Carhartt
Carhartt, Inc. (family-owned) · United States
Carhartt is a US workwear company founded in Detroit in 1889 by Hamilton Carhartt and headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan. It is privately held and family-owned by descendants of the founder. Its streetwear line Carhartt WIP is operated under a licence.
| Founded | 1889 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Hamilton Carhartt |
| Owner | Family-owned (descendants of the founder) |
| Headquarters | Dearborn, Michigan, United States |
| Segment | Denim and casualwear |
What is Carhartt?
Carhartt is an American maker of heavy-duty workwear. It was founded in 1889 in Detroit, Michigan, by Hamilton Carhartt, and is headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan. Wikipedia describes the company as privately held and family-owned by the founder's descendants.
Products and positioning
The range includes jackets, coats, overalls, coveralls, vests, shirts, jeans and dungarees, as well as fire-resistant clothing and hunting apparel. The company uses reinforced stitching and rivets, and materials designed to resist flame, abrasion, stains and water. It requires international suppliers to hold WRAP certification.
Business model and distribution
- Wholesale through large farm and regional retailers such as Blain's Farm & Fleet, Fleet Farm and Tractor Supply.
- Own retail stores in the United States, including a flagship in downtown Detroit.
- The sources reviewed do not give a split between channels or any revenue figure.
Carhartt WIP
Carhartt WIP is a streetwear line launched in 1994 under a licence granted to the Swiss designers Edwin and Salome Faeh. It sells through stores in Europe, Asia, Australia and the United States and works with other streetwear and fashion brands. It has its own entry in this directory.
Why it matters
Carhartt is a rare example of a workwear company that is both a core supplier to trades and agricultural customers and a reference point for streetwear. Its licensing arrangement for WIP shows how a utilitarian heritage brand can reach fashion audiences without changing its core product, and its continued family ownership sets it apart from many listed or investor-backed apparel peers.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Carhartt?
According to Wikipedia, Carhartt is privately held and family-owned by descendants of its founder, Hamilton Carhartt.
Where is Carhartt from?
Carhartt is from the United States. It was founded in Detroit, Michigan, in 1889 and is headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan.