Workwear, but then make it fashion: the 6 coolest brands similar to Carhartt

One of the most iconic American brands, Carhartt was founded in 1889 by Hamilton Carhartt in Dearborn, Michigan. The brand originally specialized in manufacturing durable workwear for labourers, and since the beginning, their products featured those same characteristics that would become Carhartt’s specialities: reinforced seams and practical designs.

Today, Carhartt is recognized not only for its durability, but also for its popularity among young people and influence on fashion, particularly in the streetwear world.

If you love Carhartt’s rugged yet minimal vibe, there are plenty of other brands that share this vision of practical, durable, and stylish clothing. Here are six labels that masterfully combine utility and fashion.

With over a century of history, Dickies is one of the most long-standing American workwear brands, known for its durable products and growing influence in the world of streetwear and skate culture.

The classic Dickies logo, with its red and white patch, has become a symbol of streetwear style, worn by celebrities, athletes, and fashion influencers. This phenomenon has allowed Dickies to establish itself not only as a workwear brand, but also as a modern and trendy fashion brand.

Known for its durable work pants and shirts, the brand offers a wide range of practical clothing that stands up to the toughest jobs. Their iconic 874 work pants are a staple in many industries, from construction and auto repair to ordering oat flat whites at the local speciality coffee place. Dickies also offers a variety of jackets, overalls, and accessories that complement their core workwear line.

What sets Dickies apart is its commitment to offering quality products that combine durability and comfort. The materials used in the manufacture of its garments are carefully selected for their durability, allowing users to wear their pieces for many years. The pants, jackets, and shirts are designed to withstand wear and tear while providing the optimal fit.

Patagonia is a staple brand in the outdoor world, renowned not only for the quality of its products but also for its commitment to environmental protection. Founded in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard, a climbing and nature enthusiast, Patagonia has successfully combined performance, ethics, and social responsibility.

Today, it is one of the most respected brands in the sports and outdoor clothing industry, as well as in the sustainable fashion sector. Mostly associated with outdoor activities, its workwear line offers the same level of durability and functionality as Carhartt. Of note, the brand’s Iron Forge hemp canvas workwear is particularly impressive, offering exceptional strength and comfort for demanding jobs.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Patagonia is its unwavering commitment to the environment. The brand has consistently sought to innovate in eco-friendly materials and promote more responsible consumption through a number of initiatives:

• Use of recycled materials: Patagonia is a pioneer in using recycled materials in its clothing, including recycled polyester, organic cotton, and even materials derived from plastic waste collected from the oceans.
• The Worn Wear campaign: In 2013, Patagonia launched the Worn Wear campaign, which encourages the repair, recycling, and reuse of Patagonia products. The goal is to extend the lifespan of products, reduce consumption, and limit waste. The brand even offers repair services and sells pre-owned items through its website.
• Fair Trade certification: Patagonia has made a point of making its manufacturing process transparent and ensuring that its factories maintain fair working conditions. It was one of the first brands to become Fair Trade Certified, ensuring that workers involved in the production of its products receive fair wages and decent working conditions.
• Environmental activism: Patagonia doesn’t hesitate to take political stances on environmental issues. For example, it has publicly supported actions against the destruction of national parks or mining in protected areas. In 2020, they even donated 100% of its Black Friday profits to environmental organizations.

Founded in Texas in 1972, Stan Ray is an American brand initially designed work pants for blue-collar workers but quickly gained a prominent place in the world of streetwear.

Founded in 1972 in Texas, the brand evolved to become a must-have in the world of casual and urban fashion. Today, Stan Ray is best known for its stylish pieces with a vintage and functional look. Their cargo pants and utility jackets, designed to be as practical as they are fashionable, fit perfectly into the Carhartt universe. With a mix of classic silhouettes and contemporary details, Stan Ray is a perfect choice for fans of functional fashion.

Filson is an iconic American brand, founded in 1897 by Clinton C. Filson in Seattle, Washington. Initially specializing in clothing and equipment for prospectors during the Alaskan Gold Rush, the brand quickly gained a reputation for the quality and durability of their products.

Today, Filson is synonymous with premium outdoor clothing, designed to withstand extreme conditions while combining timeless style and comfort. What sets Filson apart from other outdoor clothing brands is its attention to detail and its use of natural, sustainable materials, such as wool felt, cotton canvas, and leather. Some of the brand’s most iconic items are the Tin Cloth coated cotton canvas jacket, their canvas and leather bags (like the Rugged Twill Cotton Bag), their felt hats like the Filson Mackinaw Cap, and their outdoor shirts and trousers.

Founded in 1947, Wrangler first established itself as a manufacturer of high-quality jeans for ranch hands and cowboys. Today, Wrangler is a global name in the denim world, synonymous with a perfect fit, durability, and timeless style.

Over the years, Wrangler has distinguished itself with several innovations that have marked the history of denim. The iconic W-stitched back pockets, the famous Cowboy Cut introduced in the 60s, and Wrangler’s premium denim fabric set the brand apart from other industry peers.

One of the most well-known brands in the world, Levi’s is a titan in the denim industry. Founded in 1850 by Levi Strauss in San Francisco, the brand is a symbol of American fashion and authenticity. Their ultra-famous 501 jeans are a bestseller to this day and a timeless staple that seamlessly fits any wardrobe.

Levi’s may be synonymous with jeans, but their workwear line offers the same durability and quality that Carhartt fans appreciate. Levi’s Workwear collection features reinforced denim, canvas worker jackets, and plaid shirts designed to withstand heavy use.

Original text and content: Elisabeth Sall, Stylight FR