Carhartt makes some of the toughest work clothes on the planet, and it has done so for more than 135 years. The brand started in a small Detroit loft in 1889 and grew into a name trusted by railroad crews, construction workers, farmers, and, more recently, fashion lovers around the world. If you want to understand why Carhartt jackets last for years, how the brand jumped from job sites to hip-hop videos, and which pieces are worth buying, this guide covers it all.
By the end, you’ll know Carhartt’s real history, its best-selling products, the story behind Carhartt WIP, and the values that keep this brand relevant. Let’s get into it.
Carhartt is a symbol of durability and authenticity, bridging rugged workwear with timeless street style.
How Carhartt Started and Grew
Carhartt began with one simple goal: to make durable clothes for hardworking people. The first products were overalls for railroad workers, designed to handle the toughest jobs. Carhartt listened to workers and made clothes that were strong, comfortable, and useful, ensuring that they lasted through long hours on the job.
During the Great Depression, Carhartt struggled, like many businesses at the time. But instead of giving up, the company kept going and found new ways to stay relevant. During World War II, Carhartt helped the war effort by making clothes for U.S. soldiers. This helped the company grow again and cemented its reputation for high-quality, durable workwear.
Today, Carhartt is still family-owned and continues to focus on using strong materials and making products in the U.S. whenever possible. The company now serves a wider audience, from workers to fashion lovers, and even celebrities have been seen wearing Carhartt gear.
Carhartt’s Most Popular Products
Carhartt is famous for its heavy-duty work jackets, which are made from thick canvas and have strong stitching. These jackets keep workers warm and protected in rough conditions. But jackets aren’t the only thing Carhartt is known for—the brand offers a wide range of clothing and accessories designed for durability and comfort.
Carhartt’s Best-Selling Items:
Carhartt Rugged Flex Waterproof Work Boot FF6013-M
Price: $119.99
Carhartt Acrylic Watch Hat – A18
Price: $19.99
Carhartt Armstrong Jacket 103370
Price: $109.99
Carhartt J162 Shoreline Jacket
Price: $129.99
Carhartt Kentwood Steel Toe Work Boot FK7200-M
Price: $139.99
In 2007, Carhartt launched a women’s line, ensuring that female workers and fashion enthusiasts could also enjoy the brand’s high-quality clothing. Carhartt’s ability to adapt and expand has kept it at the top of the workwear industry.
Carhartt WIP: A New Style for a New Crowd
Carhartt Work In Progress (WIP) started in Europe in 1994. It was created for people who loved Carhartt’s rugged style but weren’t necessarily workers. WIP designs are popular in skateboarding, hip-hop, and street fashion, helping Carhartt reach an even wider audience.
Carhartt WIP has teamed up with famous brands like A Bathing Ape, A.P.C., and Comme des Garçons. These partnerships helped make Carhartt WIP a big name in streetwear, alongside brands like Stüssy and Supreme. Unlike traditional Carhartt workwear, WIP pieces focus more on fashion, offering slimmer fits and modern designs while maintaining Carhartt’s tough, high-quality materials.
Carhartt’s Commitment to Quality and Community
Even though Carhartt is a big name now, it’s still a family-owned business that values hard work and high standards. The company supports American manufacturing by buying millions of pounds of cotton from U.S. farmers and working with domestic suppliers. When Carhartt does use overseas factories, it ensures that they meet ethical labor standards and fair working conditions.
Carhartt also gives back to the community. It partners with organizations like the National FFA Organization and Helmets to Hardhats, supporting workers and students in trade industries. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Carhartt even switched production to make personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers and first responders. This dedication to giving back shows that Carhartt isn’t just about selling clothes—it’s about supporting hardworking people everywhere.
Carhartt’s Influence on Pop Culture
Carhartt isn’t just for workers anymore—it’s part of pop culture. In the 1990s, hip-hop artists started wearing Carhartt, and Tommy Boy Records even customized Carhartt jackets for its artists. The brand’s reputation for being tough and authentic made it popular in the music scene, and soon, more people outside of labor industries started wearing Carhartt.
Today, Carhartt clothing appears in movies and TV shows like Interstellar, Luke Cage, and Yellowstone. Even celebrities and politicians have been seen wearing Carhartt, proving how much the brand represents toughness and authenticity. Many politicians wear Carhartt to connect with working-class voters, further showing its influence on American culture.
Conclusion: Why Carhartt Stands the Test of Time
Carhartt has stayed popular for over a century because it never changed its core values: durability, quality, and authenticity. Whether worn on a job site, in the city, or on the big screen, Carhartt continues to be a symbol of strength and reliability.
Carhartt isn’t just a brand—it’s a statement. It represents hard work, determination, and quality that lasts. Whether you need clothes for tough jobs or just want something stylish and durable, Carhartt delivers. As the company continues to grow, one thing stays the same: it’s always “True to This.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Carhartt
When was Carhartt founded?
Carhartt was founded in 1889 by Hamilton Carhartt in Detroit, Michigan. It began by making bib overalls for railroad workers.
Is Carhartt still family-owned?
Carhartt remains family-influenced. Mark Valade, Hamilton Carhartt’s great-grandson, serves as Executive Chairman, while Linda Hubbard became CEO in 2024 as the first non-family leader in that role.
What is the difference between Carhartt and Carhartt WIP?
Carhartt makes rugged workwear built for job sites. Carhartt WIP (Work In Progress), founded in 1994 by Edwin Faeh, is a streetwear-focused line with slimmer fits, modern designs, and cultural collaborations, while using the same high-quality materials.
What are Carhartt’s best-selling products?
Popular picks include the Rugged Flex Waterproof Work Boot, the Armstrong Jacket, the Shoreline Jacket, the Kentwood Steel Toe Work Boot, and the classic Acrylic Watch Hat.
Is Carhartt made in the USA?
Carhartt operates three U.S. manufacturing facilities and produces select Made in the USA products. It also sources cotton from American farmers and supports domestic suppliers.
Is Carhartt a sustainable brand?
In 2026, Carhartt became a Certified B Corporation™, a recognition of its standards across its associates, communities, and the environment.
