CARHARTT WIP
ESTABLISHED
1889
HEADQUARTERS
Dearborn, Michigan, USA
FOUNDER
Hamilton Carhartt
CEO
Mark Valade (1998-present)
REVENUE
$1 billion (Carharrt)
ABOUT
Founded in Michigan in the late 19th century, Carhartt focused on making practical clothing for manual laborers and workers – particularly on the need for industrious workers to have durable and strong clothing.
Designing a wide range of outerwear such as jackets, coats and boots, Carhartt also specializes in footwear and accessories such as aprons, bags and hats. Although downsizing during the Great Depression, Carhartt expanded again after World War II to Canada, the United Kingdom and beyond – evolving its trademark to be the extended durability of its clothing, material resistant to water, flame and abrasions, and heavy-duty threads.
Carhartt products can most commonly be seen today on industrious sites such as construction and farms.
WHAT DOES CARHARTT WIP MEAN?
WIP stands for work in progress, and Carhartt WIP offers a refined and reimagined interpretation of its classic American heritage. WIP was initially launched and distributed in the 1990s with selected versions of original garments tailored specifically for a European market, offering a tailored refining of classics such as slim-fit trousers, overalls and hoodies.
Carhartt WIP’s principle function is thus to allow for a modernized aesthetic that establishes a more expansive and progressive outlook on contemporary men’s fashion while emphasizing its distinct, American heritage.
IS CARHARTT WATERPROOF?
Carhartt makes sure to clearly define the difference between its water-resistant and waterproof articles. The water-resistant articles of clothing hold really well against water, beading up moisture before it rolls off the material of the article of clothing – particularly articles of clothing such as the Rain Defender, that retain a 70% strength after being washed over 20 times.
Nonetheless, water-resistant clothing by Carhartt is not designed to be fully submergible. On the other hand, waterproof articles by Carhartt are totally waterproof – allowing for sweat to escape through a breathable membrane while keeping you fully protected against water.
WHAT ARE CARHARTT JACKETS MADE OF AND HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?
There are a number of different materials used by Carhartt for their articles of clothing, constructed from very durable outer fabrics. This includes cotton canvas (lightweight 9-ounce, 100% cotton canvas), cotton duck (heavy-weight, 12-ounce, 100% cotton duck) and 8-ounce, 100% cotton white drill.
Due to their expert construction and the material used, Carhartt jackets are said to have lifelong durability, such as the J133 Carhartt Men’s Extremes Active Jac with Artic-Quilt lining – that has a warm insulation lining, is water-repellent, blocks wind, has ribbed cuffs and an attached hood.
CAN YOU WASH CARHARTT OVERALLS?
For duck, bib and canvas overalls, the recommendation is to not use bleach when washing them, warm water for the first two and cold water for the last and tumble dry on medium heat for all.
In order to break them in, you should wash your overalls a few times along the recommended guidelines but do not use any bleach or fabric softener that could have the potential to damage the material integrity of the article of clothing.
WHERE CAN I BUY CARHARTT WIP?
1889
Under the motto “honest value for an honest dollar,” the Carhartt bib overalls were created and they quickly involved into the standard for quality workwear.
1910
Carhartt expands to include mills in the southern USA and on the west coast, in addition to Ontario, Toronto, Vancouver (CA) and Liverpool (UK).
1929
The Great Depression brought with it widescale financial consequences that drastically affected Carhartt too, meaning that the company reduced its productions but still remained open and fought for workers’ rights.
1937
Hamilton passes away, and Wylie Carhartt becomes president of the company – creating the ‘Back to the Land’ programme that includes the opening of sewing and cutting facilities operating in Kentucky and Tennessee to this day.
1975
The introduction of the heavy duty hooded jacket dubbed the ‘Active Jac’ that remains the top-selling Carhartt jacket up to today.
1989
Interest and expansion across Europe leads to creation of Carhartt’s Work in Progress – particularly targeting consumers across Europe and Asia with refined and ‘modern’ details that reinterpret original designs.
1996
Mark Valade – great-grandson of founder Hamilton – becomes the president and ushers in a new era with the emergence of the internet and new technology. He creates a full women’s line of products and introduces flame resistant garments, alongside other technological advancements such as Quick Duck, Storm Defender, Rain Defender and Carhartt Force.
2013
Linda Hubbard becomes the first non-family member to take the role of president for the company, with Mark Valade as CEO and his mother Gretchen Valade as the chairwoman emeritus.
2017-2019
This Carhartt Wip X Loro Piana Capsule Is Pure Luxury
Nike & Carhartt Wip Kick off Their First Ever Sneaker Collaboration
Heron Preston X Carhartt Wip Serve up Distressed Workwear for FW18
Carhartt Wip’s New Home Goods Will Elevate Your Wfh Space
2020-2022
Check the Timex With Carhartt Wip
Carhartt Wip Is Guest of Honor at Bodega’s 15TH Birthday Party
Launches Toogood collaboration.
Latest Stories
Highlights
Why Carhartt WIP Is the Founding "Streetwear" Brand, and Why It Doesn't Care If You Know It or Not
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Carhartt WIP Gets Faded for Spring/Summer 2022
Slam Jam Spends a Day Skating in Lagos Wearing Carhartt WIP
Workwear Blooms in Marni & Carhartt WIP’s Garden
