Carhartt

The Origins (1889 – Detroit Grit)

It all started in 1889, when Hamilton Carhartt founded Carhartt Inc. in Detroit, Michigan.

Armed with just two sewing machines and five workers, he set out to make durable overalls for railroad workers — people who needed clothes that could survive sparks, oil, and long hours on the tracks.

The company’s first motto was:

“Honest value for an honest dollar.”

He developed the brand’s signature “duck canvas” and heavy denim — tough, water-resistant materials that made Carhartt gear nearly indestructible.

 

Early Growth & the American Worker (1900s–1940s)

By the early 1900s, Carhartt had become a staple among railroaders, farmers, and factory workers.

They expanded with factories in Atlanta, Dallas, San Francisco, and Liverpool, and even made Carhartt workwear for women during WWI and WWII.

Carhartt’s rugged reputation grew alongside the industrial boom of America — it became synonymous with real laborand no-nonsense craftsmanship.

 

Mid-Century: The Workwear Standard (1950s–1970s)

Through the mid-20th century, Carhartt quietly kept doing what it did best — outfitting construction crews, ranchers, miners, and mechanics.

They were known for:

  • Triple-stitched seams
  • Reinforced pockets
  • The classic “brown duck” color
  • And that Detroit Jacket, which became iconic

Carhartt became the unofficial uniform of the American working class.

 

Streetwear Takeover (1980s–1990s)

In the 1980s, Carhartt’s rugged jackets and work pants started showing up on New York City streets, worn by graffiti artists, skaters, and rappers.

What was meant for construction sites became a badge of authenticity and rebellion.

By the 1990s, artists like Tupac, Dr. Dre, and Nas were rocking Carhartt gear — especially those Detroit jackets, beanies, and dungarees.

The brand’s simplicity and durability made it cool without trying to be cool.

Around the same time, the European branch — Carhartt WIP (Work In Progress) — was launched in 1994 by Edwin Faeh.

Carhartt WIP took the rugged American roots and reimagined them for streetwear:

  • Slimmer fits
  • Collaborations with artists and designers