Feb 4th, 2020, 12:42 PM

Carhartt: From Industrial Worker's Uniform to Streetwear Chic

By Coco Wagner
Still from 1995 French film "La Haine" La Haine, Image Credit: Carhartt WIP Archives
Carhartt's evolution from a blue collar staple to a millennial statement piece.

What began in 1886 as the uniform brand for blue-collar industrial workers in the United States has become a staple in street style. The Carhartt logo has visibility on a global scale, but more prominently in the European fashion capital, Paris, France. Carhartt was founded by Hamilton Carhartt, with the purpose of creating utility clothing that would protect rural working men on work sites. This was Carhartt’s function for nearly 140 years before its modern identity as streetwear.

Carhartt transitioned to streetwear fashion in the 1980s, when American rappers such as Tupac and Dr. Dre wore Carhartt beanies in their music videos. In the early 1990s, Swiss designer Edwin Faeh saw an opportunity to bring Carhartt to Europe. It quickly took off, specifically within skater culture. Soon after creating a relationship with the brand, Faeh founded Carhartt Work In Progress (WIP) in 1994. WIP built upon the original designs, altered them for a new, younger audience. Carhartt’s classic, utilitarian silhouettes began carving out its place in the fashion world.

Carhartt X Awake NY at Carhartt Paris, FR, Image Credit: Coco Wagner
 
Carhartt X Awake NY at Carhartt Paris, FR, Image Credit: Coco Wagner

Collaborations with prominent brands are at the heart of Carhartt WIP's fashion identity.They have collaborated with several established brands such as Converse, Motown, Pop Trading Company, Sophnet, Awake NY and Parisian label, A.P.C. Carhartt WIP and A.P.C. have been partners for nine years, and recently released their fifth collaboration in January 2020. Their collaborations have successfully represented their brands by incorporating the classic Carhartt ‘C’ into the A.P.C. logo, creating a seamless crossover. The collection builds upon the classic Carhartt silhouettes, while using A.P.C. fabrics and incorporating their stylistic trademarks. 

Carhartt X A.P.C. at A.P.C. Paris, FR, Image Credit: Coco Wagner

Both Carhartt WIP and Carhartt have evolved into stable brands in street style fashion. Carhartt’s pieces range from €15,00- €130,00, and target millennials interested in the sleek and rigid workwear shapes of the Carhartt brand. Alternately, Carhartt WIP works with high-end brands, which is reflected in their pricing. Their pieces sell for €65,00- €290,00 and are marketed towards millennials that want the brand and desire the exclusivity of the "limited edition" merchandise.

Carhartt’s easy to wear pieces create an effortlessly cool style, while staying true to the nature of the brand through its function and durability.  Carhartt continues to be a staple for American workers while making a name for themselves in street style, with the assistance of Carhartt WIP. The brand has remained relevant for over a century and is likely to continue to grow and outfit a diverse and loyal customer base for years to come.