Vintage work jackets gain popularity in Korea

[Courtest of OUTSTANDING]

The classic work jacket style worn by European laborers in the 1950s and 1960s is experiencing a resurgence in popularity in South Korea and is being embraced as fashion statement in vintage casual wear.

The appeal lies in its vintage charm, coupled with the natural, effortless style that resonates well with men. Work jackets, particularly among the millennial generation, are set to trend this spring with various new releases hitting the market, according to market watchers.

Barbour‘s Waxed Jackets

According to fashion platform Musinsa, the online search volume for work jackets increased by 90 percent in 2022 versus 2021 and further spiked by 160 percent from 2022 to 2023. Notably, from January to February 21st, 2024, the search volume surged by 1,090 percent compared to the same period during the previous year, indicating a growing interest in these jackets.

The prominent products in this trend are work jackets made from denim and cotton that emphasize the vintage allure. Some feature functional enhancements, such as water and wind resistance, by using materials such as nylon.

Many of these jackets emphasize practicality with an array of differently sized pockets and a moderate thickness that makes them ideal for spring and fall layering.

Popular international brands for work jackets in the local market include Carhartt, Le Mont St Michel, and Barbour. Korean brands that are gaining attention include Pottery, ESPIONAGE, La Fudge Store, and OUTSTANDING.

Le Mont St Michel‘s flagship store in Hannam-dong

Le Mont St Michel, a French casual brand with a century-long history, made its exclusive debut in Korea in 2023 via BABA FASHION, and opened a flagship store in Hannam-dong, Seoul, in November of that year.