Carhartt WIP: The Brand Behind the Brand and Why We Stock It
Carhartt WIP occupies a unique position in streetwear. It is not a fashion brand that borrowed from workwear aesthetics — it is a genuine workwear brand that streetwear adopted, and that distinction matters. At Landau Store we have stocked Carhartt WIP for years because it genuinely delivers what most brands only promise: clothing built to last, worn by people who care about quality over hype.
The History in Brief
Carhartt was founded in Detroit in 1889 by Hamilton Carhartt to make durable workwear for railway workers. For almost a century it remained a purely functional brand, worn by construction workers, farmers and industrial labourers across America. In 1994, Edwin Keh launched Carhartt Work In Progress as a European subsidiary with a specific brief — take the heritage of Carhartt and reinterpret it for a younger, fashion-conscious audience without losing what made it great. The result was WIP: same fabrics, similar construction, but cut and coloured for the streets rather than the building site.
What Makes Carhartt WIP Different
The fabrics are the starting point. Carhartt WIP uses heavyweight cotton canvas, thick cotton-poly blends and premium denim that feel substantially different from comparable high street garments. A Carhartt WIP hoodie weighs noticeably more in your hands than most competitors at the same price point — and that weight is the point. These garments are made to be worn repeatedly, washed frequently and broken in over time rather than replaced every season.
The fit philosophy is also distinct. WIP pieces are typically relaxed without being oversized — a boxy, comfortable cut that sits well on most body types and ages well as it breaks in. This is workwear logic applied to everyday clothing: practical, comfortable, unpretentious.
Key Pieces to Know
The Detroit Jacket
The Detroit Jacket is arguably the most iconic Carhartt WIP piece. Made from heavyweight Dearborn Canvas with a corduroy collar, it is a direct adaptation of Carhartt's original chore coat. It is unlined, rugged and immediately recognisable. The kind of jacket you buy once and wear for a decade.
The Script Logo Hoodie
The hooded sweatshirt with the embroidered Script Logo across the chest is Carhartt WIP's best seller and one of the most recognisable pieces in streetwear. Constructed from a heavyweight brushed cotton-polyester blend, it is substantially heavier and softer than most hoodies on the market. The fit is loose and boxy — intentionally so.
- Carhartt WIP Script Logo Hoodie Mens — Sorrent / White
- Carhartt WIP Hooded Sweatshirt Mens — Dark Navy
- Carhartt WIP Script Logo Hoodie Womens — Black / White
- Carhartt WIP Script Logo Hoodie Womens — Squid / Glassy Pink
The Jackets
WIP's outerwear range is where the workwear DNA is most visible. The OG Active Jacket is made from heavyweight organic cotton Dearborn Canvas with a quilted lining — a proper winter piece built to last. The Warren Chore Jacket is a more relaxed option, WIP's take on the classic chore coat. The American Script Jacket is a zip-up fleece-backed sweat jacket — lighter weight and ideal for layering into spring.
- Carhartt WIP OG Active Jacket Mens — Black Stone Canvas
- Carhartt WIP Warren Chore Jacket Mens
- Carhartt WIP American Script Jacket Mens — Teide
The Landon Pant
The Landon Pant is WIP's take on the workwear trouser — heavyweight Robertson denim in a loose-tapered fit. It bridges the gap between a work pant and a relaxed jean, and works with everything from a basic tee to a more considered outfit.
T-Shirts
WIP's t-shirt range is extensive. The Chase T-Shirt and Longhand Pocket T-Shirt are strong everyday options — clean, heavyweight cotton in a relaxed fit with that distinctive embroidered branding.
Accessories
The Carhartt WIP accessories range extends the brand's appeal without diluting it. The Industry Beanie and Script Logo socks are straightforward, well-made pieces that work with almost any outfit.
- Carhartt WIP Industry Beanie — Black / Wax
- Carhartt WIP Socks — Deep Night / Gentle Green
- Carhartt WIP Philis Backpack — Shale
How to Wear Carhartt WIP
The beauty of Carhartt WIP is that it does not demand much from the rest of your outfit. A Script Logo hoodie works with straight-leg jeans, cargo trousers or the Landon Pant. The Detroit Jacket layers naturally over almost anything. Footwear-wise, the workwear aesthetic sits well with New Balance trainers, Dr. Martens boots or Vans. The brand has no interest in telling you how to dress — which is part of why it has lasted.
Shop Carhartt WIP at Landau Store
We are an authorised Carhartt WIP stockist, stocking men's and women's clothing and accessories both in our Folkestone store and online. Free UK delivery on orders over £70.
- Carhartt WIP Men's at Landau
- Carhartt WIP Women's at Landau
- Carhartt WIP Accessories at Landau
- Full Carhartt WIP Collection
Call us on +44 (0)1303 257511 if you need sizing advice or want to know what is currently in stock in store.
