CARHARTT WIP: THE HISTORY OF THE LEGENDARY BRAND
Carhartt WIP is a legendary brand that has dominated the global workwear market unchallenged for over a century. Its founder hailed from the heart of the United States of America; specifically, the iconic brand was born in the city of Detroit, Michigan, way back in 1889.
Ever since then, the brand has always been highly regarded for the durability and longevity of its garments designed for all types of workers; in fact, it is no coincidence that the brand originally produced exclusively workwear.
The first garments created by Mr. Hamilton were overalls for railroad workers and general-purpose work overalls; these early Carhartt overalls were made by just a handful of workers who, using only a few sewing machines, produced the first legendary work clothes for American workers in the early 1900s.
The garments were made exclusively from a fabric that was innovative for its time, reducing tears and abrasions and making the garments indestructible, comfortable, and safe to wear on the job.
This cotton canvas fabric was named “duck” by the company.
Even today, this fabric is widely used in production to make a wide variety of garments, such as classic Carhartt pants, Carhartt overalls, Carhartt jeans, and many other items available today.
WORKWEAR OVER THE LAST CENTURY
Like its namesake competitor Dickies, the Hamilton Carhartt family also lived through World War II. The company worked to produce clothing for soldiers on the front lines, creating the first thermal sweatshirts—the inspiration for today’s famous Car Lux Zip Hoodies.
This garment, as before, keeps you warm while also being resistant to any type of abrasion and wear.
The American brand has remained firmly established for a century and has continued its rise to global success for decades; in fact, Carhartt men’s pants have been a must-have for decades.
The brand continued its workwear line until the late 1980s, when many people began wearing their garments everywhere—not just for work. The brand was gradually establishing itself in all of our lives and successfully securing its place in the hall of fame of famous streetwear brands.
UNDERGROUND CULTURE, STYLE, AND INNOVATION
Carhartt entered underground culture, and today the Detroit brand is a true streetwear giant. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, many more ordinary people began wearing the Detroit brand.
No longer just workwear, but a true status symbol for the new generations who were beginning to populate cities with various underground cultures.
From rappers to skaters to graffiti artists, everyone wanted a Carhartt jacket or a pair of Carhartt jeans to wear.
Gradually, the brand’s fashion trend spread from America to Europe, where it found immediate success and quickly established itself, dressing a wide variety of people. The secret lies in its simple yet original cuts paired with optimal colors that highlight the quality of the garments.
The name has always been linked to the slogan “work in progress,” just as the company is constantly evolving, treating its workers and employees with the utmost care, prioritizing both the company’s growth and the well-being of its workforce—who are always motivated to achieve the goals set by the American giant.
CARHARTT WIP AND THE BEGINNING OF THE EUROPEAN ADVENTURE
The brand’s history underwent a radical change in the 1990s. After nearly 100 years of producing workwear, the time had come to meet the demand of millions of potential customers who wanted to wear a Carhartt garment designed specifically for streetwear.
The brand launched an all-new line called WIP, which stands for “work in progress.” This move to establish the brand in Europe was an immediate success. Since its inception, it has brought iconic pieces like the Carhartt Double Knee Pant and the Carhartt Car-Lux sweatshirt to the market, making them increasingly popular and cult favorites among generations of young people and beyond.
Jeans, like all Carhartt men’s pants, are highly sought-after and worn constantly in every setting; the models that have taken the market by storm in recent years range from the iconic Simple Pant and Aviation Pant to the classic Regular Cargo Pant and the Slim Fit Sid Pant.
CARHARTT WIP AND ITS COLLABORATIONS
Following the launch of Carhartt WIP in Europe, the brand began collaborating with famous brands and, above all, with filmmakers and artists from around the world. The Carhartt name has finally become part of the DNA of the European underground scene, and from there, massive success was just a matter of time.
Carhartt WIP opened stores across Europe, collaborating with world-renowned artists and launching partnerships with famous brands to create collections such as Converse x Carhartt, Nike, and many others.
The best-selling items are undoubtedly Carhartt jeans and Carhartt cargo pants. Carhartt cargo pants, in particular, have enjoyed tremendous success for many years. Even today, they remain among the most sought-after cargo pants on the market.
For those who prefer a slim fit, the top-selling Carhartt Aviation Pants are a great choice.
In our Carhartt store, you’ll find a selection of the best the brand’s collection has to offer. Not just Carhartt men’s pants, but also other key pieces that have set trends in European streetwear in recent years.
CARHARTT WIP SWEATSHIRTS AND ACCESSORIES
One of the best-selling items in the brand’s collection is the Carhartt sweatshirt. The Carhartt hoodie is a common sight around your cities. Carhartt sweatshirts and fleeces are timeless classics that, every season, find an eager audience eager to purchase these glorious and exclusive pieces.
Carhartt sweaters are no exception; available in various weights for every season, they are always comfortable and suitable for any need.
The brand offers a wide range of accessories, starting with the highly sought-after Carhartt hat—the wool beanie—which has been a bestseller for years. This wool beanie has been a hit for years and is the most requested item among young people worldwide.
Carhartt black hat or Carhartt white hat? It doesn’t matter whether you wear a Carhartt WIP beanie or a Carhartt fisherman’s hat—the result is the same, and you’ll always be absolutely stylish and protected.
The brand’s accessories are built to withstand wear and tear and last over time.
The Carhartt beanie is in fashion—there’s no getting around it—so remember to pick one up next winter.
If you’re looking for a Carhartt backpack, you’re in the right Carhartt store for you. Don’t forget that among our best-selling accessories, we also have the classic adjustable Cordura belt that has held up the pants of thousands of young people worldwide. Plus, Carhartt fanny packs and wallets are a must-have if you’re a fan of the brand.
CARHARTT WIP SHORTS
If you need to stay comfortable, then a pair of Carhartt Bermuda shorts is the best choice you can make—not just for skateboarding, but for every occasion. The brand offers styles for every need and taste.
From the classic cargo shorts to the slim-fit Carhartt aviation shorts, you’ll have a wide range of styles for your summer outdoor days or your skateboarding sessions.
JACKETS, T-SHIRTS, AND TOP SELLERS
If you’re looking to buy a jacket, the brand offers plenty of stylish options, such as the famous and reimagined parkas or, alternatively, the Carhartt down jacket, available in various styles and colors.
One of the top-selling styles is undoubtedly the Carhartt Detroit jacket. There’s no shortage of down jackets and parkas to enrich the collection, which grows richer every season with new pieces created by the hammer brand
Whatever your style, a Carhartt jacket is a great choice for your outfit in any season—it doesn’t matter if it’s summer or winter—because the brand always offers everything you need to tackle your day, whether at work or play.
Shop the hottest pieces from the collection at our Carhartt Milan store, and remember that here at Pleasuresmilano, we’ve been selling the best of the Detroit brand since day one.
CARHARTT WIP AND SKATEBOARDING
Throughout the 80s and 90s, the brand consistently dressed skaters in its apparel, and the brand had a skate team even before it was officially formed.
With the launch of the WIP (“Work in Progress”) line in Europe, the brand’s skateboarding division has also evolved significantly.
Today, a highly respected skate team represents the brand, featuring names like Josh Pall, Remy Teiveira, Jack O’Grady, and others.
The entire team is constantly on the move, and a film that tells their story is undoubtedly “Inside Out,” the brand’s new full-length skate video. This video is a pure, modern skateboarding film that chronicles the Carhartt WIP skate team’s journey during their tour of the best spots across Europe.
From Milan to Paris, London, and finally Madrid, where the team—featuring skaters like Ibu Sanyang, Felipe Bartolomè, Matlok Bennet, Tolia Titaev, and other killer riders—shines.
To wrap things up, all you have to do is check out the video, which is definitely well-shot, fresh, and new school, packed with sick tricks and awesome spots.
