Carhartt
Accessories / Apparel / Bags / Denim / Shoes
Hamilton Carhartt was born in 1855 in Macedon Lock, New York. He grew up in Southern Michigan and his entrepreneurial style was reflected in the modifying of his last name by adding an extra "t" to...
Hamilton Carhartt was born in 1855 in Macedon Lock, New York. He grew up in Southern Michigan and his entrepreneurial style was reflected in the modifying of his last name by adding an extra "t" to ensure he would stand out from other businessmen. He initially established a furnishing business which would continue to drive his ambition to succeed and lead him to create his own products. With some helpful advice from his first potential buyer, he realized his products had to be different. After talking with a railroad engineer, he created an overall garment specifically for the railroad worker which had never been made before. Hamilton Carhartt founded his namesake company in 1889 and began making work wear with a single goal in mind: Set a standard of excellence to which all others would aspire. Starting with only 4 sewing machines and about 5 employees, the first products manufactured were overalls in duck and denim fabrics. By traveling from town to town and visiting each railroad division, he was able to establish himself in the overall business. With entrepreneurial vision and determination, Hamilton Carhartt established a brand that has stood the test of time. The Great Depression had a devastating effect on Carhartt resulting in only three plants remaining in the U.S. after 1930. Hamilton and his son Wylie established the "Back to the Land" campaign leading to the joint opening of the Irvine, Kentucky operations with the towns people of Irvine. Carhartt's Manufacturing Administrative offices are still located in Irvine, Kentucky today. We grew throughout the early 1900's establishing more than 17 plants and three mills throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. "From the mill to millions" was our motto and was reflected in our operations which included cotton production, denim mills and apparel manufacturing facilities. Carhartt Master Cloth was designed and woven especially by our mills for use in Carhartt garments and was pledged to be the best cloth that could be produced. Hamilton Carhartt passed away in 1937 at the age of 82. Today, his company remains a family owned operation committed to the mission of providing Best-in-Class apparel for the active worker. "I believe that when a man wears an article that I manufacture, his self-respect is increased because he knows that it is made by an honest manufacturer, who is honest with his employees" - Hamilton CarharttBrand Details
Founder
Hamilton Carhartt
Brand Strategy
Market segment
Mass Market
Core business
Apparel
Targets
Men, Women, Kids
Carhartt Latest News
Carhartt + Luke Grimes
Carhartt has teamed up with the actor and musician Luke Grimes for its five-minute film, named 'Setting the Stage,' showcasing the building legacies of hardworking people.
Carhartt Makes an Expansion in rue Saint Honoré
Carhartt is expanding in Rue Saint Honoré with the launch of its second store at 72 Rue Saint-Honoré, adjacent to its first store on the east side.
Carhartt Launches a Sun-Protective Apparel Line
Carhartt has revealed its new clothing series, Force Sun Defender, with the lightest-performing gear solution to fight against sun and heat.
Carhatt Advances its 'Reworked' Program
Carhartt will be enhancing its services on the 'Reworked' program by accepting mail-in trade-ins in Trove.
Carhartt Financial Report 2023
Last fiscal year ended on December 31, 2022
