When looking for Carhartt clothing, you will often come across two names: Carhartt and Carhartt WIP. They have the same roots, but they are certainly not the same. What exactly is the difference? Read on to find out!
Carhartt: robust workwear since 1889
Carhartt was founded in 1889 in America and has since become the brand for professionals, hard workers, and anyone who needs clothing that can really take a beating.
Purpose: made for hard-working people in trades and outdoor professions.
Fabric & durability: heavy cotton, duck canvas, and other wear-resistant materials that will last for years.
Fit: often loose and boxy, giving you plenty of freedom of movement during physical work.
Aesthetics: purely functional, traditional, and performance-oriented.
In short: Carhartt is clothing you can rely on at the construction site, in the workshop, or outdoors in all weathers.
Carhartt WIP: Work In Progress
Carhartt WIP (Work In Progress) originated in Europe when Edwin Faeh introduced Carhartt to a new audience in the 1990s. WIP translates workwear style into streetwear and lifestyle.
Goal: to appeal to fashion-conscious consumers who love workwear aesthetics.
Fabric & durability: lighter fabrics and modern materials, suitable for everyday use (but less durable than Carhartt Workwear).
Fit: contemporary, ranging from tailored to oversized.
Aesthetics: mix of functional workwear and modern fashion trends, often in collaboration with designers or streetwear labels.
Functional vs. fashionable
The main difference lies in the function:
Carhartt = made for work, with durability and sturdiness as top priorities.
Carhartt WIP = inspired by workwear, but designed as fashion for the street and everyday use.
Carhartt is made for work, but you increasingly see the workwear line being worn in a fashionable context. In the 1990s, it was already widely worn by rappers. More recently, you see it being worn regularly by Kanye West and Justin Bieber, among others.
Which one will you choose?
Are you looking for genuine workwear with a rugged look that will last and protect you during heavy work? Then go for Carhartt Workwear.
Would you prefer fashionable workwear? Then Carhartt WIP might be something for you. Would you rather go for that authentic workwear look, just like us? Then Carhartt is the obvious choice!
