History of Carhartt
A Brief History of Carhartt: "Honest Value for an Honest Dollar"
The term 'Americana' sparks images of quintessential American staples. A pair of rugged blue jeans, steadfast chore coats, sturdy overalls, and timeless flannels. These are the threads that have woven the rich tapestry of American style for generations. Yet, the question remains: which brands have truly championed this image? Many might tip their hat to Ralph Lauren for painting an idyllic picture of Americana, but only a select group embodies the tenacity and resilience that underpin the American ethos. Among them, standing tall and unyielding, is the family-owned and operated titan of workwear: Carhartt.
Carhartt: A Tapestry of American Grit and Resilience
In the heartland of Michigan, Hamilton Carhartt established his eponymous brand in 1889. With a humble beginning of five employees and a couple of sewing machines, Carhartt set out to engineer workwear that could bear the brunt of an era dominated by industry, smoke, and steel. Although early challenges tested the brand, Carhartt took a savvy approach: he listened to the needs of rail workers, thus giving birth to the iconic union-made bib trousers. This piece was not only functional but also embodied durability—a testament to Carhartt's dedication to his blue-collar patrons. The mantra, "Honest value for an honest dollar," was born, encapsulating Carhartt's core ethos and steering the brand's future trajectory.
Carhartt: Growth and evolution
The turn of the 20th century brought exponential growth. By 1910, Carhartt's empire included mills in the South, production facilities across the country, and offices in New York and Paris. Despite a failed detour into the automobile industry, Carhartt managed to stay afloat. During World War I, the brand was contracted to supply the U.S. military—a venture that proved less profitable than hoped but left Carhartt undeterred. A silver lining of this era was the introduction of the timeless chore work jacket in 1923, a design that remains virtually unchanged today.
Carhartt: Son takes over
Like every American enterprise, Carhartt weathered the storm of the Great Depression. Factory doors were shuttered, and by the 1930s, only three U.S. factories remained. Tragedy struck again with the passing of Hamilton Carhartt in 1937. His son, Wylie, however, carried his father's legacy forward with the "Back to the Land" program, resurrecting the brand and positioning it as a go-to choice for farm and ranch workers. This revival led to new facilities in Kentucky and Tennessee—four of which still operate today.
Carhartt: Workers' brand
The subsequent decades saw Carhartt solidify its standing as a champion of workers' rights and a trusted workwear brand. Under the leadership of Robert Valade, Carhartt grew exponentially in the 1970s, in part due to high-profile projects such as the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. The brand kept its commitment to the American worker, maintaining as much domestic production as possible, even as global trends began to shift manufacturing overseas.
Carhartt: Now and in the future
Interestingly, Carhartt's influence extended beyond the realm of workwear. It found a second wind in the countercultural movement of the 1980s and 90s, becoming a symbol of rebellion and resilience. From punks to skaters, many found solace in Carhartt's rugged, affordable, and comfortable clothing, proving that you didn't need to be a rail worker to appreciate the brand's ethos. This evolution highlights Carhartt's versatility and its unbroken connection to the spirit of Americana—a testament to its steadfast resolve, resilience, and enduring appeal.
Interested in how the Carhartt collection looks today? Take a look at it in Pharsol-Protect.