Carhartt was founded back in 1889 when Hamilton Carhartt began making sturdy work clothes for those in manual labor jobs. The company began with 5 employees and two sewing machines.
Carhartt was soon making bib overalls for railroad workers. He would visit them on the job site to ensure that the clothing he made was suitable for the job.
Today, Carhartt is best known for its full-cut, wind-resistant, snag-proof, heavy-duty work jackets, which are popular with construction workers, miners, farmers, hunters, and outdoors people.
Carhartt has also successfully expanded its appeal to general streetwear. Most jacket designs are plain and manufactured in muted colors such as mustard, khaki, and navy blue. They are usually waist-length or three-quarter length. Most are made from relatively stiff 12-ounce cotton canvas with triple-stitched seams.
Carhartt is still a privately held, family-owned company, owned by the descendants of founder Hamilton Carhartt.
Carhartt products are sold by a variety of retailers, but the company refuses to have their items sold in discount stores such as Walmart.
The company has a flagship store located in Detroit, Michigan.
Carhartt clothing is also popular with politicians trying to connect with blue-collar voters. Sarah Palin, Rick Perry, and Barack Obama have all been seen prominently wearing Carhartt clothing or jackets.
In January 2022, the company was criticized by conservative news media for its COVID-19 mandate for employees.
The company defended its stance and faces a possible boycott.
Carhartt maintains a corporate office in Dearborn, Michigan.
