How Workwear Jackets Became a Symbol of the Petite Bourgeoisie

Before I start a shift at my retail job, I have to put on a company-issued navy-blue “shacket.” Like the portmanteau suggests, my uniform is a combination of a “shirt” and a “jacket.” But despite the linguistic front, it isn’t a new garment; it’s a rebranded version of the French workman jacket (the same sheath worn by Bill Cunningham, a self-identified slob, and French street cleaners before him). It’s blue-collar garb for a pink-collar job. Whenever I punch in, I catch sight of the detailed dress code taped above the time clock: a list of 18 rules (one … Full Story at Fashion Magazine…