sale items or gift cards.

Exchanges
The fastest way to ensure you get what you want is to return the item you have, and once the return is accepted, make a separate purchase for the new item.

Refunds
We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method within 10 business days. Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too.
If more than 15 business days have passed since we’ve approved your return, please contact us at rustandthread25@gmail.com.