Hey there, fashion friend! If you‘ve been anywhere near a city in the last few years, you‘ve undoubtedly seen Carhartt‘s recognizable tan and black label popping up all over the place. Once reserved for construction sites and factory floors, this legendary workwear brand has officially gone mainstream.
As a lifelong Carhartt fan myself, I‘m excited to bring you the inside scoop on what makes this rugged label so dang popular, which Carhartt items are actually worth your hard-earned cash, and why Carhartt definitely deserves a spot in your cool-weather rotation. So slip into your comfiest pair of Carhartts and let‘s dive in!
What is Carhartt?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty product reviews, let‘s start with a quick Carhartt crash course for those who aren‘t familiar with the brand‘s impressive history.
Carhartt was founded way back in 1889 (that‘s over 130 years ago!) with the goal of making high-quality, affordable workwear for railroad laborers. The company quickly became known for its durable duck canvas and denim fabrics, which were water-repellent and held up to serious wear and tear.
Over the decades, Carhartt expanded its product offerings and became the go-to uniform for workers in tons of tough industries like farming, manufacturing, and construction. The brand prides itself on making gear that lasts forever, rarely goes on sale, and never goes out of style.
Then, in the 1980s and 90s, something cool started happening. Rappers and other celebrities began wearing oversized Carhartt jackets as a subversive fashion statement. The brand spread through hip-hop culture and eventually hit the mainstream, spotted on everyone from Kanye West to A$AP Rocky to Rihanna.
That brings us to today, when Carhartt has managed to maintain its authentic workwear roots while also becoming a certified streetwear staple. The brand now releases a fashion-forward Work In Progress (WIP) line in addition to its classic offerings. But no matter which Carhartt item you choose, you can count on rugged materials, functional designs, and an effortlessly cool look.
By the Numbers: Carhartt‘s Impressive Figures
To give you a sense of just how popular Carhartt has become, check out these eye-popping statistics:
| Carhartt Fun Facts | Stats |
|---|---|
| Year Carhartt was founded | 1889 |
| Number of employees | 5,400 |
| Countries Carhartt is sold in | 45+ |
| Instagram followers | 4.3 million |
| Percentage of products Made in USA | 70% |
Pretty incredible, right? Few brands have maintained that level of success and relevance for over a century. Carhartt has not only survived but thrived by sticking to its values of craftsmanship, durability, and authenticity.
My Favorite Carhartt Items: A Fashionista‘s Picks
As a certified Carhartt addict, I‘ve personally tested just about every item the brand makes. While it‘s hard to narrow it down, here are my all-time favorite Carhartt products that I recommend to friends again and again.
1. Carhartt Beanie
If you only buy one Carhartt accessory, make it the Acrylic Watch Hat. This stretchy, ribbed-knit beanie is practically indestructible and keeps your noggin toasty without adding bulk.
I‘ve owned my Carhartt beanie for probably a decade now and it barely looks broken in. The cuffed design stays comfortably snug as you move around, making it perfect for outdoor activities like shoveling snow or walking the dog.
The Carhartt beanie comes in a great range of neutral colors (my personal pick is the "Black") and has an unisex fit that works for just about everyone. For under $20, you‘ll be hard-pressed to find a better, longer-lasting winter hat out there. No wonder it‘s a true cult favorite.
2. Carhartt Chore Coat
For a light outer layer you‘ll reach for all year round, you can‘t beat the Carhartt Duck Chore Coat (also known as the Detroit Jacket). This unlined, semi-fitted jacket hits at the hip and features a zip front, snap-flap chest pockets, and adjustable cuffs.
Made from Carhartt‘s signature duck canvas, it breaks in beautifully over time and is surprisingly durable for how lightweight it feels. The WIP version has a more tailored, fashion-forward fit than the classic style – great for my fellow XS folks who are sick of swimming in oversized jackets.
I love throwing on my Chore Coat over a tee or hoodie for running errands around the city. It cuts the chill without making me feel restricted, and I always get compliments on it! If you‘re only going to splurge on one Carhartt jacket, this is my number one pick.
3. Carhartt Overalls
I‘d be remiss to write a Carhartt review without covering the brand‘s most recognizable product: overalls! Carhartt makes some of the best workwear-inspired bibs and overalls on the market, with options for both men and women.
The men‘s version is the Duck Bib Overall, made from the same tough cotton canvas as the Chore Coat. It has a relaxed, roomy fit and tons of utility pockets for storing tools and knickknacks. I actually sized down for a slightly slimmer look.
For gals, I‘m a huge fan of Carhartt‘s Crawford Double Front Bib Overalls. They offer that classic Carhartt durability but with a more feminine fit. The stretch panels on the sides make them super comfy, and I love the brass hardware.
Both of these overalls looks awesome with a simple tee or turtleneck underneath. Throw on some DIY patches and you‘ve got a very on-trend streetwear ‘fit. Plus, the rugged fabric and reinforced seams are made to last a lifetime.
4. Carhartt WIP Backpack
Okay, one last pick for my fellow accessory lovers out there: the Carhartt WIP Kickflip Backpack. This water-repellent nylon bag has a sleek, minimalist design but is loaded with smart features like a padded laptop sleeve, interior organizers, and ergonomic shoulder straps.
I‘ve put my Kickflip Backpack through the wringer on countless trips and commutes and it still looks practically new. It‘s big enough to hold all my daily essentials (laptop, camera, makeup bag, etc.) without feeling bulky.
This backpack is a streetwear staple for both men and women. It comes in a great range of colors, from basic black to fun seasonal hues. And for under $150, it‘s an incredible value compared to designer bags with similar features. If you‘re looking for a stylish yet practical everyday pack, definitely check out this one from Carhartt WIP.
Carhartt vs. The Competition
Of course, Carhartt isn‘t the only brand out there making rugged workwear and streetwear staples. Let‘s see how Carhartt stacks up against some of its main competitors:
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Dickies: Dickies is another heritage workwear brand that‘s recently been adopted by the fashion crowd. Like Carhartt, Dickies is known for its boxy fits, reasonable prices, and durable fabrics. However, I‘ve found that Dickies pants and jackets are slightly lighter weight and have a more uniform look than Carhartt‘s. If you want gear that can really take a beating, Carhartt is the way to go.
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Filson: If Carhartt is the tough older brother, Filson is the sophisticated college grad. This Seattle-based brand also makes heavy-duty outerwear and bags, but with a preppier, more upscale vibe. Filson waxed jackets and tincloth bags are legendary for their weather resistance and longevity. That said, Filson goods are significantly pricier than Carhartts.
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Patagonia: For outdoorsy types, Patagonia is another go-to for durable yet stylish gear. I‘m a big fan of Patagonia‘s Workwear line, which includes great duck canvas jackets and double-knee work pants. However, Patagonia definitely has more of a granola, eco-conscious ethos compared to Carhartt‘s rough-and-tumble DNA. Both are great quality, just depends on your personal style!
At the end of the day, all of these brands deliver reliable, well-made goods for folks who like a rugged aesthetic. But for me, Carhartt will always be the OG workwear label that does it best. They‘ve been perfecting their fabrics and designs for over a century, and it shows in the quality of every item.
Carhartt‘s Celebrity Following
You know a brand has reached peak coolness when the celebs start wearing it. Over the past few years, Carhartt WIP has become a legit fashion craze among some of the most stylish stars out there.
Rapper Tyler the Creator is rarely spotted without his trusty Carhartt beanie. Rihanna paired a baggy Carhartt chore coat with Prada boots in a much-buzzed-about street style look. Bella Hadid, Kaia Gerber, and Hailey Bieber have all rocked Carhartt beanies and jackets on their off-duty days.
And it‘s not just an A-list thing – Carhartt is a true cool kid staple. Spend an afternoon people watching in Bushwick or Silver Lake and you‘re bound to see tons of edgy types in Carhartt beanies, oversized work jackets, canvas overalls, and logo tees.
Carhartt has also done some very cool collabs with hip brands like Converse, Junya Watanabe, and A.P.C. These limited edition pieces often sell out immediately and go on to be resale gold. So if you see a Carhartt collab you like, my advice is to scoop it up fast!
From the streets to the ‘gram, it‘s clear that Carhartt is having a major fashion moment right now. But given the brand‘s timeless appeal, I have a feeling Carhartt‘s reign at the top is far from over.
FAQs on All Things Carhartt
Before we wrap up, I want to address some of the most common questions I get about Carhartt. If you‘re a newbie to the brand, this should help you shop smarter and avoid any potential pitfalls!
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Does Carhartt run true to size? In my experience, most Carhartt tops (like jackets and flannels) run quite large and long. If you‘re between sizes or prefer a slimmer fit, I‘d recommend sizing down. Bottoms are more true to size, but keep in mind that most Carhartt pants are cut roomy for ease of movement.
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Why is Carhartt so expensive? I get this one a lot. Yes, Carhartt gear is pricier than what you‘ll find at the mall. But consider the fact that most Carhartt items are built to last for decades, not just a season or two. You‘re paying for premium, heavyweight fabrics and reinforced construction that can stand up to daily wear and tear. Trust me, Carhartts are worth the investment!
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What is Carhartt WIP? Carhartt WIP stands for "Work In Progress" – it‘s the fashion-forward, European-designed counterpart to Carhartt‘s original workwear line. WIP pieces generally have a slimmer, more tailored fit and trendier details compared to the classic Carhartts. Both are great quality, just depends on your style!
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Is Carhartt a sustainable brand? While Carhartt isn‘t the most eco-friendly label out there, they‘ve made some solid strides in sustainability lately. Many of their fabrics are now organic or recycled, and they have a program for repairing and recycling old gear. Plus, the fact that Carhartt items last forever means less clothing waste over time!
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Can Carhartt be tailored? Absolutely! It‘s very common for folks to get their Carhartt jackets and pants tailored for a custom fit. Just keep in mind that Carhartt fabrics are very thick, so it‘s best to go to a skilled tailor who has experience with heavy duty garments. Tapering the legs on your Carhartt pants is an easy way to get a more modern look.
The Final Verdict on Carhartt
Folks, we‘ve reached the end of my epic Carhartt deep-dive and I think it‘s pretty clear where I stand on this brand. Whether you‘re a hardcore Carhartt stan like me or this is your first foray into workwear, I‘m confident you‘ll be stoked with any Carhartt piece you choose.
The rugged construction, timeless designs, and reasonable price points simply can‘t be beat. No matter what the trends are, I know I‘ll always reach for my trusty Carhartts on those cool fall days. And judging by the brand‘s ever-growing popularity, something tells me workwear is here to stay.
The only downside I‘ve found to Carhartt pieces is that some of the burlier outerwear can be a bit stiff when you first get it. But trust me, after a few wears it breaks in like a dream and only gets comfier with time. Carhartt also has a few lighter weight options if you‘re looking for a less intense fabric.
I hope this Carhartt review has answered all your burning questions and inspired you to give this legendary American brand a shot. From beanies to boots to bombers, Carhartt truly is a one-stop-shop for some of the coolest, most well-crafted gear on the market.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a Carhartts item for yourself and join the ranks of fashionistas, working folks, and cool guys worldwide who rely on this tried-and-true label. And be sure to tag me in your ‘fit pics – I love seeing how you all style your Carhartts!
Stay stylish!
