Carhartt is the most popular brand of workwear in the United States.
Carhartt is the most popular brand of workwear in the United States, but it’s also one of the most controversial. The company’s products are worn by both blue-collar workers and celebrities, with Carhartt jackets being worn by everyone from construction workers to fashion bloggers. However, Carhartt has faced backlash for its anti-union practices and its treatment of factory workers. In an attempt to understand why people are burning their Carhartts, here’s a look at how the company got to where it is today.
What is Carhartt?
Founded in 1889 by Hamilton Carhartt as a workwear manufacturer, Detroit-based company Carhartt was originally known as The Hamilton Overall Company. After Hamilton’s death in 1912, his son James took over and changed the name to HJ Carhartt & Co., which was shortened to simply “Carhartt” a few years later. Today, it’s one of America’s largest outerwear manufacturers and has more than $1 billion in annual sales.
What does “Made in USA” mean?
“Made in USA” means that all or virtually all production processes take place within US borders. This includes materials sourcing and assembly.
The Carhardt website, which features several photos of American workers at their plants throughout the country, claims that all of their products are made in America with materials sourced from America: “At our US factories we produce everything from raw materials through final assembly using fabric from our own mills or domestic suppliers – ensuring quality standards throughout every step of production.” However, this claim is disputed by some former employees who say that some items are made overseas.
