1889
Carhartt, Inc. is founded by Hamilton Carhartt. The first factory is in Dearborn, Michigan where Carhartt create high quality work clothing for manual laborers.
1910
Carhartt had grown from two sewing machines to mills in both South Carolina as well as Georgia. They also created sewing facilities in Atlanta, Detroit, Dallas and San Francisco. Expansion leads the company overseas with factories in Ontario, Toronto, Vancouver and Liverpool followed shortly by a Paris facility and a New York office & warehouse.
1914
During the first world war, Carhartt offers their facilities to create uniforms for the United States military.
1917
One of the most famous and popular products from Carhartt is first made, known as simply the “Coat”or “Engineer Sack Coat”. The design of the coat has remained very similar to the present day.
1929
During the stock market collapse which affects many business across the country, Carhartt considers closing their doors for good. Through all the challenges, Hamilton and hissons push forward through the Great Depression and shows its solidarity for workers rights.
1937
Following the death of Hamilton Carhartt, his son, Wylie, becomes official president of the company. Wylie is a key figure in the “Back to the Land” program which results in openings in rural Kentucky. To this day, four Kentucky sewing and cutting facilities exist and the original factory which was completed in 1932 stands as an operations center for their supply chain.
1939
At the beginning of the second world war Carhartt produces coveralls for soldiers and army personnel as well as jungle suits for Marines in the Pacific, and workwear for women on the home front.
1959
Wylie’s daughter, Gretchen Carhartt, marries Robert Valade who then assumed leadership of the company.
1972
Robert Valade wastes no time in expanding the company, changing the brand forever. Forming a nucleus that changes the face of Carhartt completely, the brand obtains a modern production facility and starts producing private-label goods for the likes of Sears, J.C. Penney and Montgomery Ward.
1975
Carhartt releases the Active jac, which remains the brand’s top selling jacket today. The heavy duty hooded jacket, grown and grown in popularity in the years since its initial release.
1979
During the 1970s, Carhartt supplied huge orders for the construction of the Alaska Pipeline. By showing its products were able to survive and thrive in the worst conditions, it becomes the go to supplier for many workers.
1988
The rise of Carhartt’s popularity outside the blue-collar trades grows significantly in the 70s and 80s with a rise in sales and production. A crossover into mainstream fashion sees popular hip-hop artists wearing the brand, helping it to reach new groups of customers.
1989
Expansion into Europe leads to the creation of Carhartt Work In Progress (WIP) label. This label is targeted towards consumers in both Europe and Asia. All designs stay true to Carhartt’s brand DNA and tell a story of their history.
1990
Carhartt has total sales of around $92million.
1991
Carhartt decides to display its outdoor working jacket at New York fashion show for the very first time.
1992
Following on from impressive sales figures, Carhartt reveals that it is selling more than two million jackets per year
1996
Hamilton’s great-grandson, Mark Valade becomes the president of Carhartt. He again, like his predecessor, wastes no time in getting things done. With the establishment of European operations and technological advancements in the internet, Valade brings the company forward into the global era. Carhartt launch dozens of retail stores along with a full line of women’s products followed shortly after by very popular flame resistant garments.New technologies are also introduced, including Quick Duck, Storm Defender, Rain defender, Carhartt Force and Carhartt Force Extremes.
1997
Carhartt WIP releases its own product range which was adapted to meet the demands of the urban environment. The core values of quality, durability and comfort are maintained when re-working the range, while fits are updated to appeal to European streetwear consumers.
2001
Carhartt forms an in-house record label called Combination Records, after having already been involved in the music scene for a number of years. The label eventually morphs into Carhartt Music, a division of the company dedicated to supporting new and emerging artists that appeal to subcultures relating to streetwear.
2006
The Carhartt 2006 capsule collection with BAPE (A Bathing Ape) releases featuring hoodies, jackets, parkas, caps and even vests. Carhartt WIP is still relatively new at this stage and the collaboration with BAPE elevates the company with fashion icon Takashi Murakami being seen in various pieces.
2008
Carhartt collaborate with Vans to release special editions of the skate brand’s Chukka and Half Cab models. The two companies will collaborate on a regular basis over the coming years.
2009
The first standalone Carhartt concept retail store opens in Portland, Oregon.
2011
Carhartt opens a new store in Seoul, Korea with a space for music, food and Carhartt clothing.
2013
The A.P.C. x Carhartt WIP collab launches. Carhartt WIP Radio also debuts on iTunes, bringing new and emerging artists to listeners, some of which are supported by Carhartt WIP as part of its long-running commitment to helping new musicians.
2014
Carhartt WIP teams up with Neighborhood to drop the Panther Print collection and also collaborates with Vans on special editions of the footwear brand’s Era model. A slightly off the wall collaboration with Italian brand Bialetti sees a special Carhartt WIP version of the iconic Moka Express coffee maker release. A new flagship store also opens in Beijing as Carhartt WIP’s popularity increases in China.
2015
Carhartt WIP launches a collection in collaboration with media brand Highsnobiety, and also teams up with streetwear giants Stussy to drop a collection in celebration of Carhartt WIP’s 25th anniversary. A separate “25 years In Progress” collection also releases.
2016
Amsterdam’s Patta label releases a collaboration with Carhartt WIP for Autumn/Winter, appealing to streetwear fanatics everywhere. Carhartt WIP’s pro-skateboard team visit Seoul, South Korea to highlight the city’s futuristic architecture, while the brand also opens a new store in London’s Soho.
2017
Collaborating with a number of brands, Carhartt WIP releases capsule collections created in partnership with the likes of Mo’design, Slam Jam, mastermind Japan, Junya Watanbe, Gaika and Converse. The brand also opens a new flagship store in New York’s SoHo.
2018
Carhartt WIP collaborates with Nike to release the Carhartt WIP x Nike collection, consisting of Air Force 1, Air Max 95 and Vandal High models using signature Carhartt materials and detailing. This year also sees Carhartt collaborating with Trojan Records, dropping a capsule collection to celebrate the music label’s 50th anniversary.
2019
A collaboration between Converse and Carhartt WIP sees the launch of the special edition Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star 70 Gore Tex pack which includes the classic sneaker produced in waterproof fabric. Later the brands collaborate on special edition Chuck 70s which feature Carhartt WIP branding on the tongue and military influenced colourways.
2020
Continuing their collaboration, Converse and Carhartt WIP release the Renew Chuck 70, a version of the classic basketball sneaker made from upcycled vintage Carhartt workwear. The brands also drop two Chuck 70 Low models in Carhartt WIPs Camo and Hamilton Brown colourways.
Another collab sees Carhartt WIP working with Awake NY for reworked versions of classic Carhartt pieces in bold colours, while Carhartt also introduces Gore-Tex Infinium fabric to its range for lightweight, breathable and waterproof jackets.
As the covid pandemic unfolds, Carhartt WIP drops an ‘Everything Is Awful’ campaign which includes t-shirts and drinkware to use at home. Other collections see the brand embrace classic fabrics such as corduroy and wool for a cosy yet premium look, while a collab with Japanese label WACKO MARIA delivers punk inspired Carhartt WIP garments that include all over leopard print and embroidered pieces.
2021
Carhartt WIP releases a limited edition version of its classic chore coat made in premium black leather, while for Spring/Summer the brand takes inspiration from the great outdoors and archive pieces used by mountain climbers. Carhartt collaborates with Helinox to create versions of the outdoor gear brand’s camping chair and table in Carhartt WIP camo fabric.
Teaming up with the charity Clothes For Progress (C4P), Carhartt WIP releases a ‘Uniform For Change’ collection to raise funds and awareness around social injustice in the black community, while also working with brands including Bodega, Awake NY and Pleasures to drop a co-branded hoodie to raise funds to help combat Asian focused racism.
The partnership with Converse continues with brown camo and nature inspired Hinterland models, while Carhartt WIP also teams up with Swedish eyewear brand Sun Buddies to release a range of sunglasses. Carhartt supports the exhibitions of artists Lucas Price and Alfie Kungu, and releases colab collections with both the Boston based retailer Bodega and Berlin skate shop Civilist.
2022
Carhartt WIP introduces deconstructed and reworked classics in new material combinations and colours for spring/summer, as well as military inspired pieces that showcase a new camo pattern. The brand also takes inspiration from Scandi minimalism and Baroque tapestries for a collection offering rich colourways and some great detailing.
Working with New Balance for the first time, a Carhartt edition of the iconic 990v1 is released as part of a much anticipated pack that includes Carhartt x New Balance apparel and accessories. A collaboration with London based studio Toogood sees a collection of oversized and reimagined versions of classic Carhartt garments release, while a collab with Solomon results in a special version of the footwear brand’s CSWP Shelter hiking boot.
Other collabs this year include Carhartt WIP x Small Talk Sudio for a capsule collection that showcases the art of embroidery, and Carhartt WIP x Kunichi Nomura which delivers a range of relaxed fit suits that combine more traditional tailoring with Carhartt fabrics and design elements. Carhartt WIP also releases a full length film ‘Inside Out’ that celebrates the skateboarding community, while dropping a three way collaborative collection with Patta and Awake NY.
2023
Carhartt WIP drops a fresh look on classic pieces for spring including jackets in bold colourways, with denim and blue shades used extensively. Inspiration also comes from the outdoors with a trail-ready collection in more muted and earthy tones. Autumn/winter continues the trail theme with an exploration inspired ‘Tour’ collection, while Carhartt WIP signature pieces are also reworked with new looser fits and worn-look finishes. Meanwhile, new Carhartt WIP flagship stores open in Barcelona and Hamburg.
The well received Carhartt WIP x New Balance collaboration continues with a special edition of the sneaker NB 990v6. Inspired by both brands’ focus on functional design, the grey and Hamilton Brown sneaker sells out immediately. Another highly anticipated collab drops; Marni x Carhartt WIP sees a range of pieces that blend heritage colourways, premium fabrics and unique designs. Carhartt WIP also collaborates with luxury Japanese label Sacai to release special editions of garments such as the MA-1 bomber jacket. The collab leads to a more extensive Sacai x Carhartt WIP collection to follow later in the year.
Other projects include a collaboration with Liberty that combines Carhartt WIP silhouettes with the London store’s famous fabric patterns, and a Carhartt WIP x Awake NY capsule range. Carhartt also works with skate brand Palace on a range of co-branded Carhartt WIP staples in new colourways.
2024
Combining outdoor and military inspiration, Carhartt WIP’s Field Craft collection is released for spring/summer offering a range of classic pieces in contemporary colourways and fabrics. The theme continues for autumn, with fresh collegiate inspired jackets launching along with a clean and pared back take on traditional Carhartt WIP silhouettes. The brand opens a new flagship store in Bangkok and reopens its Le Marais store in Paris.
Another collaboration with Converse is released; the Carhartt WIP x Converse CONS pack includes dual branded Chuck Taylor Pro and One Star models in exclusive brown and tan colourways. Elsewhere, Carhartt WIP collaborates with SUBU to release a special version of the Japanese footwear brand’s insulated sandal in Hamilton Brown cordura fabric.
The Sacai x Carhartt WIP collaboration continues with a new collection that blends both brand’s signature fabrics and design detailing with new construction methods and silhouettes. Meanwhile, Carhartt WIP continues its release of films about skateboard culture with ‘Precious’.
About Carhartt
From creation in 1889, Hamilton and the following generations established in Carhartt a brand that has fought through dark times emerged as a winner, time and time again. A classic piece of America, Carhartt has been outfitting US workers for decades.
Carhartt WIP takes the authentic workwear roots of its parent label and adds a distinctive contemporary urban flavour. Often considered one of the original streetwear brands, Carhartt WIP not only releases fresh takes on classic utility inspired pieces every season, but has ingrained itself into a range of subcultures ranging from music and art to skateboarding and activism, providing support to many talented individuals along the way.
Carhartt WIP continues to innovate through its core collections and via collaboration with other brands. The Carhartt WIP label goes from strength to strength, and it's not hard to see why it has developed such a strong following of loyal fans.
