Professional Builder steps out in style on site in Carhartt’s clothing, with trousers, a jacket and hoodie all capped off with a beanie hat.
Clothing is one of the most brand conscious of sectors and workwear is no exception. Put simply, builders are loyal to tools and equipment that makes their lives on site easier and more productive, and they can now quite literally take comfort in the Carhartt product range. That’s because the company that was founded in 1889 in Detroit, Michigan is focusing on UK tradespeople, bringing some of its innovations in styling and garment technology to these shores.
Trousers
Of course, workwear is itself a multi-tasker. You’ll need to look good in front of the client, feel good through the course of a hard day on site, with clothing that’s durable, and built for movement. Carhartt’s Relaxed Fit Cargo Trousers (103335) fulfils that brief and more. One of the first impressions when putting them on is how comfortable they are, no doubt in large part to a 73% cotton construction, eliminating the coarseness that can accompany many trousers styled for the trades.
That’s a theme that’s continued with a relaxed fit, straight leg and stretch ripstop that offers the combination of room to manoeuvre complemented by the necessary ruggedness. There’s also reinforced cargo pockets, and an articulated knee means there’s no 
tightness when work inevitably brings you to your knees. The detail in the design can make all the difference and a leg opening that will accommodate work boots will be welcome, whilst a zip pocket on the leg keeps your phone safe from all the onsite hazards.
Carhartt prides itself on its fabric technologies with its Full Swing and Rugged Flex concepts engineered to provide a greater range of movement. Cordura is a material that is renowned for its durability – even counting the US military amongst its adopters – and there’s a generous amount here; in the reinforced kick panels, for example, and the pockets. Add to that triple stitching on the main seams and there’s a reassuring level of reinforcement. Multiple pockets include front ledge pockets, a fifth pocket in the right front pocket, ledge utility cargo pockets, a utility loop, and top full capacity back pockets. It’s worth noting that Carhartt also do a huge women’s range of workwear too, specifically designed for comfort and designed to withstand tough conditions.
Jacket
As the moniker would suggest the Super Dux Jacket with Wind Fighter Technology (105342) contains rather more than might initially meet the eye. Super Dux clothing combines nylon lightness with abrasion resistance and this is ultra-tough gear that fights off wind and rain and flexes with your every move when you’re working hard on site. A Rain Defender coating provides water repellence, whilst Wind Fighter keeps breezes at bay. At the same time, the same Rugged Flex evident in the cargo trousers feature in this jacket, offering a good level of movement.
There’s a good level of pockets here but without so many you’re going to forget where you’ve put your keys, including a chest pocket, two lower front pockets with a zipper closure, an inside pocket and pen stall on the wearer’s left sleeve. There’s already a built in relaxed fit but this can be further accommodated to your needs with an adjustable cuff and hem.
Hoodie
The most comfortable of the quartet of garments we tried on was the Loose Fit Hooded Zip Sweater (K122). It has an insulating feel as soon as you slip it on, with an adjustable draw cord hood that will accentuate that feel. It’s the midweight cotton blend that provides the inherent easy-wearing with durability built in. As the product name indicates, this is an item of clothing that’s built to be roomy but if you want a closer fit we’d recommend you take the next size down. What the extra space about your person delivers, of course, is a good range of movement. A range of colours includes black, carbon heather, and navy. There’s also two lower front hand warmer pockets, a full-length front zipper and stretchable elastane reinforced rib knit cuffs and waistband. If you like your brand names understated then the discreet Carhartt label sewn on the pocket will satisfy.
“This is a manufacturer that prides itself on doing many things differently to some of its competitors in the workwear market.”
Beanie Hat
Since it was first introduced in 1987 the A18 Watch Hat has proven to be a very popular addition to the Carhartt collection. If the rest of your body is safely ensconced in layers of Carhartt clothing it makes sense to cap it off with head protection, and this is a warm option that will equally be at home wherever you happen to be in the great outdoors. It’s the thick acrylic yarn that guarantees the warmth with a soft to the touch, stretchy rib-knit into the bargain.
Final Thoughts
The Carhartt name is already well known in fashion circles thanks to its sister brand (Carhartt WIP), but the tailoring level and design is focused purely on hard working men and women in this, the manufacturer’s ‘legacy’ workwear range. What will attract tradespeople is a level of ruggedness and functionality that makes them a worthy on site companion. At the same time this is a manufacturer that prides itself on doing many things differently to some of its competitors in the workwear market and we’ll be exploring the range further in future issues.
For further information on the Carhartt range, click here.
