Built in Detroit. Reinvented in Europe. Worn everywhere.

Carhartt WIP—Work In Progress—is a bridge between heritage and modern style. Born from the durability of American workwear, it has been reimagined through global street culture, becoming a go-to choice for those who value quality and versatility. Carhartt WIP carries a story—one of hard-wearing roots, thoughtful evolution, and worldwide appeal.
What began as gear for railroad workers in 1889 has evolved into a staple for creatives, including artists, skaters, musicians, and designers. Carhartt WIP is a blend of function and expression that resonates across generations and borders.

The Foundation: Carhartt’s Industrial Origins

To understand Carhartt WIP, you have to start in 1889, in Detroit, Michigan, where Hamilton Carhartt founded the Carhartt brand with a singular mission: to create gear that could withstand the toughest conditions. His canvas overalls, chore jackets, and bibs were crafted for the hands that built America—railroad workers, factory hands, and farmers who needed clothing as unrelenting as their labor. These weren’t fashion pieces; they were tools, built with triple-stitched seams, heavy-duty duck canvas, and a focus on durability over aesthetics.

Carhartt’s main line still embodies this ethos, producing rugged workwear for those in construction, agriculture, and other demanding trades. It’s the uniform of the American worker, unapologetically utilitarian, designed to endure the elements and outlast the job. But in the late 20th century, a spark of reinvention ignited across the Atlantic, giving rise to something entirely new: Carhartt WIP.

Reinvention: Workwear to Worldwear

In the early 1990s, a Swiss entrepreneur named Edwin Faeh saw untapped potential in Carhartt’s rugged silhouettes. Through his company, Work In Progress, he secured a European license to reimagine the brand for a new audience. This wasn’t about slapping logos on workwear or chasing trends—it was about translating Carhartt’s DNA into a modern, urban context. Carhartt WIP was born in 1994, blending the brand’s industrial heritage with a sharper, more refined aesthetic suited for city streets and creative scenes.

Unlike the mainline Carhartt, which remains laser-focused on functionality for blue-collar workers, WIP took the same durable materials—cotton duck, cordura, and ripstop—and reengineered them for a different kind of hustle. Chore jackets were slimmed down for cleaner lines. Double-knee pants became looser, more skate-friendly. Fabrics were softened for daily wear without sacrificing toughness. The result? Pieces that carried the soul of workwear but spoke to a global audience of creators, rebels, and tastemakers.

By the late ’90s, Carhartt WIP had become a quiet force in Europe’s burgeoning streetwear scene. In cities like Berlin, London, and Amsterdam, it was adopted by skaters, graffiti artists, and hip-hop crews who saw its rugged simplicity as a blank canvas for self-expression. The brand’s iconic pieces—like the Michigan Chore Coat, Active Jacket, and OG Single Knee Pant—became staples not just for their durability, but for their ability to fit into any wardrobe, from minimalist to maximalist.

What Sets WIP Apart: Craftsmanship Meets Culture

So, what’s the real difference between Carhartt and Carhartt WIP? It’s more than just a geographic divide. Carhartt’s main line is about unrelenting utility—gear for the job site, where form follows function without question. WIP, on the other hand, is about adaptation. It takes the same heavy-duty materials and construction techniques but reinterprets them for a life that’s less about manual labor and more about cultural navigation. It’s workwear for the creative grind—whether you’re a designer sketching late into the night, a DJ spinning at a warehouse rave, or a photographer capturing the pulse of the city.

At FEATURE, we’re drawn to this duality. Carhartt WIP doesn’t just borrow from its parent brand; it evolves it. The fits are more tailored, with an eye for modern proportions. The color palette leans into earthy tones alongside seasonal pops of color that feel fresh yet timeless. Every piece is built to last, but also to layer, to mix, to adapt—whether you’re styling it with high-end sneakers or beat-up boots.

A Global Legacy, Grounded in Intention

Carhartt WIP’s global influence is no accident. It’s the result of a brand that respects its roots while embracing evolution. From collaborations with heavyweights like A.P.C., Nike SB, and Brain Dead to archival-inspired collections that nod to its 130-year history, WIP strikes a rare balance: it’s accessible yet exclusive, timeless yet forward-thinking. Its pieces are worn by everyone from Tokyo street photographers to London rappers to New York skateboarders, each bringing their own flavor to the brand’s universal appeal. What makes WIP resonate is its authenticity. In an era where brands often chase clout or dilute their identity for mass appeal, Carhartt WIP stays true to its core. It doesn’t reinvent itself every season—it refines. It doesn’t shout—it speaks. And in a world obsessed with the next big thing, WIP’s quiet confidence feels like a rebellion in itself.

At FEATURE, we’re not just curating clothing; we’re curating stories. Carhartt WIP fits our ethos because it’s more than a brand—it’s a bridge between past and present, function and style, heritage and innovation. It’s for the individual who values quality over hype, substance over flash. Whether you’re building a wardrobe from the ground up or adding a piece that ties it all together, Carhartt WIP delivers.