DEARBORN, Mich. – In honor of its founder Hamilton Carhartt’s birthday, the workwear brand is celebrating 130 years of hardworking gear. Fueled by a desire in 1889 to develop overalls that met the needs of railroad workers, Hamilton’s vision led to the industry standard for quality workwear.
Since then, Carhartt has continued to develop products designed to work just as hard as the people they serve. Staying true to its roots, Carhartt has emerged as the leader in workwear by providing durable products that have stood the test of time, all the while evolving to integrate technology to meet the ever-changing needs of men and women on the job site for the past 130 years.
“Carhartt has a rich history rooted in innovation and a desire to keep setting the bar higher,” said Alex Guerrero, Senior Vice President, General Manager, Global Product at Carhartt. “That’s why we consider ourselves 130-years young. We’re steadfast in our mission to build rugged products that serve and protect hardworking people. Whether they are on the job site or the campsite, Carhartt has their back.”
And throughout the company’s 130-year history, consumers have helped Carhartt identify several pieces of hardworking gear as icons. These are the products that have truly stood the test of time and have been purchased by thousands of workers over the decades. While these iconic pieces have evolved over the years to better meet the needs of consumers, their core DNA has remained the same. Whether adding pockets, colors, or incorporating Carhartt’s innovative technologies to combat rain, sweat and provide flexibility, at the heart of each product is the durability and reliability customers have come to know and love.
The iconic styles include:
1889 & 1915
The RO1 DUCK BIB OVERALL is one of the oldest styles in the Carhartt line today. The original denim version dates back to the founding of the company in 1889. It was the outfit that kept railroad workers safe and comfortable on the job and represents a standard of quality to which Carhartt still holds true today. The iconic brown duck classic that truly helped put Carhartt on the map made its debut in 1915. Over the years, the company has introduced new fits, pocketing details, and fabrics that have kept the R01 one of Carhartt’s top sellers.
1917
The Legendary Chore Coat was introduced in 1917 as the Engineer Sack Coat. It soon became such an icon that it was simply referred to as the Carhartt Coat. Probably best known in its brown duck iteration (introduced in 1928), it’s also been produced in fabrics like denim and white drill. It actually wasn’t until 1994 that its name officially changed to the Chore Coat. In 2017, a Full Swing version was introduced to offer more movement. Today, the C001 boasts one of the longest legacies for garments in the Carhartt product line.
1939
Behind every pair of the B01 Firm Duck Double Front Work Dungaree are 61 pairs of hands in the USA that cut, sew, hem and triple-stitch the 28 pieces for the classic. The rugged design behind these pants has changed very little since they were introduced in 1939; but the most significant update occurred in 1983 when Carhartt changed from front patch pockets to inset pockets to increase enduring value, storage and comfort. Additionally, the B01 has served as inspiration for the company’s expansion on double front bottoms, offering consumers more fit, fabrication and functionality options.
1975
The Active Jac may have the shortest history of Carhartt outerwear icons, but it didn’t take long for this piece to become essential. It was originally a denim offering in 1975, with a brown duck version coming on to the scene in 1979. The J130 Active Jac has been updated throughout the years to meet consumer’s needs, with the newest version offering even more warmth, durability, protection and movement.
1987
Born in 1987, the A18 Watch Hat was only available in one color – Carhartt Brown. Brilliant in its simplicity, it quickly became a workwear essential. Today it is one of Carhartt’s top-selling items. It’s now produced in 21 colors but still maintains original design details. It’s also offered in children’s sizes too.
1992
The K87 Workwear Pocket T-Shirt launched in 1992 and was one of the first t-shirts ever to be offered by Carhartt. It was a key part of a major expansion in the company’s casual wear products, joining other soon-to-be classics like sweats and the A18. The pocket logo was originally screen printed, but over time was changed to the iconic C label consumers know and love today. The K87 is now offered in two fits, as well as a wide variety of colors, heathers, and stripes.
As Carhartt moves into the next 130 years, the brand stands to uphold the same standard set forth by Hamilton Carhartt and provide “honest value for an honest dollar.” Learn more about Carhartt’s history and shop the entire collection here.
About Carhartt, Inc.
Established in 1889, Carhartt is a global premium workwear brand with a rich heritage of developing rugged products for workers on and off the job. Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, with more than 5,500 associates worldwide, Carhartt is family-owned and managed by the descendants of the company’s founder, Hamilton Carhartt. For more information, visit www.carhartt.com.