Carhartt is a pioneer in the world of the most prestige skate brands. It’s a synonym for quality and durability, and they sowed the seeds of the new modern era of skateboard apparel. The WIP collection delivers a breath of fresh air among skateboarding communities from all over the world and is making a statement in the fashion scene.
Specifically designed for skaters, the fashionable Carhartt WIP range has become a staple in most skaters’ wardrobe. It embodies the spirit of underground aesthetics and street style and it perfectly blends with the classic and urban touch for a more contemporary look.
From Workwear to Streetwear: The Evolution of Carhartt
It all started back in 1855 when Carhartt was founded in New York with the idea of offering heavy-duty workwear that is high-quality and can withstand even the toughest working conditions. The first launch of workwear was specifically made for railroad workers. During the following four years, Hamilton Carhartt started manufacturing duck cotton and denim with only five employees and four sewing machines.
The good quality was soon recognised and they started expanding to San Francisco, Dallas and Detroit where they had factories running at full capacity and opened two cotton mills in South Carolina and Georgia.
Later, during WWI, Carharrt understood the necessity of high-quality and sturdy workwear for the military and started to manufacture military uniforms. Over the next two decades, the success of the brand was recognized on a national level and they started their new campaign “Back to the Land” aimed at offering better conditions for workers.
After the death of the founder in 1937, his son and wife inherited the company and continued the brand. They made sure to keep alive Hamilton’s initial idea for providing workers with high-quality and durable workwear and continued working on strengthening the image of the brand.
As times and demands were changing, Carharrt realized that they needed to expand their collection tailored for a wider audience. And that’s how Carhartt WIP (Work In Progress) was born. Established in 1994 by Edwin Faeh, the brand was soon available in the European market when Faeh became the exclusive distributor.
Staying true to their origins and initial idea, the brand refined the workwear and introduced a more alternative style for the underground scene. Their garments became part of the hip-hop and graffiti scene, the skate community, and other underground artists. Today, CarharttWIP stands as one of the biggest brands that is well respected and cherished worldwide.
Why Is Carhartt WIP So Popular Among the Skateboarding Community?
Skateboarding requires lots of practice. Skaters need something flexible, breathable and comfortable, yet robust enough to prevent the clothes from blowouts when hitting the ground. After all, skateboarding is an activity that involves a lot of falling and tumbling.
The biggest problem skaters face is reaping and tearing their clothes in the high-stress areas during their falls. For this specific purpose, the WIP collection is designed to make sure that all of their clothing is made of robust material, resistant to wear and tear. The double and triple-stitched seams ensure that clothes stay intact when skaters perform different tricks and stunts.
The WIP skateboarding apparel goes beyond quality and functionality. The wide range of styles and designs is something that skaters love the most. The WIP apparel brings freshness to the skateboarding scene and it’s a perfect mixture of heritage and streetwear. Additionally, the brand generates collaborations with some of the most renewed international skate brands.
Beyond Functionality and Fashion: The WIP Carhartt Apparel
Whether you’re interested in baggy jeans or multi-purpose skate pants, or you feel like switching up the style to something more fit and slim, CarharttWIP has it all. Different generations and different nations – the WIP skate clothing is for everyone.
Statement Tees
The Carhartt WIP tees range incorporates a contemporary and street style, often enhanced by bold letters and logos and intricate design. They come in various colours and sizes, made from 100% cotton. They are breathable, comfortable and lay perfectly on the body. The tees are a perfect combo of avant-garde and style and can easily match your aesthetics.
Comfortable Shirts
Crafted with high-quality materials such as cotton, Carhartt WIP T-shirts are exceptionally comfortable and ensure easy movement. They are incredibly stylish and “stand-out” garments, that exude class and timeless elegance while remaining true to the underground scene style. The standout feature of WIP shirts is the classic plaid pattern that never goes out of style. They are the perfect fit for any style and help you express your individuality and personality.
Warm Jackets
If there’s one thing that stands out the most about WIP apparel, it’s the uncompromising durability and functionality. Their range of jackets expands to lightweight polyester jackets that are highly stylish and well insulated, to leather bomber jackets, heavy-weight canvas jackets, cotton-denim jackets with laser graphics.
The versatility of the WIP jackets allows endless styling options, from classic and casual streetwear styles to a more polished look. The reinforced stitching and robust fabric make WIP jackets ideal for skateboarding activities.
Stylish Sweats and Hoodies
The WIP sweaters and hoodies are mostly cotton and polyester blend, which makes them ideal for everyday wear and work wear, but some models are 100% cotton. They come in various colours and designs with some having screen-printed logos on the front or the back and meticulously crafted embroidery on the front or all over the hoodie or the crewneck. Stylish and durable, they provide incredible comfort for high-stress activities such as stunts and tricks.
Durable Pants
All Carhartt WIP pants and jeans are made from robust material to endure high impact when someone falls. The pants and jeans have double and triple-stitched seams and reinforced riveting which strengthens the protection from wear and tear. These bottoms come in a wide array of colours, designs, as well as fits, from skinny and slim to baggy and loose straight fit.
Lightweight Shorts
Relaxed and baggy, the WIP shorts will keep you cool through the whole summer. There is an extensive range, and finding a pair that will fit your personal style is a promise. The quality of these shorts is undoubtedly guaranteed and the variety of fit, styles and colours will get you ready for another unforgettable skate journey.
Versatile Accessories
You can complete your WIP outfit with a wide range of accessories that will instantly elevate your style. From Carhartt WIP caps and hats, beanies and socks to bags and backpacks and zip wallets, this brand has got you covered for all occasions. Let your personality speak through the unique charm of Carhartt apparel.
