The main difference between Carhartt and Carhartt WIP lies in target audience and style:
Carhartt (Mainline) focuses on rugged, loose-fitting American workwear. Carhartt WIP (Work In Progress) is the European line, launched in 1994, that reworks the brand's classics in streetwear, with more modern, slim and fashionable cuts, while still maintaining high quality materials.
Here are the key differences:
- Target and Style: Carhartt is for heavy duty (blue-collar), durable and functional. Carhartt WIP is geared toward urban fashion, skate and streetwear, with a more refined design.
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Fit (Fit):
Carhartt garments are roomy and comfortable ("baggy"). WIP's have a more European, tailored fit.
Colors and Design: WIP offers a broader, more seasonal color palette, as well as art and music collaborations, while the classic line focuses on traditional colors.Price: Usually Carhartt WIP is priced higher than the classic line, being positioned as a fashion brand.History: Carhartt was founded in Detroit in 1889. Carhartt WIP was born in 1994, when Edwin Faeh introduced the brand to Europe, adapting it to local trends.
Both use high-quality materials such as the famous "Dearborn canvas," but the WIP version is often finished or washed for a more contemporary look.