Carhartt
Overview
Carhartt is one of those brands that basically defined American workwear. Founded in 1889 in Dearborn, Michigan, they have been making jackets and overalls for working people for over a century. The brown duck Detroit Jacket is iconic. The brand loyalty among tradespeople, farmers, and outdoor workers is genuine and earned.
Here is the honest caveat, though: most Carhartt products are now manufactured overseas. The majority of what you find at a big box store is imported. They do maintain a "Made in USA" line, and those pieces are real domestic production — cut and sewn in their US facilities. But you have to look for it specifically. The Made in USA tags are not the default.
If you want the real American-made Carhartt experience, seek out the pieces explicitly labeled as domestic. They are worth it. The quality difference is noticeable, and you are getting the heritage the brand was built on.
What They Make
- Work jackets and outerwear
- Overalls and bibs
- Work pants and dungarees
- T-shirts and base layers
- Beanies and accessories
Where They Make It
Carhartt maintains facilities in Dearborn, Michigan and a handful of other US locations for their domestic line. However, the bulk of their production happens overseas. Their "Made in USA" products are specifically labeled — if it does not say it on the tag, assume it is imported.
Price Range
$15 – $250. The Made in USA pieces tend to sit at the higher end of that range, which is fair given the domestic production costs.
Notable Products
- Detroit Jacket (Made in USA) — The classic. Duck canvas, blanket-lined, built for actual work. This is the one to get if you want real American-made Carhartt.
- Active Jacket — Their best-selling jacket overall. Rain Defender finish, quilted flannel lining. Most versions are imported.
- WIP Collaborations — Carhartt Work In Progress is their streetwear line. Interesting designs, but these are imported. Different audience, different product.