Inside Carhartt WIP: The Skateboarding Legacy of a Workwear Icon

Carhartt is a name that evokes images of rugged workwear, blue-collar grit, and timeless American craftsmanship. But beneath the surface of duck canvas and triple-stitched seams lies a vibrant subculture that helped redefine the brand for a new generation: skateboarding. Welcome to the world of Carhartt Work In Progress (WIP), the street-savvy sibling of the heritage workwear giant.

🛹 Origins: From Detroit to the Streets of Europe

Carhartt was founded in 1889 by Hamilton Carhartt in Detroit, Michigan, with a mission to create durable clothing for railroad workers. Fast forward to the early 1990s, and the brand was experiencing a cultural renaissance. Hip-hop artists, graffiti writers, and skaters had begun adopting Carhartt gear for its utilitarian aesthetic and indestructible quality.

In 1994, Swiss entrepreneur Edwin Faeh saw an opportunity to bring Carhartt’s rugged appeal to Europe. He launched Carhartt Work In Progress (WIP), a sub-label that reimagined classic Carhartt silhouettes for urban life. WIP wasn’t just a distribution channel—it was a full-fledged brand with its own identity, deeply embedded in skateboarding, music, and street culture.

🧢 What Makes Carhartt WIP Notable?

Carhartt WIP quickly became a darling of the underground. Here's why:

• Authenticity: WIP didn’t just slap logos on tees—it immersed itself in the subcultures it admired. From sponsoring skate teams to publishing zines and launching a radio station, it lived the lifestyle.

• Design Evolution: While staying true to Carhartt’s DNA of durability, WIP introduced slimmer cuts, modern fabrics, and streetwear aesthetics that resonated with skaters and creatives.

• Collaborations: Carhartt WIP has partnered with some of the most influential names in fashion and skateboarding—think Vans, Converse, A.P.C., Junya Watanabe, and Isle Skateboards.

🏁 Sponsorships and Skate Team

Carhartt WIP launched its own skate and BMX teams in 1997, marking a pivotal moment in its cultural journey. Over the years, it has supported a diverse roster of skaters from Europe, the U.S., and Australia. Notable collaborations include:

• Antiz Skateboards (2013)

• Isle Skateboards (2017 capsule collection)

• Polar Skate Co. and PACCBET, reflecting its deep ties to the global skate scene

These partnerships weren’t just about branding—they were about storytelling, community, and pushing the boundaries of skate culture.

🌍 What’s Carhartt WIP Doing Now?

Today, Carhartt WIP is thriving as a global streetwear powerhouse. Here’s what they’re up to:

• Retail Expansion: Over 80 stores worldwide, including flagships in London, Berlin, and New York.

• Sustainability Moves: Transitioning to responsibly sourced cotton and expanding their resale program, Carhartt Reworked.

• Cultural Projects: Supporting music, art, and skateboarding through events, publications, and digital platforms like Carhartt WIP Radio.

• Empowering Women: Launching workwear collections tailored for women and funding skilled trades programs through initiatives like “For the Love of Labor.”

Carhartt WIP Skateboarding - INSIDE OUT

Carhartt WIP Skateboarding - PRECIOUS